Cabin Crew Open Days: How They Work & How to Prepare
Open days are the front door to a cabin crew career. Walk in with your CV, walk out with a job offer, or walk out with a lesson that makes your next attempt stronger. This guide covers everything you need to know about how open days work, which airlines hold them, and how to survive the process.
TLDR
Open days are walk-in recruitment events where you can apply for cabin crew in person. Emirates holds them in 50+ cities worldwide. Expect 500 to 2,000 candidates at popular locations. You are assessed from the moment you arrive: in the queue, in the waiting room, during your 60-second self-introduction, and throughout the group exercises. Bring your CV, your photos, your passport, and your best energy. Preparation is the difference between going home at round one and getting the golden call.
What is a cabin crew open day?
A cabin crew open day is a walk-in recruitment event hosted by an airline. There is usually no appointment and no prior application required. You show up at the venue with your CV, your photos, and your passport. The airline's recruitment team assesses you on the spot through a series of stages, from a brief self-introduction to group exercises to individual interviews.
Think of it as a compressed version of the entire recruitment process, squeezed into a single day. Thousands of candidates walk in. A small percentage, typically 10 to 20%, make it past the first cut. An even smaller percentage receive a job offer at the end.
The format varies by airline, but the core principle is the same: airlines are looking for people with warmth, confidence, professionalism, and the ability to work as part of a team. Your CV gets you through the door. Your personality, energy, and preparation determine whether you stay.
You are being assessed from the moment you walk in until the moment you leave. The queue, the waiting room, the breaks. There is no "off" switch at an open day. Treat every interaction as part of your interview.
How open days work (Emirates example)
While every airline structures their events differently, the Emirates open day is the gold standard and the most common format you will encounter. Here is what happens, stage by stage.
Stage 1: Registration & Queue
30-60 minutesYou arrive, join the queue, and register with your CV and passport. This is NOT downtime. Recruiters observe you from the moment you walk through the door. How you stand, how you interact with others in the queue, whether you look positive or miserable. It all counts.
Stage 2: Welcome Presentation
20-30 minutesRecruiters give a short presentation about the airline, the role, the lifestyle, and the benefits. Pay attention. Ask yourself if this is genuinely what you want. Recruiters will later ask what stood out to you from the presentation. If you were on your phone, you will have no answer.
Stage 3: First Cut: CV Review & Self-Introduction
1-2 minutes per candidateYou hand over your CV and give a brief 60-second introduction. This is the most brutal cut. Recruiters are looking at your CV photo, your grooming, your posture, your smile, and whether you can speak clearly and confidently for one minute. Up to 70% of candidates are eliminated here.
Stage 4: Group Exercise
30-45 minutesThose who pass the first cut stay for a group discussion or activity. You will be placed in a group of 5-8 candidates and given a topic to discuss or a problem to solve. Recruiters assess teamwork, communication, and whether you can collaborate with strangers under pressure.
Stage 5: English Test
20-30 minutesA written English assessment covering grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. The bar is not native-level fluency. It is clear, professional English suitable for safety announcements and passenger interactions. If English is not your first language, this is where preparation pays off.
Stage 6: Individual Interview
15-30 minutesThe final stage for those who make it through. A one-on-one or panel interview with competency-based questions. This is where your preparation on the STAR method, your motivation, and your knowledge of the airline all come together.
Stage 7: The Golden Call
Same day or next dayIf you are successful, you receive a phone call or email, sometimes the same day, sometimes within 48 hours. If you do not hear back within a week, it is safe to assume you were not selected this time. There is no shame in that. Come back stronger next time.
Key insight: The first cut eliminates the majority of candidates. Your 60-second self-introduction and your CV photo are the two most important elements to prepare. If you nail these, you have already beaten 70% of the room. Practice your self-introduction with Glo until it feels natural and confident.
Which airlines hold open days?
Not all airlines use the walk-in open day format. Some have moved entirely online. Here is a breakdown of the major carriers and how they recruit.
Emirates
Emirates is the most frequent recruiter in the industry. They hold open days across Asia, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. Events are posted on their careers page with the city, date, and venue. Expect 500 to 2,000 candidates at popular locations. Your CV photo is the single most important element for the first cut.
Full Emirates preparation guideQatar Airways
Qatar Airways has been shifting toward an online-first recruitment model. You submit your application online, and if shortlisted, you are invited to an assessment event. Some regions still have open day-style events, but they are less common than Emirates. The online screening includes a video introduction and questionnaire.
Full Qatar Airways preparation guideEtihad Airways
Etihad runs a structured online application process. Candidates apply through their careers portal, complete an online assessment, and if successful, are invited to an in-person or virtual assessment day. Occasional recruitment events are held in key cities, but walk-in open days are rare.
Full Etihad Airways preparation guideFlydubai
Flydubai holds open day events in cities across the Middle East, Asia, and Eastern Europe. The process mirrors Emirates but on a smaller scale. Events are posted on their website and social media. Fewer candidates attend compared to Emirates, which can work in your favour.
Full Flydubai preparation guideSaudia
Saudia runs periodic recruitment campaigns, primarily targeting candidates from Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. They occasionally hold open events in other regions. Check their official careers page for the latest announcements.
British Airways
British Airways does not hold walk-in open days. All applications go through their online careers portal. If shortlisted, you are invited to an assessment centre. The process is entirely appointment-based after an online screening stage.
Full British Airways preparation guideOpen day vs online application
Should you attend an open day or apply online? The answer is both. Each channel has advantages, and using both maximises your chances. Here is how they compare.
Immediate, in-person. Recruiters see your energy, grooming, and confidence live.
Based on your CV, photo, and possibly a video recording. No live interaction initially.
Same-day decisions possible. You could be through multiple rounds in one day.
Slower. Days to weeks between stages. More time to prepare between rounds.
Visible and intense. You are in a room with hundreds of candidates.
Invisible. You do not see other applicants, which can reduce or increase anxiety.
Less. You need to be ready on the day. No retakes on your self-introduction.
More. You can rerecord video introductions. Polish your CV before submitting.
Limited to specific cities and dates. You may need to travel.
Available anytime from anywhere with internet access.
Show personality, energy, and warmth. Make a memorable impression.
Focus on a polished CV, professional photo, and clear written/video communication.
The winning strategy: do both
Apply online to every airline you are interested in. Attend open days whenever one is available in your city or a city you can travel to. The online application is your backup. The open day is your chance to make a personal impression that no CV or video can replicate. Many successful cabin crew were rejected online but hired at an open day, and vice versa.
What to bring to an open day
Printed on quality paper. Include a professional photo. Bring extras because pages get lost, coffee gets spilled, and you never know how many people will handle your documents.
Professional headshots with a plain background, natural makeup, and a warm smile. Some airlines request a full-length photo as well. Print extra copies.
Standing, professional attire, good posture, genuine smile. Print at least two copies. This is especially important for Emirates and Qatar Airways.
With at least 12 months remaining. Some airlines require 18 months validity. Check the specific airline requirements before you go.
Original and photocopies of your highest qualification. Some airlines also ask for secondary school certificates.
For taking notes during the presentation and group exercises. It shows you are engaged and prepared.
Open days can last 6-10 hours. Bring water, energy bars, or fruit. Nothing messy, nothing with strong smells. You do not want garlic breath during your interview.
Things happen. A spare top in your bag shows the kind of preparedness airlines value.
Want to make sure your CV is open-day ready? Get your CV scored by Glo before you print it. You can also read our cabin crew CV guide for formatting tips specific to airline recruitment.
Hours of waiting, minutes of assessment
The reality of open days that nobody warns you about: you will spend most of your time waiting. Waiting in the registration queue. Waiting for the presentation to start. Waiting for your name to be called. Waiting between stages. The actual time you spend being formally assessed is a fraction of the total day.
But here is what most candidates get wrong: they treat waiting time as downtime. They pull out their phones. They slouch. They complain to the person next to them about how long everything is taking. This is exactly what recruiters are watching for.
What to do while waiting
- Talk to the candidates around you. Be genuinely curious about their stories.
- Stand or sit with good posture. Shoulders back, hands relaxed.
- Smile. Not constantly, but naturally. Look approachable.
- Review your self-introduction mentally, but stay present in conversations.
What to avoid while waiting
- Burying your face in your phone for hours. One quick check is fine. Two hours of scrolling is not.
- Complaining about the wait, the venue, the food, or the process.
- Forming cliques with people who speak your language and excluding others.
- Looking bored, tired, or like you would rather be somewhere else.
Tips from candidates who got hired
These are not generic advice. These are the specific behaviours that separate candidates who get through from those who do not.
Arrive early, ideally in the first 100
Recruiters see hundreds of candidates. The ones who arrive first get seen when energy levels are highest. By candidate 300, fatigue sets in. Being early also shows punctuality, which airlines take seriously.
Smile at everyone, including other candidates
Your warmth is being assessed from the moment you enter the venue. Smile at the security guard, the registration staff, and the person standing next to you in line. Recruiters notice who is approachable and who looks like they would rather be anywhere else.
Stand tall, do not slouch
Your posture communicates confidence before you say a word. Stand with your shoulders back, chin level, and feet together. If there are seats, sit upright with your hands in your lap. Do not cross your arms. Do not lean against walls.
Make small talk naturally
Talk to the candidates around you. Ask where they are from, what drew them to the airline, whether they have applied before. This is not just being friendly. It is practicing the exact social skills that cabin crew use every day. Recruiters watch who socialises and who isolates.
Memorise your self-introduction, but do not sound robotic
Your one-minute introduction should cover your name, where you are from, your relevant background, and why you want to be cabin crew. Practice it until it feels natural. The goal is confident and conversational, not rehearsed and mechanical.
Do not ask when you will hear back
Recruiters decide on their own timeline. Asking when you will know makes you seem impatient or anxious. Trust the process. If you made it through, they will contact you. If you did not, the silence tells you everything.
Stay positive during the entire wait
Open days involve hours of waiting. Do not complain about the wait, the venue, the food, or the other candidates. Airlines want people who stay positive in uncomfortable situations. The waiting room is an extended assessment.
Dress for the job, not the queue
Wear business professional attire as if you are already going to your interview. For women: blouse and pencil skirt or tailored trousers, closed-toe heels, neat hair and natural makeup. For men: suit and tie, polished shoes, clean-shaven or neatly groomed facial hair. No jeans, no trainers, no casual wear.
Want to nail your self-introduction?
Your 60-second self-introduction is the make-or-break moment at an open day. Practice with Glo until it feels natural, confident, and memorable. She will give you real-time feedback on what to keep and what to cut.
Frequently asked questions
What should I wear to a cabin crew open day?
Dress in professional business attire as if you are attending a formal interview. For women, a blouse with a pencil skirt or tailored trousers, closed-toe heels, and natural makeup. For men, a suit and tie with polished shoes. Avoid casual clothing, jeans, trainers, or heavy perfume. You are being assessed from the moment you arrive, and your appearance is part of that assessment.
How many people attend a cabin crew open day?
Attendance varies by city and airline. Emirates open days in popular cities like Dubai, London, or Bangkok can attract 500 to 2,000 candidates. Smaller cities may see 100 to 300. The key takeaway is that competition is fierce, but airlines are looking for specific qualities, not just the best-looking people in the room. Preparation gives you a massive advantage over candidates who show up hoping for the best.
Can I attend an open day without experience?
Absolutely. Airlines do not expect cabin crew experience. They are looking for transferable skills from any customer-facing or team-based role: retail, hospitality, healthcare, teaching, volunteering, and more. What matters is that you can demonstrate warmth, communication skills, teamwork, and a genuine desire to serve. Many successful cabin crew had no aviation background when they started.
How long does a cabin crew open day last?
Plan for a full day, typically 6 to 10 hours. Some candidates are eliminated after the first round and leave within 2 hours, while those who progress through all stages may be there until late afternoon or evening. Bring water, snacks, and patience. The length of the day is itself a test of your stamina and positive attitude.
What happens if I fail at an open day?
Most airlines have a cooling-off period before you can reapply, typically 6 months for Emirates. Use that time to work on whatever area you think was weakest: your CV, your self-introduction, your English, your grooming, or your group exercise skills. Many successful cabin crew were rejected on their first, second, or even third attempt. Persistence is part of the process.
Do I need to register online before attending an open day?
It depends on the airline. Emirates walk-in open days generally do not require prior registration, but some events ask you to register online first. Always check the airline's official careers page for the specific event details. Some airlines have moved to invite-only models where you must apply online before being asked to attend an event.
Can I attend open days for multiple airlines?
Yes, and you should. Applying to multiple airlines increases your chances significantly. There is no rule against it, and recruiters expect it. Just make sure you tailor your preparation for each airline. Saying you love Qatar Airways when you are at an Emirates open day is a fast way to get eliminated.
What if I travel to another city for an open day?
Many candidates travel internationally for open days, especially for Emirates events. If you are flying in, arrive the day before so you are rested and fresh. Research the venue location and travel time. Book a hotel nearby if needed. The investment in travel shows commitment, but only if you are well-prepared when you get there.
Is the self-introduction really only one minute?
Yes. Recruiters are seeing hundreds of candidates and time is strictly limited. You need to communicate who you are, what relevant experience you have, and why you want to be cabin crew, all in 60 seconds or less. Practice with a timer. Going over time shows you cannot follow instructions. Going significantly under suggests you are unprepared.
Do recruiters really observe the waiting room?
Without question. This is one of the most commonly reported elements of cabin crew recruitment. Recruiters and their assistants observe how candidates behave when they think they are not being watched. Are you friendly? Are you on your phone ignoring everyone? Are you complaining? Are you slouching? The waiting room is an extended assessment of your natural behaviour.
Keep preparing for your open day
Open day preparation goes beyond knowing the process. You need a strong CV, polished grooming, and answers ready for every stage.
Assessment Day Preparation Guide
Deep dive into group exercises, role-play, and interviews.
Cabin Crew CV Guide
Build a CV that gets you past the first cut at open days.
Top 30 Interview Questions
Prepare for the individual interview stage of the open day.
Grooming Standards Guide
Look the part before you say a word.
Ready to prepare for your open day?
Stop reading and start practising. Glo will run you through your self-introduction, group exercise strategies, and interview questions until you feel confident enough to walk into any open day and own the room.