Not everyone can become a flight attendant. Airlines have strict cabin crew requirements, and if you don’t meet them, you won’t make it past the first stage.

Cabin crew qualifications include age (18+ or 21+), height (158–165 cm min, Emirates requires 212 cm reach), and at least a high school diploma (no degree needed). You must be fit, well-groomed, with no visible tattoos. Airlines expect good health, vision, and flexibility for irregular hours and frequent travel. Do you meet the cabin crew criteria? Read below for full details!

Cabin crew entry requirements: Do you tick these boxes?

If you don’t meet these basic requirements for cabin crew, don’t waste time applying.

How old is ‘too old’ to become cabin crew?

  • Minimum age: Usually 18 or 21, depending on the airline.
  • Maximum age: Most airlines don’t list one, but younger applicants are favoured.
  • Emirates cabin crew age limit: 21+ (strictly enforced).
  • No age limit for cabin crew? Some airlines allow older candidates, but you must pass strict medical checks.

Cabin crew height: Are you tall enough to get hired?

  • Minimum height for cabin crew: Typically 158–165 cm, depending on the airline.
  • Minimum height for female cabin crew applicants: Usually around 158 cm.
  • Cabin crew requirements for male candidates: Some airlines prefer a minimum of 165 cm.
  • No height requirement for cabin crew? Very rare – most airlines expect crew to reach overhead compartments..
  • Emirates rule: You must reach 212 cm on tiptoes (they don’t care about your actual height, only reach).
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Weight, tattoos & grooming: What airlines actually care about

  • Cabin crew weight requirements: No fixed numbers, but you must be “fit and proportionate” (a polite way of saying no extreme under/overweight).
  • Tattoos & piercings: If visible in uniform, not allowed (unless covered).
  • Grooming: Airlines control hairstyle, nails, and general presentation.

Language requirements

  • Fluent English is mandatory for almost all airlines.
  • Extra languages boost your chances, especially for international carriers.

Work & travel readiness

  • Valid passport & work permit for the airline’s country.
  • Relocation required for airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways.
  • Flexible schedule: Expect night shifts, weekends, and public holidays.

Cabin crew qualifications: Is a degree a waste of time?

Many aspiring flight attendants ask, “What is the qualification for cabin crew?” The answer is simple: a university degree is not required.

Cabin crew education requirements

  • Minimum qualification for cabin crew: High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Cabin crew degree? Not necessary, but hospitality or tourism studies can help.

Can you become cabin crew without a degree?

  • Yes. Airlines hire plenty of cabin crew without a degree.
  • What matters more? Customer service skills, ability to handle stress, and strong communication.

Cabin crew qualification in India

  • Education requirement: 10+2 (higher secondary) or equivalent.
  • Height standards:
    • Female cabin crew requirements: Around 155 cm.
    • Male cabin crew requirements: Around 165 cm.
  • Other criteria: Indian airlines prefer Indian passport holders due to visa rules.
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Cabin crew fitness test: Will you pass or fail?

Cabin crew qualification requirements include passing strict medical checks. Here’s what airlines test for:

Health & fitness

  • Vision & hearing tests (corrective lenses allowed).
  • General fitness checks (you must handle high-altitude conditions).
  • Weight monitoring: Some airlines check BMI, but it’s mostly about overall fitness.

Cabin crew training: What you’ll learn before flying

  • Mandatory airline training (usually 4–8 weeks).
  • Includes:
    • Safety drills (fire, evacuations, emergency landings).
    • Medical training (first aid, CPR).
    • Customer service & conflict management.

If you fail training, you don’t fly. Simple as that.

Cabin crew requirements: How Emirates, Qatar & budget airlines differ

Different airlines = different cabin crew qualifications needed. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Emirates cabin crew requirements

  • Age: 21+
  • Height: Reach 212 cm on tiptoes
  • Tattoos: No visible tattoos allowed
  • Relocation: Must live in Dubai

Qatar Airways cabin crew requirements

Similar to Emirates but even stricter on grooming and appearance.

Ryanair & easyJet (low-cost carriers)

  • Lower hiring age (18+).
  • More relaxed height requirements.
  • Easier entry, but lower salaries.

Are you cabin crew material? The reality of meeting airline standards

Now you know the requirements for cabin crew – minimum height for male and female applicants, cabin crew education requirements, and the reality that a degree isn’t required.

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Your turn:

  • Do you meet the age, height, and qualification for cabin crew?
  • Do you think airlines should update their height and weight rules?
  • What’s your biggest concern about applying?

Drop a comment below, join our cabin crew forum, or check the latest cabin crew jobs to apply now.

Let’s hear your thoughts. Are these rules fair or outdated? 👇