Compare / EK vs FZ
Emirates vs flydubai
Two very different offers for the same job. Here is what actually separates Emirates and flydubai for cabin crew — pay, roster, rules and who each one suits.
Emirates
EK · Dubai
8.3
crew score
flydubai
FZ · Dubai
7.5
crew score
Choose Emirates if…
- ✓Starting pay is higher — about 20% more per month
- ✓Faster progression (career 8.2 vs 7.2)
- ✓Better layovers and lifestyle (8.8 vs 7.6)
- ✓Long-haul network with proper layovers instead of turnarounds
Choose flydubai if…
- ✓Short-haul flying means you sleep at home most nights
Side by side
| Emirates | flydubai | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry pay / month | $2,700-$3,400 | $2,200-$2,900 |
| Senior pay / month | $3,800-$5,200 | $3,000-$4,000 |
| Tax-free | Yes | Yes |
| Housing | Company housing | Company housing |
| Base | Dubai | Dubai |
| Type | Full-service | Low-cost |
| Fleet | ~260 | ~90 |
| Destinations | ~140 | ~130 |
| Alliance | None | None |
| Minimum age | 21 | 21 |
| Reach / height | 212 cm reach | 212 cm reach |
| Visible tattoos | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Language beyond English | None required | None required |
Crew scores compared
Emirates
flydubai
Apply
Emirates
Open Days running across Europe, Asia and Africa through 2026; online application with video interview also open.
flydubai
Rolling online recruitment and assessment days through 2026 as 737 MAX deliveries expand the network.
Still torn? Let the data decide.
Tax-free money or home every night? Fast promotion or a calm roster? Seven questions, ranked against pay, lifestyle, career and hiring data.
Frequently asked questions
Does Emirates or flydubai pay cabin crew more?
Emirates pays more at entry level: about $2,700-$3,400 a month against $2,200-$2,900. Remember to weigh tax status and housing before comparing headline figures.
Which is easier to get into, Emirates or flydubai?
Emirates is actively hiring (Open Days running across Europe, Asia and Africa through 2026; online application with video interview also open.) while flydubai is actively hiring (Rolling online recruitment and assessment days through 2026 as 737 MAX deliveries expand the network.) Requirements differ too — check both requirement pages before deciding where to spend your effort.
Emirates or flydubai — which is better for a first cabin crew job?
Emirates scores higher overall in our index (8.3 vs 7.5), but "better" depends on what you want: money, roster, promotion speed or where you live. The reasons listed above split it by priority.