2026 Emirates Cabin Crew Open Day Experience + Timeline to the Golden Call

 

 

A candidate on FB recently shared her entire Emirates cabin crew recruitment journey, from the open day all the way to the Golden Call. Her experience was from Feb 2026, so I thought I would share it with you guys as well. It could be really useful for anyone who wants to get a better idea of what the current Emirates recruitment events and process are like :-)

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I attended my first Emirates cabin crew open day and I wanted to share my full experience because reading other candidates stories honestly helped me so much during my 2.5 month wait.

Maybe my experience can help someone else understand the process a little better, especially if you are currently waiting and wondering what is happening behind the scenes.

The first part of this post is about the open day itself and the second part is my application timeline from the day of the open day until the golden call. I waited until I had a final answer before posting because I wanted to share the experience from beginning to end.

A little about me

I am a 23 year old woman. I have an MBA and several years of customer service experience, including luxury retail, office work, hospitality and working with children.

I attended an Emirates open day in Europe in Feb 2026.

I prepared for around 3 weeks before the open day. Most of my preparation was mental: working on my confidence, attitude, communication skills and English.

The Emirates open day

There were around 80ish candidates that day and everyone respected the dress code.

We had two amazing recruiters. We were first welcomed into a dedicated area of the hotel where snacks and drinks were available before we entered the main room, where rows of chairs were already prepared.

The day started with the usual presentation about Dubai, Emirates and what to expect as future cabin crew.

Then came the first activity.

Introduction + celebrity question

We were divided into groups of 5, basically according to where we were sitting.

We had to stand up and quickly introduce ourselves by saying our:

Name

Age

Years of customer service experience

Industry we had worked in

Then the recruiters asked:

If you were sitting next to your favorite celebrity on a flight and wanted to ask for a picture, who would it be and why?

After each activity, we had to leave the room while the recruiters discussed the candidates.

After the first round, around half of the candidates were eliminated.

Personally, I felt that grooming played a huge role. It wasn't necessarily about looking perfect, but about showing attention to detail. Too much makeup, too little grooming or small details that were overlooked could make a difference.

I also noticed that some candidates who talked too much or tried very hard to explain their entire CV were eliminated.

My impression was that Emirates wanted to see your personality and your vibe, rather than hear a long speech about everything you had ever done.

 

The height measurement

After that, we were measured to confirm that we were above 160 cm.

They were VERY strict about this.

A girl I met there told me it was her second attempt. During her 1st open day, she had made it all the way to the group discussion stage. However, during her 2nd attempt, she was eliminated immediately after the height measurement because they were not satisfied with her height being exactly 160 cm that day :-(

So yes, if you are close to the minimum requirement, make sure you know exactly what Emirates requires.

 

The group discussion

The second exercise was the group discussion.

Again, the groups were random and depended on where we were seated. There were 8 people in our group.

Our scenario was:

As cabin crew, if there was only one Polaroid left onboard, which passenger would you give it to?

We were given different passenger profiles, such as a businessman, a mother, frequent flyers, a couple and others.

We had around 15 minutes to discuss the situation while the recruiters carefully observed us.

After the discussion, we had to stand in front of everyone and individually explain which passenger we had chosen and, most importantly, why.

Then came another break.

And another elimination round.

I stayed.

At this point, there were only 12 candidates left.

That was the moment I started thinking:

Maybe I actually have a chance😐

What surprised me was how many people with excellent English, amazing communication skills and even previous cabin crew experience had already been eliminated.

I stopped asking myself:

Why me?

Instead, I told myself:

Whatever happens, happens..I cant control this. 

 

 

The English Test

Then came the English test.

Honestly? I had zero confidence going into this part.

There were around 31 questions covering grammar, spelling, conjugation and reading comprehension. It wasn't impossible, but because I was doubting myself so much, I finished the test without feeling confident about many of my answers.

Then the recruiter told me:

I had passed.

I genuinely had stars in my eyes ✨

That was one of my proudest moments of the entire process because I realized that the preparation I had done with my English had actually paid off. At that point, only eight candidates remained.

 

 

 

Professional Photos

Next, we had professional pictures taken with a photographer. The recruiter even helped us with our makeup and outfits to make sure everyone's grooming looked perfect. She was honestly so kind and caring throughout the process.

 

 

The Final Interview

Then came the part I had been nervous about the most: The Final Interview.

Some candidates had their interviews with the recruiters physically present, while others, including me, had an online interview with someone from Dubai. Mine lasted around 17 minutes.

I was SO nervous.

Not necessarily because the questions were difficult, but because I was terrified of ruining everything after making it so far.

I had a lovely woman interviewing me. We first went through my CV and work experience.

She asked about my weight, whether I would be comfortable serving alcohol and I said yes and whether I had ever done modelling because I had mentioned participating in a beauty pageant.

Then she asked me four main questions:

1. Tell me about a time when you delivered excellent customer service.

2. Tell me about a conflict with a customer or colleague.

3. What is the thing you are most proud of in your life?

4. She asked me to list all of my previous job titles in chronological order, including the company names and contract durations.

For the last question, I honestly felt that she might have been checking whether the information on my CV was genuine.

Thankfully, everything was accurate.

Before ending the interview, I asked when I could expect an answer.

She told me within 6 weeks and explained that if I didn't hear anything after that, it would probably mean rejection.

To be honest, I wasn't completely satisfied with my final interview performance.

I was incredibly proud of reaching that stage, but I didn't want to give myself false hope. I had stuttered on some answers and felt extremely nervous.

Before the interview ended, she also emailed me asking me to upload some additional documents, including my passport.

And then began the waiting game...

 

 

My Emirates Application Timeline 2026

23 February: Under Review + uploaded documents

24 February: Interview Completed

Honestly, I was devastated when I saw this status because I had read so many things online about it :-(

I thought it was basically over.

But it wasn't.

10 April: Under Review

This was my first miracle :-)

Look how long I stayed on Interview Completed

12 April: Current date updated

28 April: Interview Completed again

30 April: Rejection email at 8:00 AM + 3 missed calls from Dubai at 11:00 AM + status changed back to Under Review

WTF?????????????????????????????????????????

I genuinely had no idea what was happening.

1 May: 2 missed calls from Dubai + current date updated + Under Review

4 May: Received a call requesting photos

I was asked to send 4 full body pictures:

2 wearing a blazer

2 without a blazer

5 May: Uploaded the requested photos

6 May: Current date updated + Under Review

11 May: Under Process 🙏

12 May: GOLDEN CALL ✨🥹

30 Oct : DOJ 

After 2.5 months of waiting, it finally happened.

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Emirates, Etihad & Qatar Airways Cabin Crew Interview Questions and Answers 2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you preparing for a cabin crew interview with Emirates, Etihad Airways or Qatar Airways?

I have collected some of the most common questions asked during the cabin crew final interview, as well as questions that may come up during the open day, assessment say or HireVue online assessment etc:::

 

Remember:  Do not learn the answers word for word. Use them as examples and change them so they sound natural and match your own experience😊

 

• How would you deal with living and working with people from different cultures?

Example answer:

I would be respectful and open-minded. I understand that people have different backgrounds, opinions and ways of doing things. I enjoy learning from other people, and I believe respect and good communication are very important in a multicultural team.

 

• Tell me about yourself

Example answer:

My name is Emma. I have experience in customer service and working with people from different backgrounds. I enjoy helping people and making them feel comfortable. I am a positive, calm and responsible person and I believe my experience would be a good fit for Etihad cabin crew role.

 

• Why do you want to become cabin crew?

Example answer:

I enjoy working with people and I like being in a job where every day is different. I also enjoy travelling and learning about different cultures. Most importantly, I like helping people and giving good service. I believe cabin crew is a job where I can use all these skills.

 

• Why do you want to work for Emirates/Etihad/Qatar/Riyadh Air?

Example answer 1:

Emirates/Etihad/Qatar/Riyadh Air is a very international airline with a strong reputation for customer service. I would love to work with people from many different countries and learn from a very professional team. I also like the fact that Emirates/Etihad/Qatar/Riyadh Air offers a very international working environment.

Example answer 2:

I would like to work for Emirates/Etihad/Qatar/Riyadh Air because it is a respected international airline and I like its focus on customer experience. I would be proud to represent the airline and be part of a multicultural team. I also see this as a great opportunity to develop my skills.

Example answer 3:

Emirates/Etihad/Qatar/Riyadh Air has a strong reputation around the world. I really like the airline's focus on service and professionalism. I would love to work in such an international environment and represent the airline to passengers from many different countries.

 

• What does good customer service mean to you?

Example answer:

Good customer service means listening to the customer, understanding what they need and trying to help them. It is also about being polite, patient and professional, even when the customer is upset.

 

• Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.

Example answer:

In my previous job, I had a customer who was unhappy about a situation. I stayed calm and listened carefully to what the customer was saying. I showed understanding and explained what I could do to help. The situation became calmer and we found a solution.

 

• What would you do if a passenger was angry?

 Example answer:

First, I would stay calm and listen to the passenger. I would not argue with them. I would show that I understand their frustration and explain what I can do to help. If I could not solve the problem myself, I would ask another crew member or senior crew for help.

 

• Tell me about a time you worked as part of a team.

Example answer:

In my previous job, I often worked with other people to make sure everything was completed correctly. We communicated with each other, helped each other when needed and shared responsibilities. I learned that good teamwork is about communication and supporting each other.

 

• What would you do if you disagreed with another crew member?

Example answer:

I would speak to the crew member calmly and privately. I would listen to their point of view and explain mine. I would always focus on finding the best solution for the team and the passengers rather than trying to prove that I am right.

 

• What are your strengths?

Example answer:

I would say my strengths are communication, patience and staying calm under pressure. I am also a team player and I enjoy helping people. I always try to stay positive, even when a situation is difficult.

 

• What is your biggest weakness?

Example answer: 

Sometimes I can be too focused on making sure everything is done perfectly. I have learned that it is important to manage my time and understand which tasks need my attention first.

 

• How would you deal with stress?

Example answer:

I try to stay calm and focus on what needs to be done first. I do not allow stress to affect the way I speak to customers or colleagues. I also believe that good preparation and teamwork can make stressful situations much easier.

 

• What would you do if you saw another crew member struggling?

Example answer:

I would offer my help if I was able to. Cabin crew work is about teamwork, so I would not simply ignore a colleague who was having a difficult time. I would also make sure that my own responsibilities were under control.

 

• How would you handle a passenger who does not speak English well?

Example answer:

I would speak slowly and use simple words. I would stay patient and use gestures if needed. I would make sure the passenger understands the important information and ask another crew member for help if there is a language problem.

 

• What would you do if a passenger refused to follow a safety instruction?

Example answer:

I would remain calm and polite but also be firm because safety is very important. I would explain why the instruction needs to be followed. If the passenger continued to refuse, I would follow the airline's procedures and inform the senior crew member.

 

• Why should we hire you?

Example answer:

I believe I would be a good choice because I enjoy working with people and I have strong customer service skills. I am responsible, positive and comfortable working as part of a team. I am also willing to learn and improve.

 

• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Example answer:

In five years, I would like to be an experienced and confident cabin crew member. I would like to continue learning, develop my skills and take on more responsibility. I would also like to build a long-term career with the airline.

 

 

 

Rejected by Emirates, Qatar, Etihad or Riyadh Air in 2026? Here is Why

Getting rejected by these airlines can be disappointing, especially when you feel that you did everything right :-( But there are many reasons why a candidate may not be selected. Sometimes it is something you can improve. Other times, it simply comes down to timing, competition and their own HR guidelines. 

Here are some of the most common reasons::::

 

 

• You don't meet one of the requirements

You can have a great personality and a strong CV, but if you don't meet an important requirement, you will be rejected.

Examples::::

Age requirements

Minimum height

Arm or reach requirements

Education requirements

English level

Being willing to relocate

Medical or fitness requirements

Passport or visa requirements

Tattoo or appearance rules

• Your CV doesn't sell you

Your CV is often your first chance to make a good impression.

Examples:

Is too general

Doesn't clearly show your customer-service experience

Includes too much irrelevant information

Is difficult to read

Has spelling or grammar mistakes

Has confusing employment dates

Doesn't show your personality or service skills

Looks copied or heavily AI generated

Is not suitable for ATS screening systems

• You look good on paper, but not like cabin crew at the assessment

Airlines are not only asking:

Can this person do the job?

They are also asking:

Can I imagine this person representing our airline in front of hundreds of passengers every day?

Examples:

Grooming

Posture

Smile

Eye contact

Body language

Confidence

Clothing

Hair

Makeup

Nails

Overall professional appearance

How you treat and communicate with other people

You don't need to be perfect. But you should look professional, confident and well presented.

 

• You are too nervous

This is extremely common. You can have an excellent CV and still struggle at the assessment because your nerves take over.

Examples::

Speak too quietly

Avoid eye contact

Give very short answers

Forget examples you prepared

Look uncomfortable

Sound robotic

Speak too quickly

Hide your personality

Recruiters understand that candidates will be nervous. Being nervous is not the problem. The problem is when your nerves become so strong that the recruiter cannot see your real personality and communication skills.

 

• You talk too much about wanting to travel

Examples:

I want to become cabin crew because I love travelling

is not a strong answer!!!

A better answer would be:

I enjoy working with people from different backgrounds, solving problems under pressure and creating a positive experience for customers.

Airlines are looking for service professionals. They are not simply looking for people who want discounted flights, travel or an international lifestyle.

 

• Your group exercise performance is poor

You can be an excellent candidate and still lose your chance during a group exercise. Recruiters are watching how you work with other people.

Examples: 

Too dominant

Interrupting others

Talking over people

Trying to control everything

Not allowing others to speak

Too passive

Saying almost nothing

Not sharing your ideas

Letting everyone else make the decisions

Poor teamwork

Ignoring other candidates

Competing instead of cooperating

Rejecting other people's ideas

Not listening

The goal is to show that you can communicate, listen, contribute and work as part of a team.

 

• You give the wrong answers in the interview

Some answers can make recruiters question whether cabin crew is right for you.

Examples:

I don't like difficult customers.

I don't like working weekends.

I want to leave my current job because I'm bored.

I want to travel and see the world.

I mainly want the salary and benefits.

I don't really like working in teams.

I am not a morning person.

I would rather work only nights.  

Think carefully about what your answers say about your attitude, motivation and ability to work with people.

 

• Your customer service examples are too weak

The STAR method is very useful in cabin crew interviews.

S: Situation
T: Task
A: Action
R: Result

Recruiters want to hear what actually happened and most importantly, what you did.

Examples:

A passenger became very upset because of a delay. I allowed her to explain the situation without interrupting. I acknowledged her frustration, explained what options were available and kept her updated. By the end of the conversation, she thanked me for taking the time to listen.

That is much stronger than simply saying:

I am very good with difficult customers.

• Your personality doesn't match what the airline is looking for

This can be difficult to understand. One candidate may be rejected by Emirates but receive an offer from Etihad. Another may be rejected by Qatar but later succeed with Emirates. Recruitment is not always a simple system where you for example, get 90 points and you get the job. ME airlines are comparing candidates with each other. They may be looking for a particular combination of personality, experience, communication style and overall presentation during that recruitment events.

 

• There are inconsistencies or dishonest information

This is a serious issue and problems can happen.

Examples: 

Employment dates don't match

Qualifications cannot be verified

Previous employment has been hidden

Experience has been exaggerated or invented

Your CV, application and interview answers are different

Background information is inaccurate

Documents are not genuine

You might pass the first stages and still be rejected later during background checks.

 

• Your English or communication skills aren't strong enough

Even if your English is understandable, cabin crew need to communicate clearly with passengers and colleagues, sometimes in stressful situations. These are what recruiters look for during your assessment:

Examples:

Understanding questions

Explaining situations clearly

Finding the right words

Pronunciation

Speaking confidently

Understanding different accents

Communicating under pressure

You don't necessarily need perfect English, but you need to be able to communicate effectively.

 

• You don't meet the airline's specific document requirements

This can happen even when you are otherwise a strong candidate.

Examples:

Passport validity

Required visas

Criminal record documentation

Proof of education

Employment documentation

References

Other country specific document/issues

• Medical or physical capability

Cabin crew is not only a hospitality job. It is also a safety role. Because of this, medical and physical suitability can be part of the recruitment process. This is one reason why someone can perform extremely well at an assessment day but still not receive a final offer.

 

• Tattoos or grooming issues

This can be especially important when applying to ME airlines. You may perform very well at an assessment, but later discover that a visible tattoo or another appearance issue does not meet the airline's rules.

Don't assume:

It is small, so they won't care.

 

• You apply too soon after being rejected

ME airlines have rules about when you can apply again after a rejection. If there is a re-application waiting period, applying again too soon may result in another rejection. Airline recruitment systems may also flag duplicate or multiple candidate accounts/applications, particularly if you create a new profile instead of using your existing account. Always check the airline's current recruitment rules before submitting another application.

 

• Timing and location can affect your chances

Me airlines don't always recruit the same number of people from every country or city. Recruitment needs can change depending on the airline's plans. This means two candidates with very similar qualifications could apply at different times and have completely different results. Your rejection does not always mean that you were a weak candidate. Sometimes, the timing simply wasn't in your favour.

• Age

Age is a topic that causes a lot of confusion in cabin crew recruitment. Many of these ME airlines never officially state a maximum age on their websites. For example, Emirates' current max age appears to be around 30.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For example this screenshot above, was an ad that was shown to various people in FB, about a cabin crew ad for Emirates. Here you can see with your own eyes their max age is 30.  

For example AirArabias age rules:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above is a screenshot of an Air Arabia cabin crew job advertisement on LinkedIn. As you can see, they clearly state their max age requirement. 100% Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Riyadh Air also have age limits in their recruitment, but they do not officially publish a maximum age on their websites.

This is because openly stating a maximum age could raise concerns about age discrimination or legal issues and its employment laws.

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But remember 😊being rejected does not always mean you were not good enough. Sometimes, you simply did not meet one of the requirements. Sometimes, your CV needs a little improvement or your interview could have gone better.

And sometimes, it can be as simple as not matching what the airline was looking for on that specific recruitment day or in that particular city. Their needs can change depending on the location, number of applicants and the candidates they are looking for at that time.

Don't let one rejection convince you that you cannot become cabin crew.

100% Try again and dont let anything or anyone stop you from getting your dream!!!!