Qatar Airways is one of the leading airlines not only in the Middle East but also in the world.
Middle Eastern airlines are known to be very strict compared to airlines in other regions. Qatar Airways has, over the years, been in the news for allegedly infringing on the privacy and rights of its workforce.
Back in 2013, claims were made by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) that Qatar Airways flight attendants were being sacked if they got married.
The then CEO of Qatar Airways, Akbar al-Baker, told CNN that the claims were untrue and his company’s employment practices were “very progressive.”
In this article, we want to focus on them as employers. Is it worth it to work for Qatar as a cabin crew member? Are they too strict? Do they pay well?
Let us start by looking at the pros.
Related: Qatar Airways Cabin Crew Salary Per Month
Pros
- Salary: As a cabin crew member, you will get a tax-free monthly salary typically ranging from $2,500 to $3,000 USD, varying with flight hours and destinations traveled to.
- Quality Accommodation: You will be provided with a fully furnished apartment free of charge, with utility bills covered. Usually, the apartment is shared with 2-3 other crew members. A housing allowance may be given if company housing isn’t used. The accommodation in Qatar could be better than that Emirates provides its crew due to Qatar building its accommodation recently.
- Benefits: Includes international medical insurance, transport for duty, and layover allowances.
- Excellent Financial Benefits: The tax-free salary allows you to save a lot money.
- Global Travel: Extensive network offering opportunities to travel worldwide, potentially visiting over 160 destinations.
- Travel Perks: You get generous discounts (50-90%) on Qatar Airways flights for staff, family, and friends, plus potential discounts on partner airlines.
- Comprehensive Benefits & Local Discounts: You are eligible for medical insurance, free laundry service, free transportation while going to work or training, access to gyms/pools, and discounts across Doha and worldwide &.
- Multicultural Environment: You get to work with colleagues who come from different parts of the world, and experience various cultures through traveling and living in Doha.
- Career Progression: The airline is known for offering opportunities for relatively fast career growth for high performers.
Related: Why You Should Visit Qatar – One of The Most Beautiful Destinations
Cons
- Relationship Monitoring: Before 2015, getting married during the initial contract required company approval. After a PR nightmare, policies were changed regarding crew members getting married and being on duty while pregnant. For pregnant women, ground work is given to them, while one can get married without fearing a job loss, as long as they notify the company.
- Accommodation Rules: Rules limit visits from opposite-sex guests and overnight stays for male relatives without permission.
- Social Media Restrictions: Posting photos in uniform or identifying as Qatar Airways crew online was prohibited. However, crew members are now allowed to post pictures while in uniform.
- Prohibited Discussions: Discussing politics, religion, or management while on board was not allowed.
- Lifestyle Restrictions: Included a ban on smoking and restrictions on items like alcohol in crew housing.
- Demanding Work: One requires to have a strong work ethic. The job involves irregular schedules, jet lag, fatigue, and potential health issues.
- Work-Life Balance: Similar to other airlines, missing important personal and family events is common.
- Cultural Adjustment: You will be required to adapt to living and working in Qatar, respecting local laws and customs (e.g., dress code in public).
- Social Challenges: Making lasting friendships can be difficult due to changing schedules and crew pairings.
Salary Summary
- Components: Basic Salary + Flying Pay (per hour) + Meal Allowances (layover specific).
- Average Range (Starting): Basic pay around QAR 3,800-4,200 ($1,000-$1,150 USD). On average, the total monthly earnings are between QAR 8,000-12,000 ($2,200-$3,300 USD), tax-free, depending heavily on flying hours. Some sources suggest an average of QAR 10,500/month.
- Deductions: A service bond (e.g., QAR 350/month for 2 years, refundable) might be deducted initially (Video 9).
- Benefits: Free high-quality housing, transport, insurance, free laundry, and substantial travel discounts add significant value.
Other Information
- Requirements: Minimum age 21, specific arm reach (212 cm), fluent English, high school certificate, excellent health, willingness to relocate. Visible tattoos are generally not permitted in uniform.
- Reputation: Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best airlines, known for high service standards.
Conclusioin
Choosing between some of the top airlines depends on individual priorities regarding salary expectations, tolerance for rules and lifestyle demands, preferred base location, and desired company culture.
As much as Qatar Airways can be seen as having a strict working culture, having them on your CV is great, plus, you get to earn a respectable salary and travel the world.
