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Cabin crew open days and assessment days in the UAE airline world are tough. Hundreds of hopefuls may turn up or log in, and only a small share reach the final interview. Recruiters rarely tell you why you were cut, which is frustrating — but the same handful of errors come up again and again in candidate stories and trainer advice.
Here are 9 common mistakes that get candidates rejected at Emirates, Etihad, flydubai and Air Arabia style selection events, plus what to do instead. Fix these and you give yourself a fair chance. Nothing can promise selection, but avoiding these traps puts you ahead of many others in the room.
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This is an independent preparation guide, not advice from any airline.
UAE Cabin Crew Open Day Mistakes – Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | United Arab Emirates |
| Airlines | Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia (examples) |
| Event types | Open days, invitation-only assessment days, online video stages |
| Typical stages | CV check, reach test, group task, English task, final interview |
| Common physical rule | Reach about 212 cm on tiptoes (Emirates, Qatar Airways) or a height minimum |
| Education | Usually Grade 12 minimum |
| Entry pay (indicative) | About AED 6,000–11,300 per month depending on airline |
| Cost to attend | Free — airlines do not charge to attend |
| Where events are listed | Each airline’s official careers website |
The 9 Mistakes That Get Candidates Rejected
Mistake 1: Not Checking the Reach or Height Rule at Home
Emirates’ job post asks for a 160 cm minimum height and a 212 cm reach on tiptoes; other carriers use similar standards. Some candidates travel across countries and fail in the first ten minutes. Fix: mark 212 cm on a wall at home and test yourself barefoot on tiptoes. If you are just short, honest stretching may help a little, but do not count on it.
Mistake 2: A Weak or Wrong CV and Photo
A three-page CV full of school marks, or a selfie photo, hurts your first impression. Fix: keep the CV to one or two pages, lead with customer service experience, and use a professional photo in business attire against a plain background, as the airline asks.
Mistake 3: Grooming That Does Not Match Airline Standards
Recruiters imagine you in uniform. Heavy perfume, messy hair, chipped nails or casual shoes count against you. Visible tattoos are a problem at Emirates, which does not allow them in uniform. Fix: wear a neat business outfit, simple make-up, tidy hair and polished closed shoes.
Mistake 4: Dominating — or Disappearing — in the Group Task
Group exercises test teamwork. Shouting over others fails, but so does staying silent. Fix: speak a few clear times, invite quieter people in (“What do you think?”), and help the team finish on time.
Mistake 5: Memorised, Robotic Interview Answers
Recruiters hear “I am a people person” hundreds of times. Fix: prepare real stories — a time you calmed an angry customer, handled pressure or helped a colleague — and tell them naturally in the STAR format (situation, task, action, result).
Mistake 6: Poor Spoken English Under Pressure
You do not need perfect grammar, but you must be clearly understood. Rushing or mumbling is a common reason to be cut. Fix: practise speaking English daily, record yourself, and slow down.
Mistake 7: Not Knowing the Airline
Saying “I want to fly with Emirates” in a flydubai interview, or not knowing where Etihad is based, signals low interest. Fix: learn the hub, fleet type and a few routes before the day.
Mistake 8: Wrong Body Language and Attitude in Waiting Areas
Assessment begins the moment you arrive. Recruiters notice candidates who are rude to staff, glued to phones or complaining. Fix: smile, greet people, sit straight and treat every person as if they were a recruiter.
Mistake 9: Hiding Facts or Paying “Agents” for Shortcuts
Lying about experience or medical history can lead to a later withdrawal of the offer. Paying someone who claims to have “inside contacts” wastes money — airlines do not sell crew places. Fix: be honest, and go only through official airline channels.
What a Typical Assessment Day Looks Like
Formats differ by airline and city, but candidates commonly describe a day that runs roughly like this:
- Registration: staff check your passport, CV and photo. First impressions start here.
- Company presentation: a short talk about the airline, lifestyle and contract. Listen — later questions may refer to it.
- Reach or height check: done early, so candidates who do not meet it can leave without waiting all day.
- Group activities: discussion tasks, role plays or problem-solving in small teams while assessors watch quietly.
- English or written task: some events include a short reading or writing exercise.
- Cuts between rounds: names are called and some people are thanked and sent home. Stay calm and polite either way.
- Final interview: a face-to-face or video conversation about your background, motivation and service examples.
The day can last many hours. Eat beforehand, carry water and a small snack if allowed, and bring a power bank for your phone. Results usually come by email days or weeks later, not on the spot.
A Quick Pre-Event Checklist
| Item | Done? |
|---|---|
| Reach/height tested at home | Yes / No |
| 1–2 page English CV printed (if required) | Yes / No |
| Professional photo ready | Yes / No |
| Passport and certificates in a folder | Yes / No |
| Business outfit and closed shoes | Yes / No |
| 3–4 real customer service stories prepared | Yes / No |
| Airline hub, fleet and routes learned | Yes / No |
What You Could Earn If Selected
| Role | Indicative Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Emirates Cabin Crew (entry) | 10,800 – 11,300 |
| Etihad Cabin Crew (entry) | 9,000 – 12,000 |
| flydubai Cabin Crew | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| Air Arabia Cabin Crew | 6,000 – 8,500 |
| Business Class Crew | 12,000 – 15,000 |
| Cabin Supervisor / Purser | 15,000 – 20,000 |
Figures are indicative; only the Emirates entry figure is taken from an official job post. Flying hours, layovers and promotions change actual earnings.
If You Are Rejected: A Smart Comeback Plan
Rejection is normal and not the end. Use the waiting period well:
- Write down every question and task from the day while it is fresh in your mind.
- Ask a friend to record a mock interview and watch it honestly for filler words, posture and eye contact.
- Add real customer-facing experience if yours is thin — even six more months in a hotel or café helps.
- Apply to other UAE or Gulf carriers in the meantime; each process makes you stronger.
- Avoid paying large sums for “guaranteed placement” courses after a rejection.
Who Qualifies to Attend
- Candidates meeting the minimum age set by the airline (often 21).
- Grade 12 pass at least.
- Required reach or height.
- Fluent spoken and written English.
- Customer service or hospitality experience (Emirates asks for 1+ year).
- Good health, no visible tattoos in uniform (rules vary by carrier).
How to Apply for an Open or Assessment Day
- Check the careers pages: emiratesgroupcareers.com, and the careers sections on etihad.com, flydubai.com and airarabia.com.
- Apply online first; many events are invitation-only after CV screening.
- Read the event instructions for documents, dress code and timing.
- Arrive early, or log in early for video assessments.
- After an offer, finish the medical and background checks; Indian ECR passport holders also need eMigrate clearance.
Beware of Fake Open Day Invitations
Scammers create fake “Emirates open day Mumbai” or “Etihad walk-in Kochi” posters and then collect “registration fees”.
- Genuine events appear on the airline’s official careers website.
- Airlines do not charge to attend an open day.
- Be careful of private “academies” that promise selection.
- Do not share passport scans with unverified contacts.
- Report fraud to local police and to the MADAD portal.
UAE Cabin Crew Open Day Mistakes – FAQs
Can I attend an open day without applying online?
Sometimes, if the event is truly open, but most UAE airlines now ask for an online application first.
Do I need a cabin crew course to be selected?
No. Airlines train you themselves. A course can build confidence but does not guarantee anything.
Is wearing a saree or salwar allowed at an Indian open day?
Business western attire is usually expected because recruiters want to picture you in uniform.
Why was I rejected without feedback?
Airlines usually do not give individual feedback because of the large volume of candidates.
How soon can I try again?
Typically after a waiting period, often several months; the portal usually indicates when.
Do braces or glasses cause rejection?
Policies vary. Contact lenses are commonly accepted; check the specific airline’s guidance.
Can married people apply?
Yes, marital status is not listed as a requirement in current UAE airline posts we reviewed.
Should I bring printed photos?
Bring whatever the invitation lists. If unsure, carry a printed CV and a couple of passport photos.
Final Words
Most rejections come from small, fixable things: grooming, preparation, nerves and attitude. Practise, stay honest and keep applying through official channels. Many crew members you see on board today failed once before.
Disclaimer: Tips and figures here are indicative and general. This independent website is not affiliated with Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia, any training academy or any government. We promise no job, visa or salary. Verify details on official channels and never pay illegal recruitment fees.
Tags
Business Class Crew Salary AED 13500
Purser Salary AED 17000
Cabin Crew Salary AED 8000