Emirates/Dubai.. help me out! :-)
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Emirates/Dubai.. help me out! :-)
Firstly thanks for having a peek at this post, if you can answer any/all of my questions I'll be most grateful. 
Quick bit of back-round (I'll keep it short). Flew for Aer Lingus for a number of years until last year when I left to start my own business. Business is doing well but have come to the conclusion that it is not for me and am selling up early next year. Miss the cabin-crew lifestyle and fell in love with Dubai when myself and my girlfriend visited some time ago. So we're seriously considering putting in an application for cabin crew to Emirates.
Having trawled pprune I still have a number of questions that I would very much appreciate current Emirates CC clarifying for me. There's a beer/wine/dinner in it for you if we end up in Sunny Dubai next year (Seriously
)
I understand that Emirates provide shared accom for you (own bedroom). What standard and area is this accom? Are all utils (a/c, elec etc) free too? (obviously not telephone though). If one of us fails to get in can the other share the room the Emirates Employee gets? If both of us are succesfull would they put us in a 2-bed apartment of our own? Can you choose you own accom and if so would they pay something towards it?
What aircraft do you typically start on and what rest facilities are available on each type? What would a typical roster be like and what are the rostering arrangements (how far in advance, period etc.) How many nights do you spend in each destination and what allowances do you get there? What arrangements are in place for requests for particular flights or time off?
How much annual leave and again what are the arrangements for requesting it?
What is the concession package? (frees?, buddys?, family?, upgrades?)
What are you coming out with on an average month including your basic, flight pay and allowances?
Sheesh... Reading back over that it's a helluva lot! Oh well as I said I (and my girlfriend) appreciate any info you can give.
Oh just one last question (Colombo style
) and the most important.. Whats the life-style like in Dubai??
THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
Quick bit of back-round (I'll keep it short). Flew for Aer Lingus for a number of years until last year when I left to start my own business. Business is doing well but have come to the conclusion that it is not for me and am selling up early next year. Miss the cabin-crew lifestyle and fell in love with Dubai when myself and my girlfriend visited some time ago. So we're seriously considering putting in an application for cabin crew to Emirates.
Having trawled pprune I still have a number of questions that I would very much appreciate current Emirates CC clarifying for me. There's a beer/wine/dinner in it for you if we end up in Sunny Dubai next year (Seriously
)I understand that Emirates provide shared accom for you (own bedroom). What standard and area is this accom? Are all utils (a/c, elec etc) free too? (obviously not telephone though). If one of us fails to get in can the other share the room the Emirates Employee gets? If both of us are succesfull would they put us in a 2-bed apartment of our own? Can you choose you own accom and if so would they pay something towards it?
What aircraft do you typically start on and what rest facilities are available on each type? What would a typical roster be like and what are the rostering arrangements (how far in advance, period etc.) How many nights do you spend in each destination and what allowances do you get there? What arrangements are in place for requests for particular flights or time off?
How much annual leave and again what are the arrangements for requesting it?
What is the concession package? (frees?, buddys?, family?, upgrades?)
What are you coming out with on an average month including your basic, flight pay and allowances?
Sheesh... Reading back over that it's a helluva lot! Oh well as I said I (and my girlfriend) appreciate any info you can give.
Oh just one last question (Colombo style
) and the most important.. Whats the life-style like in Dubai??THANKS IN ADVANCE!!
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Dear Bluehair,
7 years in EK will I hope give me enough background to give you some answers.
Accomodation is provided on a same sex sharing basis in either a two or three bedroom apt, either on Sheikh Zayed road or in Garhoud, near the Irish Village. There is also another Company building in Bur Dubai, near Spinneys Ramada. As you move up the tree to a senior position, usually SFS, you may be alocated a single apt. Mixed sharing is not officially condoned, esp if your partner is not EK. It also depends on your flatmate and their tolerence.
An allowance is sometimes (there is usually a waiting list for it)available to rent your own place but financially this is not such a great option as rent in DXB can be very steep, and you will then be liable for your utilities. In company provided flats all utilities are covered, including phone rental, but not toll calls. If you live out there is an allowance, but again, you will have to budget carefully.
Re a/c types, you will be trained on both the A330 and the B777-200 and -300. Training is 5-6 weeks (it was a long time ago for me) and you get a supy on each type. SEP refreshers are annual, with quite a hands on focus. Rest areas? You what? At the moment there is no such animal consistently on our flights, it depends on whether the last two seats in e/y have been allocated, or stolen by pax....
Sorry, guests have arrived, have to go.
Good luck CT
7 years in EK will I hope give me enough background to give you some answers.
Accomodation is provided on a same sex sharing basis in either a two or three bedroom apt, either on Sheikh Zayed road or in Garhoud, near the Irish Village. There is also another Company building in Bur Dubai, near Spinneys Ramada. As you move up the tree to a senior position, usually SFS, you may be alocated a single apt. Mixed sharing is not officially condoned, esp if your partner is not EK. It also depends on your flatmate and their tolerence.
An allowance is sometimes (there is usually a waiting list for it)available to rent your own place but financially this is not such a great option as rent in DXB can be very steep, and you will then be liable for your utilities. In company provided flats all utilities are covered, including phone rental, but not toll calls. If you live out there is an allowance, but again, you will have to budget carefully.
Re a/c types, you will be trained on both the A330 and the B777-200 and -300. Training is 5-6 weeks (it was a long time ago for me) and you get a supy on each type. SEP refreshers are annual, with quite a hands on focus. Rest areas? You what? At the moment there is no such animal consistently on our flights, it depends on whether the last two seats in e/y have been allocated, or stolen by pax....
Sorry, guests have arrived, have to go.
Good luck CT
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cardomumT
Many thanks for the info so far, I had to laugh when you mentioned the rest area since it's exactly the same on EIs A330s! (but I thought the 777s had some kind of bunks?)
Hope you have a nice evening with your guests and looking forward to hearing more when you have time.
Many thanks for the info so far, I had to laugh when you mentioned the rest area since it's exactly the same on EIs A330s!
(but I thought the 777s had some kind of bunks?)Hope you have a nice evening with your guests and looking forward to hearing more when you have time.
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Hiya BLURHAIR (cool name) and MUTT.
I was a little concerned...I thought all aircraft had a rest area??? Are you saying that some dont? Are FA's expected to work the whole flight with out a break? Just curious, to be honest that does not bother me, I will do anything to get in...
I was a little concerned...I thought all aircraft had a rest area??? Are you saying that some dont? Are FA's expected to work the whole flight with out a break? Just curious, to be honest that does not bother me, I will do anything to get in...
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I'd be very grateful if we could keep this one on topic since the info is quite important to me as soon as possible Any more answers/details to my original post gratefully received
Side note; I didn't 'feel' any routes/aircraft 'should/should not' have special rest areas. It was merely a query...
[ 09 November 2001: Message edited by: Bluehair ]
Any more answers/details to my original post gratefully received Side note; I didn't 'feel' any routes/aircraft 'should/should not' have special rest areas. It was merely a query...
[ 09 November 2001: Message edited by: Bluehair ]
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Dear Bluehair,
I find it very hard not to take offence to your prior post.
I was simply enquiring as I have not yet had the oportunity to fly like others and yourself. I'm sure you can remember all the questions that you must of had prior to fulfiling your dream.
If you take a look at other posts on this forum, I have given and helped others out on every subject that i have been able too. This has also been returned to me, and Ive had many emails of FA's and wannabe's that simply want to help each other.After all this is what it is all about huh? Every single person that I have met on this site has been more than helpful, and there has been quiet a few of us that have really bonded together and shared alot.
I understand that this topic is very important tp you, and Im sure it is to others as well. But simply asking a question that is still realating to the aircraft above was not my idea of branching off your original subject.
As I said this topic may be important to you, but did you stop to think that my question may just be as important to me or others?
So I will continue to add posts to any topic that I feel can help myself or others.
Regards
Cloud 9
I find it very hard not to take offence to your prior post.
I was simply enquiring as I have not yet had the oportunity to fly like others and yourself. I'm sure you can remember all the questions that you must of had prior to fulfiling your dream.
If you take a look at other posts on this forum, I have given and helped others out on every subject that i have been able too. This has also been returned to me, and Ive had many emails of FA's and wannabe's that simply want to help each other.After all this is what it is all about huh? Every single person that I have met on this site has been more than helpful, and there has been quiet a few of us that have really bonded together and shared alot.
I understand that this topic is very important tp you, and Im sure it is to others as well. But simply asking a question that is still realating to the aircraft above was not my idea of branching off your original subject.
As I said this topic may be important to you, but did you stop to think that my question may just be as important to me or others?
So I will continue to add posts to any topic that I feel can help myself or others.
Regards
Cloud 9
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Cloud Nine, Please don't take offence! 
My side-comment wasn't directed at you and indeed I too would be happy to learn more about this aspect of flying with Emirates.
However Mutts come-back to my series of questions was, I felt, the start of a potential debate about the relative merits of bunks vs. blocked off econ seats vs. blocked off business seats etc etc on what sector lengths, a/c type etc..etc... And I just did not want this thread to ramble off in that direction before I've had my questions answered!
I fully aggree about the 'helping each other' philosophy hence my post but like me I'm sure you've seen many threads rapidly diverge away from the main title and I simply wanted the info I requested before this happens! (after which I will happily dive into the 'crew rest area' debate... )
My side-comment wasn't directed at you and indeed I too would be happy to learn more about this aspect of flying with Emirates.However Mutts come-back to my series of questions was, I felt, the start of a potential debate about the relative merits of bunks vs. blocked off econ seats vs. blocked off business seats etc etc on what sector lengths, a/c type etc..etc... And I just did not want this thread to ramble off in that direction before I've had my questions answered!
I fully aggree about the 'helping each other' philosophy hence my post but like me I'm sure you've seen many threads rapidly diverge away from the main title and I simply wanted the info I requested before this happens! (after which I will happily dive into the 'crew rest area' debate...
)
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I agree with CardamumT's reply, thats pretty well covered.
There is now accomodation in the Al Hai building, which is just a drunken stagger away from the Rock Bottom bar (so thats where my pay check went) as well. (On re-reading CardamumT's response, I see they mentioned this as being near the Spinneys Ramada. I navigate by the bars for some reason)
Regarding the accomodation allowance, its only worth it if a few of you move in together. If you can get 3 or 4, you can actually get a huge place.
Concessions: ID90 on SBY, ID50 firm for immediate family, sometimes wider eligibility fares come up too. After a year, lots of other airlines are available. Theres a huge manual on how to understand staff travel, if anyone can explain it to me, I'd appreciate it.
The crew right now are rated on all the aircraft we operate, although the new recruits aren't being trained on the airbus a300/310's any longer, as they are being phased out.
Rosters are monthly, crew bid for certain duties the previous month, in the vain hope that they will get something they like. Seniority in the bidding lists rotates so everyone gets the opportunity to be top priority ever now and then. Depending on how you bid, you may or may not get the flights you ask for.
Layovers vary, from 3 days in Malta (about as common as a condom vending machine in the Vatican), to 12 hours in Sydney (don't ask).
Annual leave is 30 days, but again, with the bidding process, days off can be tacked on to this, as well as rest days. You can almost double your time off with good management.
No I can't manage this.
Lifestyle in Dubai? The million dollar question. The answer? Its what you make of it. Some people love it, others hate it. If you make an effort to go out and do stuff (and it can be an effort), this place can be fantastic. Don't let the bureacracy grind you down, and the place is a blast. If you mope around the house all day, spending too much time on the computer, the place can be hell. Which reminds me, time to go and see if there's surf today.
PS: Cloud9, I talked to a trainer a day or two ago, apparently the training is starting once more on December 14. Haven't confirmed this rumour yet with an independent source, but they sounded pretty sure.
[ 09 November 2001: Message edited by: gadgetman ]
There is now accomodation in the Al Hai building, which is just a drunken stagger away from the Rock Bottom bar (so thats where my pay check went) as well. (On re-reading CardamumT's response, I see they mentioned this as being near the Spinneys Ramada. I navigate by the bars for some reason)
Regarding the accomodation allowance, its only worth it if a few of you move in together. If you can get 3 or 4, you can actually get a huge place.
Concessions: ID90 on SBY, ID50 firm for immediate family, sometimes wider eligibility fares come up too. After a year, lots of other airlines are available. Theres a huge manual on how to understand staff travel, if anyone can explain it to me, I'd appreciate it.
The crew right now are rated on all the aircraft we operate, although the new recruits aren't being trained on the airbus a300/310's any longer, as they are being phased out.
Rosters are monthly, crew bid for certain duties the previous month, in the vain hope that they will get something they like. Seniority in the bidding lists rotates so everyone gets the opportunity to be top priority ever now and then. Depending on how you bid, you may or may not get the flights you ask for.
Layovers vary, from 3 days in Malta (about as common as a condom vending machine in the Vatican), to 12 hours in Sydney (don't ask).
Annual leave is 30 days, but again, with the bidding process, days off can be tacked on to this, as well as rest days. You can almost double your time off with good management.
No I can't manage this.
Lifestyle in Dubai? The million dollar question. The answer? Its what you make of it. Some people love it, others hate it. If you make an effort to go out and do stuff (and it can be an effort), this place can be fantastic. Don't let the bureacracy grind you down, and the place is a blast. If you mope around the house all day, spending too much time on the computer, the place can be hell. Which reminds me, time to go and see if there's surf today.
PS: Cloud9, I talked to a trainer a day or two ago, apparently the training is starting once more on December 14. Haven't confirmed this rumour yet with an independent source, but they sounded pretty sure.
[ 09 November 2001: Message edited by: gadgetman ]
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BLUEHAIR....no worries, I guess that has just shown us how easily peoples posts can be mis read and taken the wrong way. I wish you all the best.
GADGETMAN.....you are giving me hope regarding recruitment. A big thankyou.. x
GADGETMAN.....you are giving me hope regarding recruitment. A big thankyou.. x
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gadgetman ; Cool that's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for. Loved Dubai when I was there so thanks also for the news regarding training starting again
Cloud 9: Looks like good news eh? Who know you and me both might end up on a course together! (will keep fingers crossed for you..)
Cloud 9: Looks like good news eh? Who know you and me both might end up on a course together!
(will keep fingers crossed for you..)
