Passengers will have to download the Ryanair app to get the mobile boarding passes instead.
This will be required for all countries, excluding Morocco where a printed boarding pass will need to be given at the check in desk.
Initially hoped to be rolled out back in May, it was delayed to November 3, before being confirmed for November 12.
Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary previously said: “Our goal is to eliminate check-in desks at the airport, just like we’ve done with luggage counters.
“It also means, once we get everybody onto the app, nobody will ever again pay for a boarding pass at an airport – the airport check in fee will be gone.
“So, I think it will be a smoother, easier journey for everybody.”
The airline has reassured passengers that if they lose their phone or the battery dies, Ryanair staff can still print out a pass at the airport gate.
Of course, Ryanair still has a number of other strict fees that catch passengers out.
Changing the name of the passenger can cost up to £160, while a missed flight fee is £100.
The airline recently increased the size of their free personal bag that passengers can take onboard, by 5cm.
But you could have to pay up to £45 if it breaks the size rules and you have to check it in.
This is if it is 10kg – anything over this can be a £60 fee.
NEW rules have come into which will ban ALL pub crawls in a major Spanish city.
The classic activity popular with locals and tourists alike is now totally banned, whatever the time of day or night.
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The organising of pub crawls has been banned in one popular Spanish cityCredit: GettyFrom today, organisers will face fines if they plan the eventsCredit: Getty
The ban on promoting, organising or running pub crawls has been extended to cover the entire area of Barcelona at all hours of the day, and comes into force on October 29, 2025.
The move aims to “ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard residents’ right to rest and protect public health“.
The new rule, which also prohibits advertising related activities in any form, has been agreed following a public consultation.
A spokesman for Barcelona city council. “Pub crawling is a business that takes customers on organised drinking tours to a series of establishments that offer discounted alcoholic drinks.
“It typically involves quickly consuming one or more low-quality drinks before heading to the next stop.
“This activity has been identified as a risk factor that causes disturbances in neighbourhoods, puts extra strain on public spaces and potentially leads to criminal behaviour or road safety violations.”
Organisers face fines ranging up to €3,000 (£2,641), while participants are exempt from fines, they could face them for other infractions like drinking in the streets or causing disruptions.
Until now, pub crawls were only banned in the districts of Ciutat Vella, since 2012, and L’Eixample, since June 1, 2025.
The restrictions here were mainly focused on nighttime hours, from 7pm to 7am.
The new rules that have been introduced are for a permanent ban that applies 24 hours a day, all year-round, rather than being only seasonal.
Other rules include no drinking in public places that aren’t pubs, bars or restaurantsCredit: Alamy
This has been approved and will be in force for four years.
According to the city council, data provided by the police indicates that the ban on alcohol routes in Ciutat Vella and L’Eixample has worked.
They say it has “contributed to significantly reducing the number of activities detected and has facilitated their prevention, thanks to the early detection of the offer through social networks”.
The city council says the ban has been well-received in the Ciutat Vella district, with only three fines issued last year, and authorities believe it will have a similar impact citywide.
Pub crawls have been hugely popular in Barcelona and have been widely promoted on the internet.
The city of Barcelona will no longer tolerate pub crawls no matter what time of day it isCredit: Alamy
These have attracted hundreds of thousands of people every year and bringing in a huge income.
Most pub crawls lasted for at least six hours and others up to 24 hours, but now organisers have started to post “now unavailable” messages on their websites.
These aren’t the only rules that have been introduced, across Spain there are been lots of new sanctions put in place to stop bad behaviour.
ONE winter sun destination that sees hundreds of thousands of Brits visit each year has entered a period of mourning after the loss of its former Queen.
As a result, there will be some new rules in play for visitors that will affect everything from clothing to events.
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Thailand is a holiday favourite for Brits – especially during the colder months in the UKCredit: AlamyNew rules have been put in place as Queen Sirikit of Thailand passed away in October 2025Credit: Alamy
Queen Sirikit, the mother of Thailand‘s King Vajiralongkorn, passed away on October 25, 2025.
Sirikit was the Queen of Thailandfrom 28 April 1950 to 13 October 2016 as the wife ofKing Bhumibol Adulyadej(Rama IX), well-known for her charity work, and being a style icon.
As a result of Queen Sirikit’s passing, the Royal Thai Government has announced a period of national mourning for 90 days.
Despite the mourning period, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is reassuring travellers that Thailand remains open and is welcoming tourists as usual.
However, it has added that visitors during this period should behave respectfully, especially when going to temples, royal sites, or government offices.
Tourism services like transportation, hotels, attractions, hospitality venues across Thailand continue to be open and operate as normal.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has announced new measures for locals, which will also affect tourists.
For anyone going on holiday in the next two months, you will see members of the public dressed in mourning clothes, as a sign of respect.
Locals are likely to be wearing black, and while holidaymakers don’t have to, they are encouraged to wear clothing that isn’t brightly coloured.
Events might change slightly too as organisers have been asked to “exercise discretion and adjust event formats appropriately to reflect the national atmosphere of mourning”.
Queen Sirikit was the Queen of Thailand from 1950 to 2016Credit: AFP/Getty Images
Some places will be closed, like The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram (Wat Phra Kaeo) which from October 26 to November 8, 2025 won’t be open.
This is for the Royal Merit-Making Ceremony in honour of the Royal Funeral.
The Vijit Chao Phraya 2025 event in Bangkok, which was scheduled from November 1 to December 15, 2025, has been postponed in observance of the mourning period.
It will now begin on December 1, 2025 instead.
The Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival 2025 will go ahead as scheduled from October 27 to November 5, 2025 at Sukhothai Historical Park.
The Loi Krathong Festival in Ayutthaya will also proceed as planned, with celebrations adjusted in tone.
The Grand Palace will be closed until November 8, 2025Credit: Alamy
Ms. Worapa Angkhasirisap, Director of Travel to Thailand UK & Ireland said: “Her Majesty Queen Sirikit was deeply revered as a mother figure to the Thai people.
“During this time of remembrance, we thank visiting travellers for their understanding and sensitivity toward the feelings of the Thai nation.
“Thailand remains as welcoming as ever, and we encourage travellers to continue with their current and future plans to visit.
“Hotels, hospitality venues, attractions and experiences across the country continue to operate with the warmth and hospitality for which Thailand is known.”
The best time to visit Thailand is between November and early April, as temperatures average between 32 and 36C, and there are up to nine hours of sunshine every day.
To make it even more appealing, some of Asia‘s most stunning beaches are in Thailand.
There’s accommodation for every budget in Thailand, from luxury spa resorts to thatched beach huts and hotels.
If you’d like to stay close to the lively capital of Bangkok, Pattaya and Ko Chang are relatively near the city and feature incredible white sands and resorts.
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand and is full of hotels, miles of sandy beaches, restaurants and nightlife.
In the southern Gulf of Thailand, you’ll find luxurious beach resorts on Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao islands.
Local authorities in holiday hotspot Albufeira, Portugal, have warned that the new rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round
The authorities in Albufeira in Portugal have issued a new set of rules(Image: Getty)
Tourists now face fines for misplacing shopping trolleys in a popular European destination keen to crack down on bad behaviour.
British travellers visiting Portugal this year risk fines of over £1,570 for breaking new public rules in the popular holiday destination of Albufeira. The fines range from a minimum of €150 to €1800 (£130-£1570) for ignoring tightened restrictions, which include misplacing shopping trolleys, lighting barbecues on the beach, and creating excessive noise.
Local authorities have warned that the rules will be “enforced strictly” and that the code of conduct will be in place year-round.
Over the years, Albufeira has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal. With its stunning coastline, buzzing nightlife, and holiday appeal, it is easy to see why it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. But that popularity has come with some cost.
A small number of visitors are engaging in disruptive, disrespectful or even dangerous behaviour. This has had an outsized impact on the town’s quality of life, particularly in peak season. From rowdy public drunkenness to inappropriate conduct in public spaces, these incidents have prompted concern from residents, visitors, business owners, and local authorities.
Following a year of work, the local authorities have unveiled a new code of conduct. It was put together through consultation with police, businesses and civil society organisations.
Signs have been placed across the city centre area to remind tourists and locals alike of the new rules. Authorities say the crackdown follows several high-profile incidents of disruptive behaviour last year, including viral videos of British tourists engaging in indecent acts on the main party strip.
Fines being introduced in Albufeira include:
Wearing swimwear outside of authorised areas – €300 to €1,500 (£260–£1,300)
Street drinking, urination or defecation in public – €300 to €1,500
Public nudity or sexual acts in public – €500 to €1,800 (£435–£1,570)
Sleeping in public or unauthorised camping – €150 to €750 (£130–£650)
Spitting in public – €150 to €750 (£130–£660)
Abandoning shopping trolleys/carts – €150 to €750
“With a €144 million investment in projects across the municipality over the last four years, Portugal is pushing to protect locals and keep its reputation as a family friendly destination.” an expert at One Sure Insurance explains.
“We are seeing fines introduced across Europe which could lead to tourists being caught out. Portugal is looking to introduce some steep fines, so we are asking British travellers to consider these new rules when on holiday to avoid unexpected costs to their trip.”
If you’re concerned about accidentally breaking one of the rules, you can speak to tourist information offices, hotel staff, your country’s consulate or local police for more details. In emergencies, dial 112.
A HISTORIC village made famous by Bridget Jones has been locked in a bitter row over strict planning rules.
Locals in Snowshill, Gloucestershire, which appeared in the 2001film, ‘Bridget Jones’s Diary’, have been left divided over the rules.
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The pretty Cotswold village of Snowshill where residents have been left dividedCredit: SWNS
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The much-loved classic Bridget Jones’s Diary was filmed in the Cotswold villageCredit: SWNS
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It served as the location of Bridget Jones’s family homeCredit: SWNS
The Cotswold village appeared in the much-loved classic as the home ofBridget’sparents, played byJim Broadbentand Gemma Jones, and it is often called “the jewel of the Cotswolds”.
But now, planning rules mean real-life residents must seek permission if they want to paint their front door a new colour, erect a gate or lay a patio.
Tewkesbury Borough Council has put Snowshill under an Article 4 Direction.
The change has been made by the council to preserve the picturesque village’s “exceptional historic character”.
As a result, any work or alterations to the buildings will have to be cleared by the authority.
Alterations include, putting in a patio, changing the colour of an outside wall, installing roof lights or replacing exterior windows and doors.
But the new rules have left residents who call the picturesque village home divided.
Some supporters reckon the rules will stop the slow creep of white plastic windows and modern black doors from ruining the honey-stone cottages and old leaded windows that bring in coachloads of selfie-snapping tourists.
But others reckon it’s all got a bit too much and claim a small group are using the red tape to control what others do with their homes.
Meanwhile, concerns were raised the measures could place “undue burdens on property owners” carrying out routine maintenance.
‘We live next to HMP Quadring’, blast villagers after ‘eyesore’ newbuild estate popped up next door – none are selling
One newer resident, who asked not to be named, told The Times that the new rules are “way too strict”.
They claimed they have had several spats with neighbours while fixing up their crumbling cottage over the past ten years.
The resident told the outlet: “It’s just a small group pushing for this, but they’re the ones being heard.
“Our house was falling apart when we bought it — we’ve poured our heart, soul and savings into making it liveable.
“Now if we want to put up a simple fence or a greenhouse, it feels like climbing Everest. We love it here, but it really does make you think twice.”
But other residents had an opposing point of view.
Long-time resident Sheila Wilkes told The Times: “Everybody wants to build bigger these days — all the little country cottages are being replaced with flashy big houses.
“I’ve lived here forever and I hate change — the houses are beautiful as they are. They don’t need tarting up.”
And Grant Brooker, 64, a retired architect who is restoring a 17th-century house, said the rules would stop people using cheaper materials which devalue properties and damage the character of the village.
Snowshill, part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is known for its historic buildings.
According to the council, the “majority” of buildings in the village are not listed and are “at risk” from changes that could have a “significantly harmful effect”.
Councillor Sarah Hands, from Tewkesbury Borough Council, said: “If you want to paint your door in the same or a similar colour – no one’s stopping you from doing that – [but] a different colour, would have to be put in as a planning application.”
Ms Hands added: “Changing a window here, changing a door there – you think it isn’t making much difference.
“But accumulatively over the village, if everyone started making these changes, those things that make it a beautiful, unique, preserved village would start to chip away.”
Prince William has revealed his strict parenting rules when it comes to his kids – Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte – and mobile phones
Kate and William have strict rules for their kids(Image: PA)
Prince William has revealed his stern parenting when it comes to his kids and mobile phones. The future King revealed Princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte are banned from owning a device by himself and his wife, Princess Kate.
He made the revelation while speaking with Eugene Levy, shortly after Kate had confirmed the pair try to limit their children’s screen time. And he also admitted they regularly sit down for dinner together no matter how busy his schedule gets, labelling their chats “really important’.
“None of our children have phones, which we’re very strict about,” he confessed before revealing the kids’ other obsessions. “Louis loves the trampoline,” he admitted. “He’s obsessed. And Charlotte loves it too.
“As far as I can tell they just end up jumping up and down, beating each other up, most of the time. Apparently, there is an art to it.”
As well as enjoying the trampoline, William, 43, says daughter Charlotte, 10, takes part in netball and ballet. William claimed both he and Kate think it’s really important to ensure their kids are involved in sports and outdoor activities.
As for 12-year-old George, William says his eldest is a staunch football fan, like himself. He said he is also keen on hockey.
William also opened up on the pain he felt as he watched both his father, King Charles III, and his wife be diagnosed with cancer. The Royal Family were left devastated by the double cancer diagnosis last year. They came just months apart.
Buckingham Palace announced in February 2024 that the King had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer following a prostate exam. Then in March, the Princess of Wales confirmed she too had been diagnosed with cancer following tests that were conducted after major abdominal surgery in January.
Speaking to Eugene for his The Reluctant Traveler series, William described having his father and wife sick at the same time was like “having the rug pulled from underneath you”.
He candidly admitted: “We’ve been very lucky, we hadn’t had many illnesses in the family for a very long time. My grandparents lived until they were in the high 90s.
“So, they were the vision of fitness, and stoicism, and resilience if you like. So we’ve been very lucky as a family.” He then went on to reference his father King Charles ‘ cancer diagnosis and his wife Kate’s diagnosis.
“But I think, when you suddenly realise that the rug if you were, the metaphorical rug can be pulled from under your feet quite quick at any point. You maybe think to yourself ‘It won’t happen to us, we’ll be okay.’
“Because I think everyone has a positive outlook, you’ve got to be positive. But when it does happen to you, then it takes you into some pretty not great places.”
The Great British Bake Off finalist Dr Josh Smalley spoke to the Mirror recently about what it’s like to compete on the show, including sharing his thoughts on Alison Hammond
Bake Off finalist Josh Smalley spoke to the Mirror about the Channel 4 show earlier this week
Dr Josh Smalley has revealed what it was like filming the Great British Bake Off. The former contestant, who was a finalist on the Channel 4 show in 2023, shared behind-the-scenes details in an interview with the Mirror this week.
The chemistry researcher and science communicator, 29, competed on the fourteenth series of the show, which aired two years ago. He made it to the final of the baking contest after impressing the judges and was declared a runner-up, with Matty Edgell taking home the trophy instead.
Josh reflected on his experience in the iconic tent in an interview with us earlier this week, ahead of him delivering a talk at the New Scientist Live festival next month. He spoke about the two hosts of Bake Off, the hardest aspect of competing and revealed what happens to leftover cakes.
Josh, who said that he had applied for Bake Off as an opportunity to “challenge” himself, described taking part in the show as the “best experience”. The baker told us that he had dreamed of being on it but never thought he would.
He said that the twelve contestants, who have stayed in touch since filming ended, “instantly just got on”. Josh said that they met at their hotel prior to the first challenge but they only saw judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith “just before the first bake,” which he found to be “quite scary”.
Josh said about the competition: “The saddest part every week was that somebody was gonna have to go home.” He added: “You wanted everybody to do well, because you could see these incredible things coming together all around you. You just want everyone to do their best.”
Asked if he was surprised by any aspect of filming, Josh, who said he had watched the show since it began in 2010, teased that he had expected there to be more time for baking than the deadline viewers are told about. After suggesting that he had thought there to be a “quick break,” he said: “Nope, it’s 2 hours, that’s it!” He added: “It was very strict on that. So you don’t get extra time.”
He later said that the time limits are the “real challenge” for contestants. Josh told us: “All of the bakers on every series, if given unlimited time to make what they wanted to make … they would make an incredible bake. The real challenge is being able to squash all that into 2 hours.”
Speaking about the “stress” and temperature in the tent, he said: “There’s a lot of stressful moments as well [as the fun]. When you’re having to remake something for the third time because it’s not worked right it’s quite stressful.”
Josh also mentioned being critiqued in person by Paul and Prue. He said: “The pressure of having your food judged and being literally nose-to-nose with [the judges] as they dive into it and taste it, and then you’ve got to hear their instant feedback – that was a bit nervy as well.”
Discussing what happens to the leftover bakes that aren’t eaten by the judges, he said: “After a long day’s filming, and there’s a very hungry crew, and bakers, it soon disappears. Don’t worry about that. There’s no wastage at all.”
Josh added that he was keen to try his co-stars’ bakes after hearing any positive feedback from the judges. Speaking about trying each other’s cakes, he said: “We all got a piece of it brought afterwards so we got to try bits of it.”
He continued: “The majority of the bakes on the show are sweet [though], so there comes a point with all the practising as well, where you’ve just … you’re sort of sick of eating cake because you can’t take any more sugar.” He added that any savoury challenges, like bread week, were “the best”.
“They were the best ones because just like you were craving savoury,” he told us. Josh added: “So once it was one of those ones we just … we would all dive in and eat it all.”
Josh appeared on the first Bake Off series co-hosted by Alison Hammond, with her having joined Noel Fielding that year. He said: “She was incredible. She was so lovely and I think [together] they just bounce off each other.”
He said that Alison and Noel had a “great chemistry,” before saying: “I loved it when they came round. They always would come round at the worst time possible, deliberately so.” Josh added that Alison was a “welcomed addition” to the show and that she was on hand to “encourage” the bakers.
Since competing on the show, Josh has remained in the science field, with him now a postdoctoral research associate and science communication champion at the University of Leicester. He also founded the Science Kitchen, described as a “pioneering on-campus kitchen and laboratory” that provides a platform “to educate, entertain, and inspire,” at the university.
Discussing his decision to remain in that industry, he said: “I just thought that it would be an amazing opportunity to try and use the platform of the Bake Off to be able to do what I’ve always done and just do it on another scale up. […] Now, I get to blend my two passions of the baking and the chemistry, and I get to go and do all sorts of online videos, and shows and talks all the way round the country and get to educate the public and young audiences all about science and baking, and hopefully make science, chemistry in particular, interesting, engaging, accessible but through the means of food, which we all love.”
He’s now preparing for a talk at New Scientist Live, which promises “talks, immersive exhibitions and boundary-pushing science experiences” at ExCeL, London, next month. Josh said that the event will have “an amazing array of speakers”.
Teasing his talk, the Spooktacular Science of Baking, which is being held on October 19, Josh said that it will feature a vomiting pumpkin and chemical reaction display. There will also be bakes and chemistry demostrations. Josh added: “Delving into and close up as to what’s actually going on in our bakes.”
Speaking about baking, he said: “You just follow the recipe and then you get the result at the end.” He added about introducing the science behind it: “You just see people’s reaction to actually then think, something that they have made or been doing for years and years and years, suddenly now someone has told them actually why we do that.”
He gave examples such as why a recipe may require room temperature butter or ingredients being used in a certain order. Josh said: “It’s really fun to be able to actually explain, from a chemistry point of view, what’s actually happening there.”
Further promoting his talk, he said: “We know we all love to be in the kitchen, either eating what we’ve made, or having a go and playing around experimenting. So if you like food, and you want to learn a little bit more about how baking and how cooking works, then this is the talk for you.”
Josh continued: “Also, you’re gonna get a little sprinkle of the science [behind it] as well.” He then added: “And it’s gonna have a few sort of like pops and bangs and fizzes and things so it will be a nice, immersive experience.”
EastEnders legend Danniella Westbrook has revealed that she would consider a return to the BBC soap opera if bosses agreed to her very strict condition
Danniella Westbrook has just one condition should she return to EastEnders(Image: PA)
An EastEnders icon has shared the single condition that might lure her back to the BBC soap opera – and it’s quite a demand. Danniella Westbrook, 49, who initially arrived on Albert Square in 1990 as Sam Mitchell, has confessed she would only consider returning to Walford if her legendary character was given control of the Queen Vic.
Speaking about a potential return, Danniella said: “I’d only go back if they gave Sam Mitchell the Queen Vic. If they put Sam behind the bar and made her the next Peggy, I’d go back.
“But if they didn’t, I’m not interested. The show needs some great matriarchs again, and they don’t have loads now, do they? I know they’ve got Tish [Letitia Dean, who plays Sharon] and Denise. But yeah, I’d consider it if Sam Mitchell was back running The Queen Vic.”
The performer, who has portrayed Sam intermittently for over thirty years, reckons seizing control of the renowned boozer could restore some desperately needed edge to the BBC drama.
Danniella Westbrook has hinted she could return to EastEnders (Image: Unknown)
“If Sam were running the Vic, she’d be a lot like Peggy, I think,” she explained to the Daily Star. “But I think she’d have poker nights and all sorts going on.”
Danniella also suggested that, should she make a comeback, her interpretation of Sam would appear vastly different to the depiction audiences have witnessed recently from actress Kim Medcalf, who played the character between 2002 and 2005, before returning in 2022 and leaving in 2024. “I think if she came back, she’d have to come back a bit differently, because the other girl who plays her does it so differently,” Danniella said.
“The way I play Sam and the way she plays Sam, it’s like two completely different characters. Even the writing changes. What they write for her and what they write for me are like two different personalities.”
Drawing comparisons between their interpretations, she continued: “Kim plays her a lot posher, not as East End, not as flirty, she’s more middle-class in her version. Whereas my Sam is more brassy, more cheeky.”
The Mitchell clan have remained central to EastEnders‘ storylines for decades, with Barbara Windsor’s legendary Peggy Mitchell commanding respect from behind the Queen Vic bar for years.
Danniella believes that handing Sam similar authority could recapture some of that iconic drama. But despite the character being recast in 2002, Danniella returned to EastEnders in 2009 as producers wanted to recreate Sam’s chemistry with Patsy Palmer and Sid Owen, who had returned to the show as Ricky and Bianca.
The London-born star was last seen on EastEnders in 2016, having made a string of appearances between 2009 and 2010. Producers cut short her previous returns when her personal battles took their toll on Danniella’s work.
Speaking previously, she said that the bosses on the show had seen her struggle with addiction and despite her character being recast, she saw it as a “blessing.” Speaking on the Soap From The Box podcast, Danniella claimed the producers told her how they had been “dreading” calling her up with the news.
She claimed they told her: “We were dreading making the phone call. We’re not offering you it because you’ve been so ill the last few times you’ve come back. We do want to look after your safety first. How do you feel about it?”
Recalling her response on the podcast, Danniella said: “Do you know what? You’ve just taken the decision out of my hands and I feel I can put that to bed. Maybe one day, if anything ever comes around, I hope we can all sit down and have dinner and have a lovely time about it, and look at the lovely memories.”
The airline is currently looking to hire 17,300 people, equivalent to a mid-size town or the seating capacity of 58 Airbus A350 aircraft, across 350 roles, which include pilots, IT professionals, engineers, and cabin crew
Emirates is looking for new flight attendants(Image: Marika Mikusova)
Emirates Airlines is hiring new flight attendants, but applicants must meet strict criteria.
The airline is currently looking to hire 17,300 people, equivalent to a mid-size town or the seating capacity of 58 Airbus A350 aircraft, across 350 roles. Emirates hasn’t said how many of those job openings are for flight attendants, but it is likely to be within the hundreds, if not thousands.
Flight attendant Marika Mikusova has offered some insight into the Emirates application process(Image: Marika Mikusova)
Emirates has said that new recruits are required for some roles, including cabin crew, pilots, engineers, commercial and sales teams, customer service, ground handling, catering, IT, HR, and finance. Separately, Dnata is looking to hire more than 4,000 cargo, catering, and ground handling specialists.
Some of the benefits included with Emirates jobs are profit share eligibility, comprehensive medical and life insurance cover, travel benefits including flight tickets and membership cards that provide discounts at hundreds of retail, hospitality, and lifestyle outlets.
Although the airline has not advertised wages as part of this recruitment drive, Aviation A2Z reports that the average annual salary of an Emirates flight attendant working in the United States at approximately $47,000 (£34,000) as of last year.
While the salary and benefits appeal, Emirates is particular when it comes to what it is looking for in new recruits. They must be:
Be fluent in both written and spoken English (additional languages are an advantage)
A natural team player with a personality that shines
At least 160 cm tall (5’2”)
Able to reach 212 cm high
Able to meet the UAE’s employment visa requirements
Have at least one year of hospitality/customer service experience (desirable)
Have a minimum of high school (grade 12) education
Have no visible tattoos while in Emirates cabin crew uniform
“Irrespective of nationality, Emirates look for a positive attitude, confidence, flexibility, maturity, a friendly disposition and a genuine passion to help others to provide quality service. As the job can be physically demanding, it is imperative you demonstrate resilience and a determination to continually perform well”, the job requirements add.
Marika Mikusova, a flight attendant with Emirates, shared her recollection of the application process. “For example, I would definitely advise against wearing unnatural hair or nail colour! I personally attended open days twice. The first time I didn’t even pass the first round of the interview. I assume it was because of what I was wearing,” she explained.
Marika also had some, perhaps slightly more traditional advice for those angling for a job with Emirates. “So I would advise women to put on blazer and pencil skirt and style their hair in a bun. I would highly recommend putting a lipstick and heels on!”
For men, Marika suggested that they arrive clean-shaven or with a moustache only, and dressing in a suit.
“Mind your body language! Put on a gentle smile and present yourself in a calm manner. Do not cross your arms during interview as you would look unapproachable or even angry,” she added.
Marika even recalled a time when she attended her Prague Emirates Open Day, where several Korean women hoping to become flight attendants had flown in from other continents just to attend the Emirates Open Day.
“In fact, the interview was conducted entirely in English and was not limited by the nationalities of the candidates, the number of participants, or how many times each candidate attended Open Days in the past. So you can try multiple interviews outside your country,” Marika concluded.
Those aspiring to join the Emirates Group can apply for the various roles and keep a lookout for open days and recruitment events worldwide at www.emiratesgroupcareers.com.