EY benefits
For me, the 10 bonus tickets is a big plus at Etihad, plus, the housing allowance is more and you can opt to live out from Day One if already a UAE resident. As I understand it, EK prefers you to stay in staff accommodation for the first 6 months at least.
The beige and red uniform never really did it for me anyway! As my partner and I have just bought a place in Abu Dhabi, EY is the most sensible long-term choice for me so perhaps being "rejected" was a blessing in disguise.
Can I also just add re: the bitchy comments; guys, you need a thick skin in this business and especially in this part of the world.. Underhand comments come thick and fast and they'll all just roll off your back if you can see the funny side. Think of telling a passenger they've been "rejected" rather than "denied boarding"!!