Emirates - Crew Discussions II
Join Date: Aug 2007
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Dear ML,
everything is relative. Let me answer to your question!
1.
Let's say you're a German girl/boy:
You are currently working for Lufthansa - one of the biggest airline in the world -, based in Munchen and you do only North-American flights as you're a long-haul flight attendant. You are at home, all your old friends and family is there, live in a nice European city in your home country, the economy is doing OK, inflation around 3%, unemployment rate is 5%. You pay taxes, fees, pension, you have Union there. Therefore: You never fly more than 70 hours a month. You have min. 3 days off before a Los Angeles-flight, 48-hour-lay-over, min. 3 days off after the flight. You have a nice rest during the flight in the CRC, most of your passengers are well-behaved Europeans. The company is big, you have a lot other job opportunities, part-time positions and maternity leave. You have Euro in your country which is - right now - one of the strongest currency.
In this case:
you will be disappointed to live in the desert, surprised about the passenger profile, angry about how the company treats you sometimes and get a heart attack every time when you see how much the dollar dropped compare to the euro.
2.
Let's say you are a desprate, high-educated Hungarian girl:
from a poor family - like me - who workes for Wizzair, a low-cost company, based in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. (Malév, the national airline of Hungary just dismissed 10% of the crew, it's not likely to work for them.) The economy is not doing well, inflation is 9% (like last year in Dubai), unemployment rate around 8%, political crisis and strikes from time to time. You fly 80-90 hours a month, all short-hauls (of course) which means 2-4-6 legs a day. You don't see the world, there is not even a chance for that. (You can ONLY make it for Malév if you know someone. And after 1-2 years you might get your first New York-flight. If you're lucky. The "old ones" get the good flights - who work for the company for 15-20 years.) You get around 100-120,000 forint (4-500 euro) monthly payment. (No accomodation, no transport, no food on the flights.)
In this case:
you will be disappointed to live in the desert but sooo happy to lay on the beach and swim in the sea (oh, my God! waves! and sand! and palms!); you will be surprised about the pax profile but delighted to meet so many young people from different countries (oh, my God! lebaneese guys really are charming! Australian men really are big!); angry about how the company treats you - especially after talking to complaining crew - but who cares: I see the world and stay in nice hotels; and you will - indeed - get a heart attack when you look at the dollar BUT you won't get your usual panic attack in March when the gas bill would come after the winter time.
How is the athmosphere?
I just did my recurrent SEP exams - 2 days. (I joined 2 years ago.) My group was so cool! Very funny, nice, young people, I really had a good time! Trainers are excellent - as usual, I never had a bad experience. Crew on the flights are generally young (21-40) and happy. Young people don't care about working too much, they call sick and party, don't care about dollar, they just spend.
(My lovely First Aid Trainer intoduced herself as a professional nurse, who has a degree in Psychology, Sociology and she's a doctor of Philosophy. The purser next to me said: "Man, get another job!" The girl was blond, had a familiar accent. I told the guy next to me: "I think she's from Slovakia or Chech. I don't think it's easy to find a job (you must know someone) and get the experience to become a well-paid psychologist in Eastern-Europe. I'm not even sure if it's possible. Especially for a woman." She was from Poland.)
Is there going to be a big pay-rise this year?
I don't think so. I just read the Flight International Magazine extra edition about the companies in the Middle-East. It says: we offer the best package in the world and upgrade for pilots is quick and easy.
Working conditions?
If there is no major incidents in order to fatique, there won't be any changes. There is no union, there will be no union.
Dear ML, I hope I could answer to your question. Summa summarum: everything is relative. I got 5 days off before my leave, hopefully I will also get 5 days off afterwards (like last time in October). This is my time to rest and recover.
I used to work in an office before (boring, long hours, asshole boss). I also used to do waitressing in big hotels and bars (nights, weekends, 12-16-hour-long-shifts). Is my current job tiring? Yes. Are the working conditions better for me than before? OOOh, much better! Is the athmosphere better? OOOh, much better! Do I make better money?! OOOh, yes, I do!
If you wanna travel and have fun, come and enjoy for one year! If you are fatique, call sick. My Australian friend had at least 30 sick days last year, so what?! Enjoy and go home!
My flatmate is saying right now: "stay away from this company. It's the worst in the word: they are greedy and break the labour-law, make you fly to death! Stay away from aviation at all! You should become a lawyer or doctor. You cannot make any money here!"
You should consider her opinion, she should know: she's been flying for 7 years and wants to resign since I moved in 2 years ago.
Exchange rate protection would be around 300 dhs for you. You would make 7-8000 dhs a month in the first year, plus meal allowances (1-2000 dhs/month, depends on your flights). If you make it to business class (after 12-24 months flying) you will make 9-10,000 dhs/month. You become FG1 (first class) in 2 and a half-3 years and currently they make between 10-11,000 dhs. Here, of course, I'm talking about poeple who actually WORK and fly 80-100 hours a month.
One thing is for sure: there are not many crew here from France and only a few French pilots.
Good luck! Whatever you decide.
Mari
everything is relative. Let me answer to your question!
1.
Let's say you're a German girl/boy:
You are currently working for Lufthansa - one of the biggest airline in the world -, based in Munchen and you do only North-American flights as you're a long-haul flight attendant. You are at home, all your old friends and family is there, live in a nice European city in your home country, the economy is doing OK, inflation around 3%, unemployment rate is 5%. You pay taxes, fees, pension, you have Union there. Therefore: You never fly more than 70 hours a month. You have min. 3 days off before a Los Angeles-flight, 48-hour-lay-over, min. 3 days off after the flight. You have a nice rest during the flight in the CRC, most of your passengers are well-behaved Europeans. The company is big, you have a lot other job opportunities, part-time positions and maternity leave. You have Euro in your country which is - right now - one of the strongest currency.
In this case:
you will be disappointed to live in the desert, surprised about the passenger profile, angry about how the company treats you sometimes and get a heart attack every time when you see how much the dollar dropped compare to the euro.
2.
Let's say you are a desprate, high-educated Hungarian girl:
from a poor family - like me - who workes for Wizzair, a low-cost company, based in Budapest, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. (Malév, the national airline of Hungary just dismissed 10% of the crew, it's not likely to work for them.) The economy is not doing well, inflation is 9% (like last year in Dubai), unemployment rate around 8%, political crisis and strikes from time to time. You fly 80-90 hours a month, all short-hauls (of course) which means 2-4-6 legs a day. You don't see the world, there is not even a chance for that. (You can ONLY make it for Malév if you know someone. And after 1-2 years you might get your first New York-flight. If you're lucky. The "old ones" get the good flights - who work for the company for 15-20 years.) You get around 100-120,000 forint (4-500 euro) monthly payment. (No accomodation, no transport, no food on the flights.)
In this case:
you will be disappointed to live in the desert but sooo happy to lay on the beach and swim in the sea (oh, my God! waves! and sand! and palms!); you will be surprised about the pax profile but delighted to meet so many young people from different countries (oh, my God! lebaneese guys really are charming! Australian men really are big!); angry about how the company treats you - especially after talking to complaining crew - but who cares: I see the world and stay in nice hotels; and you will - indeed - get a heart attack when you look at the dollar BUT you won't get your usual panic attack in March when the gas bill would come after the winter time.
How is the athmosphere?
I just did my recurrent SEP exams - 2 days. (I joined 2 years ago.) My group was so cool! Very funny, nice, young people, I really had a good time! Trainers are excellent - as usual, I never had a bad experience. Crew on the flights are generally young (21-40) and happy. Young people don't care about working too much, they call sick and party, don't care about dollar, they just spend.
(My lovely First Aid Trainer intoduced herself as a professional nurse, who has a degree in Psychology, Sociology and she's a doctor of Philosophy. The purser next to me said: "Man, get another job!" The girl was blond, had a familiar accent. I told the guy next to me: "I think she's from Slovakia or Chech. I don't think it's easy to find a job (you must know someone) and get the experience to become a well-paid psychologist in Eastern-Europe. I'm not even sure if it's possible. Especially for a woman." She was from Poland.)
Is there going to be a big pay-rise this year?
I don't think so. I just read the Flight International Magazine extra edition about the companies in the Middle-East. It says: we offer the best package in the world and upgrade for pilots is quick and easy.
Working conditions?
If there is no major incidents in order to fatique, there won't be any changes. There is no union, there will be no union.
Dear ML, I hope I could answer to your question. Summa summarum: everything is relative. I got 5 days off before my leave, hopefully I will also get 5 days off afterwards (like last time in October). This is my time to rest and recover.
I used to work in an office before (boring, long hours, asshole boss). I also used to do waitressing in big hotels and bars (nights, weekends, 12-16-hour-long-shifts). Is my current job tiring? Yes. Are the working conditions better for me than before? OOOh, much better! Is the athmosphere better? OOOh, much better! Do I make better money?! OOOh, yes, I do!
If you wanna travel and have fun, come and enjoy for one year! If you are fatique, call sick. My Australian friend had at least 30 sick days last year, so what?! Enjoy and go home!
My flatmate is saying right now: "stay away from this company. It's the worst in the word: they are greedy and break the labour-law, make you fly to death! Stay away from aviation at all! You should become a lawyer or doctor. You cannot make any money here!"
You should consider her opinion, she should know: she's been flying for 7 years and wants to resign since I moved in 2 years ago.
Exchange rate protection would be around 300 dhs for you. You would make 7-8000 dhs a month in the first year, plus meal allowances (1-2000 dhs/month, depends on your flights). If you make it to business class (after 12-24 months flying) you will make 9-10,000 dhs/month. You become FG1 (first class) in 2 and a half-3 years and currently they make between 10-11,000 dhs. Here, of course, I'm talking about poeple who actually WORK and fly 80-100 hours a month.
One thing is for sure: there are not many crew here from France and only a few French pilots.
Good luck! Whatever you decide.
Mari
Last edited by Mari; 17th Apr 2008 at 14:36.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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WOW Mari,
this was a vrey good and excellent post that gave us a realy good impresiion on how it is to work for Emirates! I really liked your different points of view! This KInd with the Germans at Lufthansa and the poor Hungarian girl:-)
Well I am living in Frankfurt and my base is also FRA! I am flying for Lufthansa as a long haul cabin crew and I really have to say that I am happy that I did not make it at Emirates and I will not got again for them cause I dont want to have a heart attack when I leave Lufthansa as a great employer for Emirates! As You said before there are lots of good thngs here that makes your life very easy and you have a lot of time to recover during layovers etc.
But your post was really g8!!!!!!! Thank you for showing us how it is really like! During Open days they only tell you "You even have pools in your accomodation and you will make a lot of money" hahahahaha
this was a vrey good and excellent post that gave us a realy good impresiion on how it is to work for Emirates! I really liked your different points of view! This KInd with the Germans at Lufthansa and the poor Hungarian girl:-)
Well I am living in Frankfurt and my base is also FRA! I am flying for Lufthansa as a long haul cabin crew and I really have to say that I am happy that I did not make it at Emirates and I will not got again for them cause I dont want to have a heart attack when I leave Lufthansa as a great employer for Emirates! As You said before there are lots of good thngs here that makes your life very easy and you have a lot of time to recover during layovers etc.
But your post was really g8!!!!!!! Thank you for showing us how it is really like! During Open days they only tell you "You even have pools in your accomodation and you will make a lot of money" hahahahaha
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Hey Mari
I really want to say u a big THANK YOU !!!! your post is perfect , better than i could expect...I'm going to join the company the 25th of April and i'm a bit anxious because it sound strange to leave France for Dubai...Anyway I went there two years ago and i loved it but i know that live there is going to be totally different !!!However, i'm young and this experience can be only a good thing for me...
I really want to say u a big THANK YOU !!!! your post is perfect , better than i could expect...I'm going to join the company the 25th of April and i'm a bit anxious because it sound strange to leave France for Dubai...Anyway I went there two years ago and i loved it but i know that live there is going to be totally different !!!However, i'm young and this experience can be only a good thing for me...
Join Date: Mar 2008
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travel benefits
hello,
I just have a question for current Emirates crew. I'm just wondering what the flight benefits are like for crew and their family members. They explained it a little at the assessment day but I don't think I totally understand. If someone can clarify what kind of travel benefits Emirates provides I would appreiciate it.
thanks!
I just have a question for current Emirates crew. I'm just wondering what the flight benefits are like for crew and their family members. They explained it a little at the assessment day but I don't think I totally understand. If someone can clarify what kind of travel benefits Emirates provides I would appreiciate it.
thanks!
Join Date: Feb 2008
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Any married crews here? I will be joining emirates soon.
But on the contract I got, it says it is a single only contract and I should contact HR office if my marital status changes.
I emailed them a few times that I am already married but no answer.
Is there a separate contract for married crews? and do they give a visa for a spouse automatically?
I don't know if I should call them and ask since they don't answer my email...
But on the contract I got, it says it is a single only contract and I should contact HR office if my marital status changes.
I emailed them a few times that I am already married but no answer.
Is there a separate contract for married crews? and do they give a visa for a spouse automatically?
I don't know if I should call them and ask since they don't answer my email...
Join Date: Feb 2007
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EK always just offers single contract to cabin crew.
You can apply for a visa for your husband after completing 6 months in the company and only if you have the title of Manager or Doctor and if you have an attested University degree. Male crew just need a salary higher than Dhs4000. Yes,I know it's unfair....
If you should be succesful in obtaining a visa for your husband,you must move out of company accommodation. They will give you a small allowance with which you would have to pay your own rent and all other facilities. As a new joiner you will defnitely not have even enough money for water and electricity,so I would advise against that.Dubai is super-expensive.
It is best for your husband just to try and find a job in Dubai by himself and find an employer who can sponsor him.
You can apply for a visa for your husband after completing 6 months in the company and only if you have the title of Manager or Doctor and if you have an attested University degree. Male crew just need a salary higher than Dhs4000. Yes,I know it's unfair....
If you should be succesful in obtaining a visa for your husband,you must move out of company accommodation. They will give you a small allowance with which you would have to pay your own rent and all other facilities. As a new joiner you will defnitely not have even enough money for water and electricity,so I would advise against that.Dubai is super-expensive.
It is best for your husband just to try and find a job in Dubai by himself and find an employer who can sponsor him.
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Hi there guys I'm Crew for BA based at LGW at the moment so not just another wannabee...just wondering...
When you first moved out how did you transfer your UK bank balances to your new bank account in DXB?? Is there a company to send money with that doesn't cost you stupid losses in exchange rates?
Also If I wanted to save my wages (i'm assuming this is easily achieveable) and eventually transfer a large amount of money back to the UK once again how is this done? Or should I say send money everymonth to my parents to 'look after'?
Lastly on the subject of UK tax...where do you stand with not paying N.I contributions upon your return. If I were to have an accident in the UK what would happen?
Lastly....pensions...Do EK provide any pension provision...does anyone here pay into a private pension within the UK? I have my BA pension which I can withdraw from...
Many thanx guys...
When you first moved out how did you transfer your UK bank balances to your new bank account in DXB?? Is there a company to send money with that doesn't cost you stupid losses in exchange rates?
Also If I wanted to save my wages (i'm assuming this is easily achieveable) and eventually transfer a large amount of money back to the UK once again how is this done? Or should I say send money everymonth to my parents to 'look after'?
Lastly on the subject of UK tax...where do you stand with not paying N.I contributions upon your return. If I were to have an accident in the UK what would happen?
Lastly....pensions...Do EK provide any pension provision...does anyone here pay into a private pension within the UK? I have my BA pension which I can withdraw from...
Many thanx guys...
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There are lots of money transfering places in Dubai. You will always lose money (unfortunately) when it comes to pounds vs. dirham conversion.It is best to keep your money in the UK. Just open an account in Dubai for your salary.No need to bring extra money.
Tax-cant help you there,have no idea.
There are no pension plans and no unions here.You do get medical coverage.
Tax-cant help you there,have no idea.
There are no pension plans and no unions here.You do get medical coverage.
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Consider life in UAE when choosing EK and EY
Hi guys, I am new on Pprune but moderately old in EK.
Here are my thoughts on what it is like to live in UAE.
Wannabees - take a carefull study on what you gonna change your life for. Thanks to Mari - she really did a great job taking her time to show good example of how your life can change depending on your own circumstances.
Here are some facts for you guys out there aboutn life in Dubai and life while you are in EK.
1. Prices
Prices in Dubai are very high for everything. Shopping is good here but it is all made in China if you check the label, so considering we have 5 layovers in China a day will you go to a shopping mall to buy a blouze to spend 10 times more for it than in PVG? If shopping is one of the reasons to come to live in DXB - consider revising it.
Accommodation - 1 br in International City - middle class - 45-50 000 a year + water electricity add another 15 000.
1 br in Dubai Marina high class- 95 000 + 20 000
1 br in Sharjah - neighbour emirate - 35-40 000 + 15 000 + 2 hours in traffic every day you have a flight.
Taxi - no taxi driver speaks good english. All smell bad. Everybody is trying to cheat you. Average trip on an average distance - 30-40 AED. If you are drunk in the taxi some drivrs threaten to call police and report you if you dont give them tip. Taxies are difficult to catch. Consider buying you own car sooner or later.
2. What crew do in their free time -
a) sleep, and unfortunatelly most dont know how to manage their sleep;
b) Go to gym, swimming pool and other recreational facilities;
c) have relationships with various nationalities untill they have ticked all countries or at least continents;
d) Read and watch movies, chat on the internet and write e-mails to friends
e) going clubbing and getting drunk
if you do only those above you will find the life boring and not worth of living, your thoughts of going to your family and resignation will reach you in Grade 1 or so. It 's a pity when people leave Ek without haveing tested real taste of life!
Here is other stuff crew do:
f) Open their own business - illegally ( hard to explain why illegally - there are certain provisitons of EK contract and UAE Labor Law and Residence law) but anyway I did it and this is why my future after leaving EK was secure.
g)working part time as personal fittness trainers, private teachers, guides, safari drivers, models - illegally( for the same reason illegally)
h) studying online or distance learning
i) running family life with kids etc
j) Going home for their days off with staff travel tickets if there is a seat.
having these activities will decrease your amount of free time but witll either lower or improve your cash in your pocket, but quality of your life will be different, you will fell the taste and will secure your future.
k) Buying and selling property
3. What is the law like in UAE?
I is very simple to understand. When it comes to police and court, locals are always right. If you have UK passport they will listen to you but locals will be right anyway. If you have local friend and UK passport you might win. If you are from the other country than UK, US, OZ, NZ, some Western EU - you are always wrong.
By law you are not allowed to drink without the license ( everybody does)
have sex without being married to that person ( everybody does) and share accommodation with that person ( some do). When police catches you - see information above why and below what will happen:
Drinking and driving - 3 months in jail, 20 000 AED fine and deportation.
Pre-maritual sex - 1 month in jail + deportation
Showing middle finger from the window of your car - 5000 AED fine, 1 month in jail and deportation;
Testing positive for being pregnant - results in being escorted from the doctors office who declares your pregnancy directly to police station, where you will stay untill you produce your marriage certificate. If none available you will stay in jail till birth , after which child will go to orphanage and you will be deported; or you will be deported on your last week of pregnancy. Your partner will serve 1 year in jail followed by deportation.
Testing positive for using drugs - 4 years in jail even if it is Codeine, widely available in most countried in the world and even if consummed outside the UAE. Also deportation. No list of permitted and restricted for use medications is available to crew. It is kept a secret to make you affraid.
4. What are the best benefits you get being EK cabin crew.
a) A lot of places to see in short time.
b) Tax free quite competitive salary on the local labour market.
c) Good quality accommodation
d) Peope you meet are the biggest asset. Make real friends and open business toghether, trade or anyhitng in the future. Dont waste the people around you. Dont sleep all the time. Go out on layovers to learn new opportunities.
e) Passengers in J and F class can offer you a good job simply as they like your service. Collect business cards. Dont give your number - they can e-mail to the company and complain of you harrassing them to get a free ticket; but you will be fired.
f) bank offer loans easily - take max loan and convert it in Euro and put under interest in EU or open business, by property or anything. Dont waste your money on clubbing.
5. What are the worst things about being in EK as CC ?
a) company does not know your name. Everybody knows you by staff number. Even your manager.
b) Exchange rate protection policy is a joke for kindergarden starters but not for ones with family and kids. Max is 300 AED.
c) Passengers in Y class think that there is 1 crew for 1 pax and that they are in the restaurant - this happends often. In fact there are 8 crew for 400 pax in Y class B777-300 ER. Average ratio in Y is 1 for 46-50pax and 1 for 13 in J. Most passengers in Y - cheap laborforce from South-East Asia going for work in GCC and EU.
d) no proper rest onboard except if there is a CRC on that A/C.
e) very few things company can do for you if you are in jail, actuially nothing.
f) medical services are below 0. Dont get sick. Take care of your health on your own.
Good luck to all who are and who wannabee EK CC, make sure you did the right choice and get the most of it.
Here are my thoughts on what it is like to live in UAE.
Wannabees - take a carefull study on what you gonna change your life for. Thanks to Mari - she really did a great job taking her time to show good example of how your life can change depending on your own circumstances.
Here are some facts for you guys out there aboutn life in Dubai and life while you are in EK.
1. Prices
Prices in Dubai are very high for everything. Shopping is good here but it is all made in China if you check the label, so considering we have 5 layovers in China a day will you go to a shopping mall to buy a blouze to spend 10 times more for it than in PVG? If shopping is one of the reasons to come to live in DXB - consider revising it.
Accommodation - 1 br in International City - middle class - 45-50 000 a year + water electricity add another 15 000.
1 br in Dubai Marina high class- 95 000 + 20 000
1 br in Sharjah - neighbour emirate - 35-40 000 + 15 000 + 2 hours in traffic every day you have a flight.
Taxi - no taxi driver speaks good english. All smell bad. Everybody is trying to cheat you. Average trip on an average distance - 30-40 AED. If you are drunk in the taxi some drivrs threaten to call police and report you if you dont give them tip. Taxies are difficult to catch. Consider buying you own car sooner or later.
2. What crew do in their free time -
a) sleep, and unfortunatelly most dont know how to manage their sleep;
b) Go to gym, swimming pool and other recreational facilities;
c) have relationships with various nationalities untill they have ticked all countries or at least continents;
d) Read and watch movies, chat on the internet and write e-mails to friends
e) going clubbing and getting drunk
if you do only those above you will find the life boring and not worth of living, your thoughts of going to your family and resignation will reach you in Grade 1 or so. It 's a pity when people leave Ek without haveing tested real taste of life!
Here is other stuff crew do:
f) Open their own business - illegally ( hard to explain why illegally - there are certain provisitons of EK contract and UAE Labor Law and Residence law) but anyway I did it and this is why my future after leaving EK was secure.
g)working part time as personal fittness trainers, private teachers, guides, safari drivers, models - illegally( for the same reason illegally)
h) studying online or distance learning
i) running family life with kids etc
j) Going home for their days off with staff travel tickets if there is a seat.
having these activities will decrease your amount of free time but witll either lower or improve your cash in your pocket, but quality of your life will be different, you will fell the taste and will secure your future.
k) Buying and selling property
3. What is the law like in UAE?
I is very simple to understand. When it comes to police and court, locals are always right. If you have UK passport they will listen to you but locals will be right anyway. If you have local friend and UK passport you might win. If you are from the other country than UK, US, OZ, NZ, some Western EU - you are always wrong.
By law you are not allowed to drink without the license ( everybody does)
have sex without being married to that person ( everybody does) and share accommodation with that person ( some do). When police catches you - see information above why and below what will happen:
Drinking and driving - 3 months in jail, 20 000 AED fine and deportation.
Pre-maritual sex - 1 month in jail + deportation
Showing middle finger from the window of your car - 5000 AED fine, 1 month in jail and deportation;
Testing positive for being pregnant - results in being escorted from the doctors office who declares your pregnancy directly to police station, where you will stay untill you produce your marriage certificate. If none available you will stay in jail till birth , after which child will go to orphanage and you will be deported; or you will be deported on your last week of pregnancy. Your partner will serve 1 year in jail followed by deportation.
Testing positive for using drugs - 4 years in jail even if it is Codeine, widely available in most countried in the world and even if consummed outside the UAE. Also deportation. No list of permitted and restricted for use medications is available to crew. It is kept a secret to make you affraid.
4. What are the best benefits you get being EK cabin crew.
a) A lot of places to see in short time.
b) Tax free quite competitive salary on the local labour market.
c) Good quality accommodation
d) Peope you meet are the biggest asset. Make real friends and open business toghether, trade or anyhitng in the future. Dont waste the people around you. Dont sleep all the time. Go out on layovers to learn new opportunities.
e) Passengers in J and F class can offer you a good job simply as they like your service. Collect business cards. Dont give your number - they can e-mail to the company and complain of you harrassing them to get a free ticket; but you will be fired.
f) bank offer loans easily - take max loan and convert it in Euro and put under interest in EU or open business, by property or anything. Dont waste your money on clubbing.
5. What are the worst things about being in EK as CC ?
a) company does not know your name. Everybody knows you by staff number. Even your manager.
b) Exchange rate protection policy is a joke for kindergarden starters but not for ones with family and kids. Max is 300 AED.
c) Passengers in Y class think that there is 1 crew for 1 pax and that they are in the restaurant - this happends often. In fact there are 8 crew for 400 pax in Y class B777-300 ER. Average ratio in Y is 1 for 46-50pax and 1 for 13 in J. Most passengers in Y - cheap laborforce from South-East Asia going for work in GCC and EU.
d) no proper rest onboard except if there is a CRC on that A/C.
e) very few things company can do for you if you are in jail, actuially nothing.
f) medical services are below 0. Dont get sick. Take care of your health on your own.
Good luck to all who are and who wannabee EK CC, make sure you did the right choice and get the most of it.
Last edited by ME_Expert; 27th Apr 2008 at 21:17. Reason: Got advice form readers
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai
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I believe that this could be missleading and you need to change the title to perhaps... "life in the U.A.E." because most of the things that you mention have nothing to do with EK or any airline. This are rules that everyone living here must follow regarding your job or position.
[ Prices in Dubai are very high for everything. Shopping is good here but it is all made in China if you check the label, so considering we have 5 layovers in China a day will you go to a shopping mall to buy a blouze to spend 10 times more for it than in PVG? So drop this point if you dream about good shopping in DXB. ]
And this is EK problems because?????
[ Accommodation - 1 br in International City - middle class - 45-50 000 a year + water electricity add another 15 000.
1 br in Dubai marina - 95 000 + 20 000
1 br in Sharjah - neighbour emirate - 35-40 000 + 15 000 + 2 hours in traffic every day you have a flight. ]
Thats why you are given a fully furnished apartment, if you don't like it it's too bad because the allowances are not that high, many people that moved out wish they hadn't.
[ Taxi - no taxi driver speaks good english. All smell bad. Everybody is trying to cheat you. Average trip on an average distance - 30-40 AED. If you are drunk in the taxi some drivrs threaten to call police and report you if you dont give them tip. Difficult to catch. ]
So EK is also guilty that about the taxi drivers now.
[ 2. What crew do in their free time -
a) sleep, and unfortunatelly most dont know how to manage their sleep;
b) Go to gym, swimming pool and other recreational facilities;
c) have relationships with various nationalities untill they have ticked all countries or at least continents;
d) Read and watch movies, chat on the internet and write e-mails to friends
e) going clubbing and getting drunk
if you do only those above you will find the life boring and not worth of living, your thoughts of going to your family and resignation will reach you in Grade 1 or so.
Here is other stuff crew do:
f) Open their own business - illegally ( hard to explain why illegally - there are certain provisitons of EK contract and Dubai Labor Law and Residence law)
g)working part time as personal fittness trainers, private teachers, guides, safari drivers, models - illegally( for the same reason illegally)
h) studying online or distance learning
i) running family life with kids etc
j) Going home for their days off with staff travel tickets if there is a seat.
having these activities will decrease your amount of free time but witll either lower or improve your cash in your pocket.
k) Buying and selling property ]
And EK dictactes what you are meant to do with your spare time right?.
I guess that I could go on and on but whats the point?, it's all EK's fault that's why people should consider all your very valid points before JOINING EK.
As I said, please change the title and thanks for your "expert"
advise, I'm sure that you have made your point now, let the rest decide and discover by themself.
PS: you made me lough about the first boyfriend though !!, sooner or later most gets "lebanized"
(I know tht I'm going to get fried because of this), SORRY !!!! 
[ Prices in Dubai are very high for everything. Shopping is good here but it is all made in China if you check the label, so considering we have 5 layovers in China a day will you go to a shopping mall to buy a blouze to spend 10 times more for it than in PVG? So drop this point if you dream about good shopping in DXB. ]
And this is EK problems because?????
[ Accommodation - 1 br in International City - middle class - 45-50 000 a year + water electricity add another 15 000.
1 br in Dubai marina - 95 000 + 20 000
1 br in Sharjah - neighbour emirate - 35-40 000 + 15 000 + 2 hours in traffic every day you have a flight. ]
Thats why you are given a fully furnished apartment, if you don't like it it's too bad because the allowances are not that high, many people that moved out wish they hadn't.
[ Taxi - no taxi driver speaks good english. All smell bad. Everybody is trying to cheat you. Average trip on an average distance - 30-40 AED. If you are drunk in the taxi some drivrs threaten to call police and report you if you dont give them tip. Difficult to catch. ]
So EK is also guilty that about the taxi drivers now.
[ 2. What crew do in their free time -
a) sleep, and unfortunatelly most dont know how to manage their sleep;
b) Go to gym, swimming pool and other recreational facilities;
c) have relationships with various nationalities untill they have ticked all countries or at least continents;
d) Read and watch movies, chat on the internet and write e-mails to friends
e) going clubbing and getting drunk
if you do only those above you will find the life boring and not worth of living, your thoughts of going to your family and resignation will reach you in Grade 1 or so.
Here is other stuff crew do:
f) Open their own business - illegally ( hard to explain why illegally - there are certain provisitons of EK contract and Dubai Labor Law and Residence law)
g)working part time as personal fittness trainers, private teachers, guides, safari drivers, models - illegally( for the same reason illegally)
h) studying online or distance learning
i) running family life with kids etc
j) Going home for their days off with staff travel tickets if there is a seat.
having these activities will decrease your amount of free time but witll either lower or improve your cash in your pocket.
k) Buying and selling property ]
And EK dictactes what you are meant to do with your spare time right?.
I guess that I could go on and on but whats the point?, it's all EK's fault that's why people should consider all your very valid points before JOINING EK.
As I said, please change the title and thanks for your "expert"
advise, I'm sure that you have made your point now, let the rest decide and discover by themself.PS: you made me lough about the first boyfriend though !!, sooner or later most gets "lebanized"
(I know tht I'm going to get fried because of this), SORRY !!!!
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Dubai
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Consider life in UAE
The reason for posting my post above is informing new joiners and preparing them, not scaring in any way. There are clearly written advantages and disadvantages from the old man's ( oh yeah) point of view. If you are armed, you are prepared.
I am sure most find my post useful.
Good luck to everyone who wants to join EK.
I am sure most find my post useful.
Good luck to everyone who wants to join EK.
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Dubai
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I see that you've got my point as you changed the title now, still, I haven't seen you mentioning Etihad, RAK Airways, Air Arabia or any other airline that I could be missing out, as I said before EK or any company have no control about this laws, by the way, you forgot to mention about the internet being controlled and many pages blocked e.g. SKYPE 
.
.
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: dxb
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Contract for Married
I am with the company now for 2 years. I joined as married but i am holding a single contract. my marital status is married and you can declare your husband after a year with the company as well as use the benefits, and if you have kids, you can declare them after one contract and one year which is 4 years in total before they can avail the ticket benefits... and your parents and parents-in-law will avail 2 tickets each (id90 and id50) every year and your husband unlimited.
hope this help..
hope this help..
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: anywhere
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Really?!
I had know idea.
Can I have a question? What about the residence visa for the husband? Does the company provide a visa for him or he has to have a job in Dubai or visit his wife on turist visa?
Thanks.
I had know idea.
Can I have a question? What about the residence visa for the husband? Does the company provide a visa for him or he has to have a job in Dubai or visit his wife on turist visa?
Thanks.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Toronto
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thank you for your answer ek nina
i have one more question.
does the company allow a husband and a wife both working for emirates?
i know some companies don't allow family members working in the same company. i was wondering if it is possible with emirates.
and if they do, would they provide an accomodation for both husband and wife together? or seperate?
i mean would they give a place to live for them together?
does anyone know anybody in this case?
does the company allow a husband and a wife both working for emirates?
i know some companies don't allow family members working in the same company. i was wondering if it is possible with emirates.
and if they do, would they provide an accomodation for both husband and wife together? or seperate?
i mean would they give a place to live for them together?
does anyone know anybody in this case?
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: 30,000 feet!
Age: 39
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14 weeks! that really is great, though I will get none of that having only joined in January. Still galleygossip has it that the salary is going up too....any ideas?
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: DXB
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Profit Share !!
Yeah 14 weeks is a great news!!! now thinking what to do with it .. earlier when i joined it was less than 3 weeks.
I think the raise would be around 200-300 dirhams.
.. earlier when i joined it was less than 3 weeks.I think the raise would be around 200-300 dirhams.