How to Apply – A general guide to Cabin Crew Application Process
1. Research Airlines and Open Positions
Check job boards and airline career pages to find open positions.
Read each job advertisement carefully for airline-specific requirements.
You will find website addresses for all major airline career sites here: www.airlinestaffrates.com/airlines-careers-sites/
Many larger airlines, like Emirates and Etihad, host recruitment events around the world. You may find a recruitment event near you.
Some airlines offer the option to join their Talent Community. If this is available, you will find it on the airline’s career site. Sign up to be among the first to hear about new job opportunities that could be a perfect fit for you.
2. Prepare Your CV and Application
Create a professional CV tailored specifically to cabin crew roles.
Free Online CV Maker – www.canva.com/create/cv/
3. Submit Your Application
Apply online via the airline’s portal or submit your application by email. Under the job listing, you will find instructions on how the airline prefers you to apply.
Double-check all details before submitting.
Check that your passport is valid.
4. Complete Online Assessments (If Required)
Some airlines may require online tests, such as language assessments, reasoning tests, or customer service scenarios.
5. Attend an Assessment Day or Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment day, which may include:
Group exercises
Role plays
Panel interviews
English language tests
Swimming or reach tests
6. Medical Check and Background Screening
If you pass the assessment, you will need to complete a medical examination and provide documentation for background checks.
What Makes a Strong Cabin Crew Candidate?
Excellent Communication Skills
Friendly, clear, and confident communication.
Positive Attitude
Enthusiastic, adaptable, and ready to help others.
Teamwork
Able to work with diverse people under pressure.
Professional Appearance
Polished and compliant with uniform and grooming guidelines.
Customer Service Mindset
Experience in hospitality or customer-facing roles is a plus.
Cultural Awareness
Comfortable working with international, multicultural teams and passengers.
Problem-Solving Skills
Calm and resourceful during unexpected situations.
Tip: Use real-life examples in your application and interview to show how you have demonstrated these qualities.
Your Cabin Crew CV: How to Write a Strong Application
Your CV is the first step on your journey to becoming cabin crew, and we want to help you make it a great one. Below is practical advice designed to help you get noticed for all the right reasons.
Use a Professional Photo
Choose a recent, clear headshot with a friendly and approachable expression. Use a neutral background, business attire, and tidy grooming.
Start with Your Most Recent Experience
List your work history starting with your most recent role and working backwards. Always include the months and years for each position (e.g., January 2024 – October 2025).
Highlight Key Duties and Achievements
For each role, describe your main responsibilities, focusing on customer service, teamwork, safety, or handling high-pressure situations.
Include Your Education and Training
List your highest completed education and any relevant courses (e.g., hospitality, safety, first aid). If you have completed airline training, be sure to mention it.
Emphasise Relevant Skills
Mention language skills, first aid or safety training, and experience working with diverse cultures or teams. If you are open to relocating, add: “Willing to relocate for the right opportunity.”
Keep It Clear and Concise
Always quote the job reference number. Aim for one page (or two if you have extensive experience). Use a clean template, avoid busy designs, and proofread carefully for typos.
Bonus: Hobbies & Interests
If you have hobbies that show teamwork, responsibility, or a passion for travel, include a short section. Airlines value well-rounded personalities.
Is your CV spelled correctly? It may sound obvious, but it’s also a great idea to ask a friend or family member to review it as a double-check.
Free Online CV Maker – www.canva.com/create/cv/
Cabin Crew Interview Tips
Airline interviews can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, you can confidently show your personality, professionalism, and passion for helping others.
Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your career further, we have gathered practical tips and real recruiter advice to help you put your best foot forward.
Dress for the Role You Want
What should you wear to a cabin crew interview? The simple answer is to dress like a professional crew member. First impressions matter, and your presentation shows that you understand the high standards of the aviation industry.
Attire
Opt for smart, professional business wear. This includes a well-fitting suit (trousers or skirt), a smart dress with a blazer, or tailored trousers with a crisp shirt. Stick to conservative colours such as navy, black, or grey.
Grooming
Ensure your hair is neat and styled conservatively (for example, pulled back if it is long). Nails should be clean and well-manicured. If you wear makeup, keep it professional and understated. For men, be clean-shaven or have a very neatly trimmed beard.
Details
Make sure your shoes are polished, clean, and closed-toe. Keep jewellery minimal and professional.
Your Best Accessory
A warm, genuine smile. It shows that you are approachable, positive, and customer-focused — all key traits for cabin crew.
Some airlines, such as Emirates, also provide helpful guidelines on how to dress for an interview.
Assessment Day
You have come this far — congratulations!
Here’s how to best prepare for this important day.
As a cabin crew member, you will need to excel in teamwork and handle a variety of scenarios and challenges. You will be expected to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds, manage complaints, follow instructions, and make quick decisions.
Use Your Team Members’ Names
This demonstrates good manners, respect, and attention to detail.
Take Initiative
Be proactive within the group. Volunteer to read instructions, take notes, or keep track of time.
Be Active in the Group
Contribute ideas and help find solutions rather than simply reacting to others’ suggestions. Remember to listen carefully and avoid dominating the conversation.
Role Plays
Role plays involve re-enacting a scenario you may encounter as part of the cabin crew role. You will be given time to prepare before carrying out the role play with one or more assessors. This allows recruiters to see how you handle realistic challenges you may face on the job.
Wear a Watch — and Use It
Time management is crucial during group exercises. Stick to the timeframe and ensure your group reaches a solution before time runs out.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
The purpose of the group exercise is not to find the “correct” answer, but to show how you interact with others while working towards a solution.
Be Yourself
Authenticity is key. Pretending to be someone else can be exhausting, and your true self will always come through in the end.
Behavioural and Biographical Interviews
During a behavioural interview, you will be asked to provide examples of work-based situations you have experienced. You will need to explain how you handled the situation and what the outcome was. Preparing examples in advance will help you give clearer, more detailed answers.
A biographical interview focuses on your CV and employment history. You will discuss your experience, achievements, and the reasons behind your career choices. Bringing an up-to-date copy of your CV is highly recommended.
Some airlines use a combination of both interview styles. Their professional recruitment teams aim to put you at ease and understand that interviews can feel daunting — after all, we have all been there!
Have Fun
Smile, make new connections, and enjoy the experience.
Video Interview
Some airlines invite candidates to complete a video interview at their own convenience — anytime, anywhere, even from the comfort of home.
Video interviews allow you to:
Share your unique story through video
Receive quicker decisions, as multiple recruiters and hiring managers can review your responses
Participating in a video interview has never been easier. Here’s how it works:
The recruitment team records a set of questions they would like you to answer to help them get to know you better. When it suits you, click the link in the invitation email to begin your interview.
Before starting, you will be guided through a setup process. You can complete the interview on a laptop or desktop with a microphone and webcam, or on a mobile device. Once submitted, recruiters will review your responses and notify you of the outcome in due course.
Tips for Taking Your Video Interview
Choose a quiet, well-lit, and distraction-free environment.
Ensure you have a strong internet connection and the required equipment, as stated in your invitation.
Take advantage of practice questions to test your audio and video before starting the real interview.
Relax — airlines understand this may be your first video interview. They do not expect perfection, but they do want to see your passion and understand your experience and skills to date.
Assessment Day FAQs
What Is an Assessment Day for Cabin Crew?
An assessment day is a group recruitment event where you will take part in teamwork exercises, group discussions, and a short interview. Airlines use this process to assess how you communicate, solve problems, and fit within their team culture.
What Should I Wear to a Cabin Crew Assessment Day or Interview?
Wear professional business attire: a blazer, shirt or blouse, tailored trousers or skirt, and closed, polished shoes. Dress to look airline-ready and well-presented.
What Do I Need to Bring to My Assessment Day?
Bring a valid passport or ID, a printed copy of your CV, and any certificates or documents requested in your invitation email. We also recommend wearing a wristwatch to help manage timing during group tasks.
Example of What a Major Airline Like Emirates Offers Cabin Crew
Pay and Benefits
Travelling becomes more than just part of your job — it becomes your lifestyle. Concessional travel tickets make it easier to explore new cities beyond your layovers. That’s just one of the many rewards on offer. Here’s what you can look forward to.
Starting Monthly Salary: Grade II (Economy Class)
Your pay is made up of three components:
A fixed basic salary
An hourly flying pay for operated flights
An overseas meal allowance
Basic Salary: AED 4,980 per month
Flying Pay: AED 69.60 per hour (based on an average of 80–100 flying hours per month)
Average Monthly Pay: AED 11,244 per month (approximately USD 3,061)*
*These figures are approximate and based on Grade II (Economy Class).
Meal allowances for night stops are credited to your salary in arrears the following month. Hotel accommodation and transportation to and from the airport during layovers are provided by the company.
Concessional Travel
Staff travel benefits on Emirates Airline are available in accordance with the Staff Travel Manual. Travel benefits on other airlines may also be available, subject to inter-airline agreements and policies.
Accommodation
Fully furnished accommodation is provided free of charge, including utilities such as water and electricity. Two or three colleagues of the same gender share a two- or three-bedroom apartment. Each crew member has their own bedroom, while the kitchen and living areas are shared. In some three-bedroom apartments, two people may need to share a second bathroom.
Once the probationary period is completed, you may request a move to another apartment, subject to availability. Due to varying rosters and for security reasons, visitors are not permitted after 01:00 unless they are Emirates (EK) crew. You may have up to two family members visit and stay in your accommodation twice per year, for a maximum of 30 days per visit.
Transport
Company transportation is provided to and from work, as well as to and from the Training College.
Leave and Leave Travel
Cabin crew receive 30 calendar days of leave per year. One firm free annual leave ticket is provided to your country of origin. After three years of service, this ticket may be changed to any Emirates destination.
Medical and Insurance
All cabin crew are insured on a 24-hour worldwide basis under life insurance and personal accident insurance policies.
Emirates also provides comprehensive medical and dental coverage through designated Emirates Clinics.
In addition, Emirates offers a non-contributory End of Service Benefit (EOSB), which is a lump-sum payment calculated according to your salary scale and paid upon completion of your contract.
Grow Your Career at Emirates
From delivering exceptional customer service in Economy Class to managing and leading an entire team as a Purser, your career can progress as you grow in knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Important Note
Please note that what an airline offers in terms of salary, accommodation, insurance, staff travel benefits, and other conditions can vary significantly between airlines.
Cabin Crew Application & Assessment Day – Check-list & Decision Flow – 30 Well-regarded Airlines to work for – Life as Cabin Crew – Cabin Crew Uniforms – Airlines Careers Sites