Glowings
Etihad Airways

Become Etihad cabin crew

Everything you need to know about joining Etihad Airways as cabin crew. Requirements, the 6-stage interview process, training at Etihad Aviation Academy, and how to prepare with confidence.

~30
Days to Get Hired
64%
Positive Experience
2.9/5
Interview Difficulty
Why Etihad

What makes Etihad different

Based in Abu Dhabi

Not Dubai, not Doha. Abu Dhabi offers a unique lifestyle as the UAE capital, with a lower cost of living than Dubai and a thriving cultural scene.

Luxury & Innovation

Etihad is known for pioneering luxury in aviation. From The Residence to First Class Apartments, you'll deliver service at the highest level.

No Experience Required

Unlike some competitors, Etihad openly welcomes candidates without prior cabin crew experience. Your attitude matters more than your resume.

Virtual Assessment Days

Etihad offers virtual assessment days, making the process accessible from anywhere in the world. No expensive flights just to attend.

Higher Height Requirement

At 165cm minimum (vs 160cm at Emirates), Etihad's requirement is the highest among the big three Gulf carriers. The 212cm arm reach is strictly enforced.

Strict Grooming Standards

No visible tattoos, no body piercings. One earring per lower lobe allowed for females only. Bandages or cosmetic coverings are not permitted.

Requirements

Do you qualify?

Etihad has clear requirements. Check each one below to see if you're eligible before applying.

Minimum age
21 years old
Minimum height
165 cm (taller than Emirates/Qatar)
Arm reach
212 cm on tiptoes (strictly enforced)
Education
High school certification
Language
Fluent English (verbal and written)
Swimming
Able to swim with flotation device
Tattoos
No visible tattoos or body piercings
Experience
Open to new AND experienced crew

Important tattoo policy: Etihad does not allow visible tattoos or body piercings. One earring in the lower lobe per ear is permitted for females only. Bandages and cosmetic coverings are not accepted as a workaround. If you have visible tattoos, consider removal options before applying.

Interview Process

6 stages to your wings

Etihad's recruitment process is structured and transparent. Here is exactly what to expect at each stage.

01

Online Application

Submit your application through Etihad's careers portal. Make sure your CV highlights customer service experience and language skills.

02

Video Interview

Record your answers to pre-set questions. This is your chance to show personality, communication skills, and genuine enthusiasm for the role.

03

Assessment Day

Virtual or in-person. Includes tattoo check, English tests (written, spoken, and listening), reasoning tests, psychometric profiling, group exercises, role play, and competency interviews.

04

Final Interview

A one-on-one interview with a senior recruiter. Expect deeper questions about your motivations, conflict resolution skills, and understanding of Etihad's values.

05

Reference & Medical Checks

Etihad verifies your employment history and conducts a thorough medical examination. Be honest on your application to avoid issues at this stage.

06

Conditional Offer

Congratulations! You'll receive a conditional offer outlining your start date, salary, and relocation details for Abu Dhabi.

Assessment Day Deep Dive

The assessment day is the most important stage. Whether virtual or in-person, you will face multiple evaluations in a single session. Here is what Etihad tests:

Tattoo and grooming check
Written English test
Spoken English assessment
Listening comprehension
Reasoning and logic tests
Psychometric profiling
Group exercise and role play
Competency-based interview
Training

Etihad Aviation Academy

Once you receive your offer, training begins at Etihad's purpose-built aviation academy in Abu Dhabi. Here is what to expect.

Training Overview
  • Duration
    7-8 weeks intensive
  • Location
    Etihad Aviation Academy, Abu Dhabi
  • Schedule
    8 hours daily, 6 days per week
  • Pass mark
    80% across all assessments
What You Will Learn
  • Safety and emergency procedures
  • First aid and medical response
  • Etihad service standards and luxury delivery
  • Grooming and presentation standards
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Aircraft-specific procedures
  • Conflict resolution and passenger management

Heads up: You will receive a pre-training workbook that must be completed before you arrive. Take it seriously; it sets the foundation for everything you will learn in Abu Dhabi.

Prepare With Confidence

Get ready for Etihad

Knowing the requirements is step one. Actually preparing is where Glowings comes in.

Common Questions

Etihad cabin crew FAQ

Is Etihad easier to get into than Emirates?
They're different, not easier or harder. Etihad's interview difficulty is rated 2.9 out of 5 by candidates, and 64% report a positive experience. The process has 6 stages compared to Emirates' multi-round approach. The key difference is Etihad's higher height requirement (165cm vs 160cm) but their openness to candidates without prior cabin crew experience.
What's training like at Etihad Aviation Academy?
Training lasts 7-8 weeks at the Etihad Aviation Academy in Abu Dhabi. You'll train 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. The pass mark is 80%, so it's rigorous but absolutely achievable with preparation. You'll also need to complete a pre-training workbook before you arrive.
Can I apply without cabin crew experience?
Yes! Etihad explicitly welcomes candidates without previous cabin crew experience. What matters is your customer service mindset, communication skills, and willingness to learn. Many successful Etihad crew members came from hospitality, retail, or completely different industries.
What's the height requirement for Etihad?
Etihad requires a minimum height of 165cm and an arm reach of 212cm on tiptoes. This is higher than Emirates (160cm) and Qatar Airways (158cm). The arm reach requirement is strictly enforced during assessment day to ensure you can access overhead bins safely.
How long does the Etihad hiring process take?
On average, candidates report about 30 days from application to offer. However, this can vary depending on hiring volume and your location. The video interview and assessment day stages tend to move quickly once you're invited.

Considering other airlines too?

Many cabin crew aspirants apply to multiple Gulf carriers. That's a smart strategy. Explore our guides for Emirates and Qatar Airways to compare requirements and find your best fit.

Your Abu Dhabi journey starts here

Etihad cabin crew is a career that will take you around the world. Stop wondering if you are ready. Start preparing and find out.

Begin Your Journey