Requirements

Requirements to become a Cabin Crew

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a flight attendant, travelling around the world, and getting paid to do so? It is an exciting aviation career but candidates must meet strict requirements set by the airlines to ensure high standards and professionalism. Cabin crew requirements vary between airlines but are generally similar. In the following article, we outline the requirements needed to become a flight attendant.

Educational Requirements

Most airlines require applicants for cabin crew positions to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Depending on the airline, previous experience in customer-facing roles within hospitality, retail, or customer service sectors, such as waitressing, hotel reception, or sales, is often required. The duration of this experience can range from six to twelve months.

Language Requirements

English is the global language of aviation. Proficiency is essential for communicating with pilots, fellow cabin crew members, and passengers. Fluency in speaking and writing is a basic requirement. Your skills are tested by the airline during the assessment process in written and oral tests. In addition, language certificates such as TOEIC or IELTS may be required at the time of application to confirm your level of language proficiency.

For many airlines, additional language skills are an advantage. However, some carriers also expect language skills in their national language.

Physical and Medical Requirements

General physical fitness is a prerequisite and includes being able to swim. Swimming skills must be demonstrated in the application or at the latest during training. The medical examination includes a general health check, and vision and hearing tests. It should be noted that some airlines have strict BMI (body mass index) requirements, and therefore BMI is also checked during the examination. Upon employment passing a drug test is also required. Wearing glasses or contact lenses is no issue, but eyesight must not fall below specific limits. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or asthma, may disqualify candidates.

Age and Height Requirements

There are usually only minimum age requirements for flight attendants rather than maximum age restrictions as long as medical requirements are achieved. Height and reach requirements ensure cabin crews can reach safety equipment and overhead lockers and perform their duties without restrictions. You can expect to perform this test barefoot. Minimum and maximum values vary considerably and actual requirements should be verified with the airline you are applying to.

Minimum Age

1. 18 years to start at most airlines in the EU, UK and selected US carriers.
2. 21 years old to join any major airline, such as Emirates.

Maximum Age

1. No strict upper age limit, mostly 65 years to join an airline.

Minimum Height & Reach

1. Minimum height requirements typically range between 157cm(5ft. 2in.) and 163cm(5ft. 4in.).
2. Some airlines require their cabin crew to reach up to 212cm(6ft. 11in.) on tiptoes.

Personal Requirements

Communication

1. Flight attendants must be able to communicate clearly and confidently with colleagues and passengers. Strong verbal communication skills are essential for handling safety instructions and passenger requests.

Problem-Solving

1. Cabin crew will face unexpected situations such as dealing with medical emergencies, de-escalating conflicts with unruly passengers or various operational disruptions like missing meals or delays. Remaining calm under pressure and working in a solution-oriented manner is an important attribute

Teamwork

1. Cabin crew work as a team in confined spaces and over extended periods. The ability to work in a team is a key quality and a must for daily flying.

Cultural Awareness

1. Every day, flight attendants interact with hundreds of different people. This ranges from rotating crew members to passengers who often come from different backgrounds and cultures. It is therefore important to understand and respect the different cultures with their religious dietary regulations, local customs and communication rules.

Tattoo Requirements

A frequently asked question is whether flight attendants are allowed to have tattoos. In fact, it depends on the airline. A distinction is made as to whether the tattoos are in a visible or non-visible area and can therefore be seen by passengers. Carriers from the Middle East typically adhere to a strict policy prohibiting tattoos in visible areas. Conversely, airlines from the West tend to have more relaxed rules, and as long as tattoos can be covered, they are generally not a cause for concern.