Alexandra Cosoff hasn’t paid for accommodation for the past 10 years after joining Emirates as a flight attendant and living in Dubai.
The 33-year-old from the Sunshine Coast in Queensland is currently a cabin supervisor after climbing her strategy to the highest where she gets to benefit from the perks of her “generous profit package”.
“Our accommodation is provided and salary is tax free – and never just that, we’ve quite a lot of other things taken care of like transport, laundry, we’ve full medical and dental coverage,” Alexandra told news.com.au while on a stopover in London.
“We’re thoroughly taken care of.”
With most things provided and brought care of, Alexandra has been able to avoid wasting quite a lot of her salary which the upper up in ranks you’re, the more your package is increased.
For instance, for a recent joiner, the fundamental salary a month is 4430 Emirati Dirham (AED) – about $A1800.
But on top of that they get AED 63.75 ($A26) an hour, for 80 to 100 fly hours worked with meal allowances for night stops are credited to the salary in arrears the next month.
On average it’s upwards of $A5000 a month for economy grade, but cabin crew receive more salary and advantages as they progress through the grades.
Alexandra, who earns more given her role, said in comparison with working in Australia where an enormous chunk of your salary goes on rent and bills, working for the UAE airline she’s able to avoid wasting most of her income and spend on things corresponding to travelling the world – something she does often.
“What was very attractive to me was also not paying tax on top of my salary,” she said.
“I live in my very own apartment. You’ll be able to either get company-provided accommodation or go for accommodation allowance.”
Emirates confirmed that cabin crew can decide to receive an accommodation allowance should they opt-out of the accommodation provided.
Alexandra, a former makeup artist, said her job has allowed her to live a “dream life”.
“I actually have been so lucky. I’ve had essentially the most amazing time,” she told news.com.au.
“After I joined, I began in economy class for one and half years, before I got promoted to business class and the business promotions events team.
“I set to work on the A380s on-board lounge, something I actually enjoyed and the promotions team really opened my world to global events.
“I got to face on Rod Laver Area and present awards to wining tennis players in 2016 and in the identical yr I used to be on The Ellen Show (with other crew) where we gave a complete audience free tickets to Dubai.”
Alexandra also worked on first-class before securing a job because the airline’s cabin crew Adviser.
She graduated with a marketing and public relations degree in Brisbane but said she all the time desired to work within the aviation industry.
“Ever since I used to be a young girl I desired to be a flight attendant,” she said. “I remember seeing Emirates cabin crew on TV with their red hats and striking red lipstick and considering, ‘Wow they’re so beautiful, I need to try this.’”
Alexandra said the training is sort of intense and goes for just below eight weeks.
“It’s such rigorous training but you’ll keep that with you for all times – it gives you cultural awareness, easy methods to maintain calm and composure and once you’ve all those skills nobody can take that away from you,” she said.
There’s seven steps to it from safety and emergency, medical training, security training, hospitality, uniform presentation and repair learning.
With regards to presentation, cabin crew aren’t allowed to have visible tattoos, females’ hair should be neatly tied back, they have to wear heels and not less than have minimal makeup on – including the airline’s signature red lip.
“I used to be a makeup artist before I worked for Emirates so I discovered it quite easy – you finally get it all the way down to a fantastic art,” the 33-year-old said.
“From waking up, to out the door I can do my hair and makeup in quarter-hour.”
Cabin crew also learn basic Arabic as a part of their training, something Alexandra has been capable of profit from while living in Dubai which she described it as an “exciting” city, with plenty to do and see.
“I adapted to Dubai immediately. It’s such an expat-friendly place,” she said.
“It’s a really vibrant place and I actually have seen it grow a lot through the years.
“Its really set itself up as a tourist destination from its safaris, beautiful beaches and a lot of amazing restaurants and food from everywhere in the world.”
Working for the airline has been a “dream come true” and she or he recommends anyone interested by becoming a flight attendant to “just apply”.
“I actually have learned a lot in regards to the world, other cultures and in addition myself – and better of all you make amazing friends along the best way,” she said.
The 33-year-old said the job has allowed her to live a way of life she once only dreamt of.
“If it’s something you’re fascinated with doing, 100 per cent apply and provides it a try. For me it’s been such a tremendous opportunity and experience.”
Emirates’s next open day will likely be held on the Holiday Inn, Perth City Centre, on May 26.
