Annabel Crofts is living the dream life as an Emirates flight attendant.
The Australian cabin crew member, who is originally from a small town in NSW but who now lives in Dubai, has been working for one of the world’s most prestigious airlines since June 2022.
“I think we have the best job in the world,” Annabel tells 7Life.
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“We not only enjoy having our office at 38,000 feet but also relish the wide range of perks Emirates offers us.
“As cabin crew members, we get a competitive tax-free salary, flying pay, discounted tickets for family and friends, layover expenses, and accommodation is included in our contract, so we end up saving a lot.
“This means I am free to spend my entire pay cheque without any worries. My monthly expenses include my phone bill and food — that’s all.”
![Annabel Crofts is living the dream life as an Emirates flight attendant.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-14015379/e5fdc4479dd1f6525bfed1123004c3823b0b963f.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Born and raised in Cooma in the Snowy Mountains, her family uprooted to Perth when she was 10 years old.
From a young age, she knew she wanted to work as a flight attendant.
“I was drawn to the cabin crew of any airline I flew on. Their glamorous lifestyle and the ease with which they performed their tasks was admirable,” Annabel says.
She decided to apply for the cabin crew position, which she found “super easy”.
“I completed the application... and once it was reviewed, I was asked to attend a face-to-face interview with one of our recruiters,” Annabel says.
“Within a couple of days, I received an email with my employment offer. That’s it.”
![Annabel was born and raised in Cooma in the Snowy Mountains, but brought up in Perth.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-14015379/4849317dd3b2d3f2f3de7bec966e0bad3c9cb647-4x3-x0y36w960h720.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Economy to business
Every cabin crew member must begin their career providing service to economy class.
Based on overall performance and attendance, crew members get upgraded to business and first class.
“I was working in economy class for less than a-year-and-a-half before I received my business class upgrade,” she says.
She says being a flight attendant isn’t like your typical 9-to-5 job.
“My favourite part is that my job has flexible hours,” she explains.
“We also get to work with people from all over the world with completely different backgrounds so we rarely do we fly with the same cabin crew member — we’re bound to meet new crew on every flight.”
Best perk in the world
Since joining the airline, the biggest perk she’s enjoyed is being paid to see the world.
“During this time, I’ve had the opportunity to visit more than 52 different countries,” she says.
“I’ve had the ability to travel across our 140 destinations.”
![Since joining the airline, the biggest perk she’s enjoyed is getting paid to see the world.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-14015379/47577e8c73c0ff6615cbb3f339f2d2a55b6f7ef0.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Annabel says her favourite place in the world is New York City.
“It is a dream city, from the breathtaking skyline to their famous bagels, there’s always something exciting happening around every corner. It’s a haven for travel enthusiasts like me,” she says.
“I don’t have a least favourite city. Every place I’ve been to has its own unique features and culture, and I absolutely love discovering the hidden gems that make each place special.”
She’s had the opportunity to attend major events — including the US Open, Australian Open, Collingwood AFL games and many more.
“I’m privileged to be part of the team that supports Emirates’ sponsorship events, which gives me access to some of the best sporting and non-sporting events across the world,” she says.
![As a flight attendant, Annabel says she has a flying roster in which no two days are the same.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-14015379/2999d6519995edeba700003b7fcfb8ab7e247b20-4x3-x0y194w1035h776.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Rostering schedule
As a flight attendant, Annabel says she has a flying roster in which no two days are the same.
“Our roster varies from 80-110 hours flying hours per month,” she says.
“My March roster has some exciting destinations which I’m looking forward to.
“I’ll be heading to Jakarta, Hanoi, Nairobi, Sao Paulo and once I get my business class upgrade, I’ll be flying to Cairo and Barcelona.”
Before working a long-haul flight, she ensures she gets plenty of rest.
“It’s essential to rest before a flight, and I like to prepare myself with lots of sleep and relaxation,” she says.
“A few hours before my pickup, I arrange my uniform and suitcase. That way, I’m not rushing or forgetting anything.
“I also read about the destination I’ll be landing in so I can prepare myself for the exciting activities waiting for me on my layover.”
![Annabel allows herself one-and-a-half hours to get ready before every shift.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-14015379/8917c652dc6ccaacf59cbcd1dedd881ef71a6dc4-161x229-x48y0w1440h2048.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Preparing for work
Flight attendants are always immaculate when travelling sky-high so it’s no surprise Annabel allows herself one-and-a-half hours to get ready before every shift.
“I hate to rush myself before work,” she says.
“My steps are pretty standard, I begin with a shower and coffee.
“Next, I follow my make-up routine — a method taught in our training — and then I style my hair.
“Once that’s complete, I organise my cabin bag and suitcase to ensure I have all the necessary equipment and documentation.
“Lastly, I put on my uniform and take the crew bus to Emirates Group Headquarters where we begin our official workday.”
In-flight skincare
Because she travels long hours, Annabel says it’s “crucial” she takes care of her skin on board at all times.
“My go-to is a hydration serum. I apply this before and after my flight to keep my skin hydrated and moisturised. I also apply sunscreen on my face daily,” she says.
“The essentials I keep in my cabin crew handbag include red lipstick, perfume, eye drops and a hydration face mist.”
Sleeping on board
Just like passengers, it’s essential cabin crew members sleep on the flight.
Their designated rest area is called the Crew Rest Compartment (CRC), which contains bunkbeds for crew and pilots.
Inside each bunkbed are blankets, pillows and a TV.
“The CRC is the perfect place to rest and recharge,” she says.
“We also have cabin crew pyjamas, which we must wear whenever we’re resting to ensure passengers can easily identify the crew members that are on duty.”
Life in Dubai
When she’s not travelling around the world for work, Annabel is enjoying living in Dubai, which she says is “young, vibrant and one of the safest cities in the world”.
“Known as the city of gold, it’s home to over 200 nationalities, making it an absolute melting pot of cultures,” she says.
![When she’s not travelling around the world for work, Annabel is enjoying her life in Dubai.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-14015379/c3294d5d175e3476a18de411d296c095d841c434.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
Because she gets free accommodation, she shares her place with two other flight attendants.
But she doesn’t spend too much time at home, saying she’s always out socialising on days off or at the beach with friends.
“I feel fortunate to have made so many friends in such a short span of time,” she says.
“Being situated in the heart of the world, I believe Dubai gives me easy access to explore every corner of the world.”
Annabel also enjoys taking time off to travel solo — her most recent trip was to Zanzibar.
Exclusive discounts
When home in Dubai, she makes the most of anther perk — her airline’s platinum membership card, which cabin crew “get at a low cost”.
“Using the platinum card, we get great discounts on almost everything, from gym classes, restaurants to supermarkets and makeup brands,” she says.
![Over the past two years working for the airline, she has visited more than 52 countries.](https://images.7news.com.au/publication/C-14015379/21c8ad7a0e934edde298574f619760a9fc9ae67f.jpg?imwidth=650&impolicy=sevennews_v2)
At the moment, Annabel says she has no intentions of moving back to Australia any time soon.
“I absolutely love my job and the direction my career is heading in,” she says.
“Emirates has provided me with the best opportunities to grow and succeed.
“I never thought I’d be where I am today.”
‘Best decision ever’
For those looking to relocate to Dubai to work as a flight attendant, Annabel says: “Make sure you thoroughly research about the job before applying.
“This will give you confidence and help you understand if this is the right move for you,” she says.
“Moving to Dubai and working for Emirates was the best decision I have ever made.
“The opportunities here are endless.”
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