40 Questions: Cabin Crew

I saw this 40-question cabin crew post going around on some blogs I followed years ago, when I was still reading up about how to pass the interview! Now I’d love to think my blog helps out anyone who’s looking for some tips on the recruitment 🙂

Good news for anyone who’s looking to join the company – recruitment will be starting again soon! We don’t have any more specific information or dates, but keep an eye out online. In the meantime, enjoy a few questions and answers from me.

1.Which airline is lucky enough to employ you? 

Emirates

2.What city(ies) are you based in? 

Dubai, UAE – the only base we have.

3. If you could choose any city, what would be your dream base?

Tough question – I’m pretty happy in Dubai at the moment!

4. How long would you like to be based there?

I plan on staying for the foreseeable future.

5.Have you ever done the nasty with a passenger you met on a plane?

Nope.

6.Have you ever wanted to?

Now that would be telling 😛

7.What is your favourite city thus far to layover in?

Cape Town, Hong Kong, Rio de Janeiro…the list goes on!

8.Have you had famous people as passengers?

Yes, a couple, the most famous being Pelé, the footballer (not that I know anything about football!)

9.If so, who was your favourite?

Considering Pelé was lovely, invited us all to come and take a picture with him and gave a personalised signed autograph, he takes first place.

10.Who was your least favorite?

I haven’t really had anybody else particularly memorable.

11.Who would you love to have on your flight?

Anybody who closes their suite doors and doesn’t open them til landing 😉

12.Are you a language speaker for your airline? 

Yes, German and Spanish.

13.What is your least favorite flight to work? 

Any night turnaround (usually departing around midnight and getting back at lunchtime…horrible!).

14.Do you have a flight you actually enjoy working? 

Yes, most of them since working in first class! Also, any new destination I haven’t been to before.

15.Have you ever done the nasty with a crew member?

I’m fairly sure my mum reads my blog …

16.What do you watch on TV when you are getting ready for work on a layover?

I never really turn on the TV in hotels, instead I tend to watch YouTube videos.

17.Have you ever dropped a passenger meal and served it?

Only if the lid was still on and it didn’t come into contact with anything I wouldn’t eat myself!

18.Do you prefer working coach, business class or first class?

No question, first class!

19.What is your favourite airplane to work?

We only fly 777 and A380, and both have their positives and negatives, but probably 777.

20.Do you know what crop-dusting inflight is?

Of course, we learn about it on the first week of training! 😉

21.Do you prefer working early flights or late ones?

I like afternoon departures, I’m not an early riser.

22.Do you like the uniform your airline gives you?

It’s fine, certainly not the most flattering outfit I’ve ever worn, but I do love our red hat!

23.Do you take your laptop on a layover?

Sometimes, if it’s a longer layover and I know I plan to write a blog post, otherwise I just take my iPad.

24.What is your LEAST favourite part of every flight?

Probably boarding, it’s usually pretty hectic and we have a lot of pre-departure duties.

25.What is the BEST hotel you have ever had a layover at?

The Langham in Auckland was pretty nice, and had the best dinner and breakfast buffet! Sadly we don’t stay there any more.

26.Where did you interview for your job?

In Munich. I was living in Austria and that was the closest place an open day was being held.

27.What other cities have you been based in?

Dubai is the only one we have a base at.

28.Favorite base?

Dubai.

29.Why did you become a flight attendant?

To travel the world and get paid for it! Are there any cabin crew that have a different answer to this question?!

30.Did you apply at other airlines that didn’t want you?

I applied for Qatar, but was halfway through the interview when Emirates called me, so I didn’t bother to stay!

31.Do you like the airline you work for?

Yes, most of the time!

 32.Have you ever had the CEO of your airline onboard as a passenger?

No.

33.Have you ever dated a passenger you met?

No.

34.Have you ever gotten into a disagreement with a fellow crew member?

Yes, although I’m usually pretty easy-going. It can be tough working with a lot of different nationalities and personalities sometimes!

35.Has a pilot ever hit on you?

Well…considering I have to take care of them on every 777 flight, I’d say yes, haha!

36.Do you dislike passengers or pilots more?

Depends who orders more cappuccinos (one of the most annoying drinks to make onboard!)

37.Passengers ask annoying questions when they see you in uniform. What is your least favourite question?

There are plenty….where is the lounge (in the airport, when it’s my first time there!), why are we delayed…etc.

38.What is the stupidest request a passenger has made of you?

Can I have a free upgrade to first class? Sure…

39.Is being a hostess with the mostess your only job?

Yep! I can barely keep up with writing my blog these days, not sure how I’d manage another job on the side!

40.Have you ever gotten any long lasting relationships out of your job?

I’ve been with my boyfriend for almost 3 years, and we met onboard on a flight. Not to mention my 2 best girlfriends in Dubai, who I met on the first day of training!

P.s. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook & Twitter for more day-to-day updates of where I am in the world! 🙂

19 Comments

  1. Mariam
    November 29, 2018 / 3:29 pm

    Hello plz i want to ask if i have a burn on my hand since i was 2 years old and it’s so clear they will not accept me ? They will not allow to wear a long sleves to hide it?? i just want to know if i can apply or it doesn’t worth it

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      January 11, 2019 / 4:58 pm

      Hi Mariam! I think it would depend on the size of the scar really – I can’t tell you the exact details here I’m afraid. I would say just go for it, you never know! 🙂

  2. Rachel
    March 5, 2018 / 8:19 pm

    Your blog has probably been the best source of information I have about cabin crew life, thank you 🙂 I applied recently myself, I’m just wondering what the timeline was like between when you applied and when you flew out to start? Do you know if it’s possible to push out a start date if you need to?

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      March 9, 2018 / 5:59 pm

      Thanks so much, so happy you found my blog! 🙂 I went to an open day around mid-end of September (can’t remember the exact date), then had the final interview the next day, and got the Golden Call almost exactly 2 weeks later (beginning of Oct). I then joined 14th December. I’m fairly sure you can push back the start date, depending on how long you delay for you may have to do the final interview again though 🙂 Good luck!

  3. Markus
    January 29, 2018 / 2:35 am

    Hi Rachel!I’d love to work for Emirates for my whole life(until I’m 60/65)but I’ve readen some rumours saying that from now you can just work for them until you are 50…Is it true?

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      February 8, 2018 / 4:09 pm

      Hi Markus, I don’t have any information about that, sorry!

  4. Any
    January 28, 2018 / 12:07 am

    Hi Rachel!:)
    I would like to apply for Emirates soon and would like to ask you if you remember what was the English test focused on (if there were english times as present perfect, etc. or just things like phrasal verbs, prepositions)? Do you think I need any certificate about my english? And also do you know what kind of questions do they ask you in the video interview?
    Thank you so much and enjoy your life on the wings!:))
    Anita

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      January 28, 2018 / 2:08 pm

      Hi Anita! Obviously being a native English speaker the test was very easy for me, however I can’t remember exactly what it entails, I only remember the last part was to write a small essay (half a page or so) about a random subject (I think it was something easy like tell me about your last holiday). I honestly don’t think you will have anything to worry about! Regarding the video interview, I have absolutely no idea as that is a new thing that wasn’t around when I started. Good luck 🙂 xx

      • Any
        January 28, 2018 / 7:07 pm

        Hopefully not, thank you so much!:) and please may I ask you two more questions? Is there any template for CV and cover letter? My resume is just ordinary structured one (with personal information, previous work experiences – date and work, education, languages and skills – also only named e.g. positive attitude or shall it be more personal like still smiling and the same for cover letter or just more formal?) Sorry for bothering you just try to find out how shall I write it:)
        Thank you so much!:)

        • thedubaidiaries
          Author
          February 8, 2018 / 4:08 pm

          As far as I remember there was no specific template for the CV, I think I just found a general one online and used that! It sounds like you have everything needed! 🙂

          • Any
            February 9, 2018 / 11:22 pm

            Hopefully:) Thank you so much, Rachel:)

  5. Andrew
    January 26, 2018 / 12:24 am

    Have you ever gotten motion sickness on the job, or known other cabin crew that have? The 777 and 380 are massive so I’d imagine it’s less of a problem, but still curious

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      January 28, 2018 / 2:04 pm

      It does happen occasionally, I used to get it very badly when I was a child but now it’s pretty rare! The last time I remember feeling sick on a plane was when I went on the seaplane ride in Seattle!

  6. Fay
    January 19, 2018 / 1:57 pm

    Hi Rachel
    I’m flying with Qatar in April! Unfortunately I was unable to fly with emirates whcih is disappointing.
    I’m a little worried about Qatar what is your thoughts ?

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      January 24, 2018 / 11:35 am

      Hi Fay! Aw shame you couldn’t fly Emirates but I’ve heard nothing but amazing things about Qatar so I’m sure they will treat you really well!! Enjoy your flight and let me know how it goes 🙂

  7. Yesenia Duran
    January 19, 2018 / 12:53 am

    Hola Rachel, nice to see you speak Spanish. Enjoy reading your blog and wonderful pictures. May I ask you couple of questions? Q#41 What is your memorable experience in flight or during lay overs? (like delivering a baby or saving a passenger’s life) Q#42 What is your fav/least fav destinations. Abrazos.
    -Yesenia

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      January 24, 2018 / 11:34 am

      Hola Yesenia! I lived in Costa Rica for a while and then worked a few months in Spain, but my Spanish is getting a little bit rusty now! I haven’t done anything like delivery a baby or saving a passengers life (and to be honest I’m not sure I’d want to!!) so I can’t think of anything particularly memorable 🙂 I have a few favourite destinations….Hong Kong, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, Barcelona…the list goes on! 😀

  8. Abbey
    January 18, 2018 / 11:31 pm

    Nice one ! I enjoy reading your post every time . Remain blessed

    • thedubaidiaries
      Author
      January 24, 2018 / 11:32 am

      Thanks so much Abbey!

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