Etihad or Emirates?
Hey everyone,
I really need some honest advice from people who’ve worked at ✈️ Etihad Airways or ✈️ Emirates (or both if you’ve experienced them).
I’ve been lucky enough to get accepted by both airlines. With Emirates, I was actually a rejoiner — I previously started training but left because at that time I honestly felt like this lifestyle wasn’t for me. After leaving, I ended up regretting it quite a bit, went back to an open day, and got accepted again.
Right now I’m in the onboarding process with both airlines, and I’m really stuck. I keep hearing completely mixed opinions. Some people say Emirates is the absolute dream and the best experience you can get, while others say it can be quite toxic and very mentally draining. With Etihad, I hear more that it’s calmer, more supportive and “human,” but maybe not as intense or exciting.
What makes this even more stressful is my current situation. I already resigned from my job because I had a joining date with Etihad. Then yesterday Emirates called me and offered me a November joining date. Now I’m in my notice period, everything is already in motion, and I’m starting to feel pressure because I’ll soon have to reject one of the airlines so they don’t start processing visas unnecessarily.
I honestly feel quite overwhelmed and I don’t want to make the wrong decision again.
If you were in my situation, what would you do?
Is Emirates really as toxic as some people say, or is it exaggerated?
Has anyone here regretted choosing one over the other?
And would you go for Emirates even if Etihad is already basically confirmed and sooner?
Any honest advice or personal experience would mean a lot. I’m really trying to make the right decision here 🙏