Flight attendants at Emirates are speaking out against what they describe as deeply intrusive and stressful monthly 'appearance checks', where their weight and grooming are scrutinised under a strict corporate policy.
In a series of exclusive testimonies, cabin crew members have revealed to MailOnline that they are subjected to rigorous inspections upon joining the Dubai-based airline and then at regular intervals throughout their careers. These checks include being weighed and having their BMI (Body Mass Index) calculated.
'We Were Treated Like Cattle'
One former attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, did not mince words: "We were treated like cattle. It was incredibly demeaning. You're lined up, and managers scrutinise everything from your weight to the exact shade of your lipstick and the tightness of your ponytail."
The policy is rigorously enforced. Crew members who are deemed to have exceeded their 'personal weight requirement' are given a formal warning and a limited time frame—typically three months—to lose the weight. Failure to comply can result in being taken off active flight duty.
The Fine Details of the Grooming Manual
The airline's extensive grooming manual leaves little to chance. Female attendants are mandated to wear a specific shade of red lipstick and are provided with a branded lipstick to ensure uniformity. Their hairstyles are also strictly regulated, with guidelines on the type of hair clips permitted and how tight a bun must be.
One current employee shared, "There's a constant, low-level anxiety every month. You're worried about a few extra pounds or that your nail polish might be slightly chipped. It feels like your worth is being measured by a number on a scale."
Emirates' Stance
While Emirates has not commented on these specific allegations, the airline is known for its premium brand image and high service standards. It maintains that its appearance guidelines are part of upholding its renowned reputation and ensuring a consistent customer experience across all flights.
However, for many crew members, the human cost of this polished image is high, leading to significant pressure and impacting morale within the highly competitive aviation industry.
