The idea of not paying rent while working might seem like a dream perk. One flight attendant turned this dream into reality, now enjoying a “dream life” thanks to the airline industry.
At 33, Alexandra Cosoff left Queensland, Australia, to become a flight attendant for Emirates. Now based in Dubai, Cosoff hasn’t paid rent in a decade.
Working as a cabin supervisor for Emirates, Cosoff enjoys a “generous benefits package,” according to a 2023 report by news.com.au.
“Our accommodation is provided, and the salary is tax-free. Plus, many other things are covered, like transport, laundry, and full medical and dental coverage,” Cosoff shared with news.com.au. “We are very well looked after.”
Back in Australia, much of Cosoff’s earnings went toward rent and bills. Now, with Emirates, she saves more of her income while traveling the world.
“What really attracted me was not having to pay taxes on top of my salary,” Cosoff shared.
She explained that she lives in an apartment provided by the airline.
“You can either choose company-provided accommodation or opt for a housing allowance,” she said.
Formerly a makeup artist, Cosoff now enjoys what she calls the “dream life.”
“I’ve been incredibly lucky. I’ve had the most amazing experiences,” she said.
Cosoff also mentioned that the training to become an Emirates flight attendant is intense, taking eight weeks to complete.
“The training is so rigorous, but it stays with you for life—it teaches cultural awareness, how to stay calm and composed, and once you have those skills, no one can take them from you,” she explained.
Why It’s Important:
According to the report, new Emirates flight attendants receive a base salary of around $1,236 per month, along with an hourly rate of approximately $17.86. They typically clock between 80 to 100 flight hours per month and also receive meal allowances.
On average, economy class flight attendants earn about $3,435 monthly, while cabin attendants tend to earn even more.
Cosoff, who holds a degree in marketing and public relations, shared that a career in aviation had always been appealing to her.
“Ever since I was a young girl, I dreamed of being a flight attendant. I remember seeing Emirates cabin crew on TV with their red hats and striking red lipstick and thinking, ‘Wow, they’re so beautiful,'” she recalled.
She encouraged anyone interested in the profession to apply, calling it “a dream come true.”
