Emirates flight attendant spills his ‘non-negotiable’ carry-on items after visiting 125 countries – and the bizarre caviar act he witnessed in first class

A flight attendant has lifted the lid on what it’s really like working for one of the world’s biggest airlines – from overcoming jet lag and long layovers to the strangest request he’s ever received from a first-class passenger. 

Emirates cabin crew Doyle Kim is a seasoned traveller who knows life at 40,000ft better than most, having visited 125 countries – and counting. 

‘This job demands resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. As Emirates cabin crew, you’re more than a host – sometimes you’re a firefighter, a diplomat, a counsellor, and sometimes even a chef or presenter,’ Doyle told Daily Mail.

‘Every day brings new challenges, but with world‑class training and impeccable standards, you learn to wear many hats while delivering exceptional service. It’s a career that proves you can rise to any situation with confidence and grace.’

And with no two days ever the same, the Korean-Australian cabin crew member has encountered his fair share of unforgettable requests from passengers, with one in particular standing out.

‘A customer requested more caviar and a steaming hot towel as she wanted to complete a caviar facial in first class. And then after that she was rinsing her diamond ring in a glass of Champagne,’ he said. 

‘Our guests are iconic.’

The cabin crew member typically works six to eight flights a month, with longer journeys often keeping him away from his Sydney home for up to two weeks each month.

His average day on the job involves keeping up to date with security and destination travel briefs, as well as any specific information ahead of the journey. 

‘I wake up early and get ready for work to ensure all my documents and grooming are in check,’ Doyle explained.

‘I always check the destination temperature and weather to pack my wardrobe accordingly.’

In his carry-on cabin bag, he always packs his work tablet, phone, multiple charging cables, a camera, a portable coffee machine and a pouch filled with vitamins, lotions and hand sanitiser.

A non-negotiable item is activated charcoal tablets.

‘You will always find this in my bag in case of food poisoning – this is a must,’ he said.

Working across both short and long-haul flights, Doyle said he adapts to local daylight hours to minimise jet lag and uses a fitness tracker to keep track of his recovery, stress and sleep. 

‘It helps me balance training at the gym with the demands of the job,’ he explained. 

Despite spending almost half of every month away from home, one of the many perks of working for a global airline is being able to catch up with loved ones all over the world.

‘Luckily, I get to see so many friends and family living abroad and back in Sydney on my work flights, which means I can maintain friendships and see them often,’ he said.

‘So it’s dinner with your cousins in Seoul, lunch in Rome with your childhood friends who have moved there or having dinner at your old colleague’s family house in New York.’

He always stays active by exploring cities on layovers.

‘Layovers often mean walking cities for hours, which feels like a marathon a day, so I never worry about my step count,’ he said. 

‘Daily sunlight, hydration, and supplements are my go‑to for keeping my body and mind strong, and I pair that with mindfulness and gratitude to stay healthy. 

‘Another great advantage of being crew is that once your duties are complete, you can fully switch off and enjoy your days off – something I truly value about this role.’

To stay fresh and hydrated on board at all times, Doyle said sunscreen is a must for his in-flight skincare routine. 

‘I am Korean Australian, so skincare and wellbeing are key for me. It’s essential in the environment we work in,’ he said. 

‘Sunscreen is my non‑negotiable, and I rely on SPF 50 products such as the Beauty of Joseon stick for a matte finish even after long flights.

‘Hydration is equally important, so I use serums like Medicube PDRN and ANUA Hyaluronic Acid, layering them to suit my combination skin.

‘For deeper hydration during rest periods in the crew bunks, I apply Laneige water mask cream or sleep mask sheets, which are highly effective onboard. 

‘Grooming is also a priority – I use an electric shaver to minimise irritation and maintain a fresh appearance throughout extended duties.’

For hydration, he always adds Korean Kombucha prebiotic powder to his water, saying it provides ‘both taste and wellness benefits’.

When his passengers are anxious about flying, Doyle relies on a simple method to help calm their nerves.

‘A passenger who was a psychologist once shared a simple tip: moving your feet to a rhythm or tapping them lightly can help calm the body’s fear response,’ he said.  

Doyle said when you combine this with slow breathing – breathing in for four seconds, holding for four, and breathing out for four – it can be even more effective.

‘Listening to music you enjoy while doing this can help even more,’ he said. 

‘Many people feel nervous when flying, even those who travel often. You are not alone. Learning a little about how planes work and the strong safety standards in aviation can help ease those worries.

‘As crew, we are always here to support you. If you ever feel anxious, please let us know – we are trained to help you feel safe and comfortable.’

After completing a degree in broadcast journalism and working in the industry for a year, Doyle made a career switch, taking the plunge and applying for an Emirates role.

‘I always dreamed of seeing more of the world,’ he explained.

Since landing his job in the skies, he has been fortunate to merge his passion for travel with his presenting skills, from interviewing Hollywood star Penélope Cruz to hosting live presentations at the Dubai Airshow and appearing in global ads.

‘It proves that with Emirates the possibilities truly are endless,’ he said.

However, landing the job wasn’t smooth sailing, as Doyle recalled the Emirates training process was ‘both intense and incredibly rewarding’. 

‘It’s almost like learning a new language and way of life,’ he explained. 

‘My background in hospitality and retail helped ease the transition, but I was fascinated by the breadth of safety, medical, and operational training, where you quickly realise the unique balance between serving meals and potentially saving lives.

‘The program is truly world‑class, with clear objectives and a scope that feels like a blend of finishing school, private medical college, culinary academy, psychology course, and leadership training all rolled into one. 

‘As you progress into leadership, the service and leadership courses are nothing short of transformative, equipping you with skills that set you up for life.’

For anyone keen to pursue a career as a flight attendant, Doyle warned: ‘This job is not always glamorous, but it will change you and help you grow.

‘You will gain experiences that build resilience and shape your personality in ways you never expected. I always tell new team members to have grit – don’t give up when things get tough, because those moments lead to breakthroughs. 

‘Any experience working with people is valuable. In a world that is becoming more digital, this role is for those who enjoy real human connection.

‘The training and experience you gain here will open doors and prepare you for opportunities everywhere.’