Most people think Qantas is the only way to fly internationally as cabin crew from Australia at age 18. But that’s not true. There are several smaller Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew, and they offer easier entry, faster promotions, and some impressive international routes you probably haven’t considered.
TL;DR:
- Virgin Australia and Jetstar are top picks—they actively recruit 18-year-olds and offer international routes from day one.
- Rex, Airnorth, and Alliance Airlines prefer younger crew for their flexibility and trainability, with quick promotion potential.
- QantasLink offers a shortcut to Qantas mainline roles—great if you’re aiming long-term.
- Link Airways is hiring early for future international expansion—apply now for early seniority.
- Skip the big-name hype—smaller airlines give faster entry, real experience, and fewer competitors.
Virgin Australia: A Top Pick for 18-Year-Old Cabin Crew in Australia
Virgin Australia flies internationally to destinations like Fiji, Bali, Vanuatu, and New Zealand—and they’re actively hiring 18-year-old cabin crew. Virgin recruiters prefer young applicants because they can train them according to their own standards, meaning your lack of experience at 18 is actually beneficial.
Young cabin crew at Virgin Australia often advance quickly into supervisory positions, making it one of the best Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew.
Jetstar Airways: A Smart Choice for Young Cabin Crew on International Routes
Jetstar operates international flights across Asia, Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Pacific islands. Jetstar actively recruits 18-year-old cabin crew because they value young, enthusiastic candidates who haven’t developed poor habits from other airlines.
Joining Jetstar means quick training, real-world international experience, and immediate responsibility. Among Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew, Jetstar provides practical experience right from the start.
Regional Express (Rex): A Lesser-Known Airline Hiring 18-Year-Old Cabin Crew
Although known for domestic flights, Rex actually operates international routes from Darwin and Cairns to East Timor and the Pacific Islands. Rex actively hires 18-year-old cabin crew members because they prefer staff who are flexible and eager to learn.
Smaller training groups and personalised attention make Rex one of the most appealing Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew. Crew members often build skills rapidly here, becoming well-equipped for future career opportunities.
Alliance Airlines: International Charter Flights for Young Cabin Crew
Alliance Airlines frequently operates international charter flights across Asia and the Pacific Islands. Few young applicants realise this airline exists, but Alliance Airlines consistently hires 18-year-old cabin crew because younger applicants adapt quickly and bring fresh enthusiasm.
With better-than-average pay and unique flying experiences, Alliance Airlines offers a hidden advantage among Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew.
Airnorth: An Underrated Airline Hiring 18-Year-Old Cabin Crew
Airnorth operates international flights between Darwin, East Timor, Indonesia, and the Pacific. Many cabin crew candidates overlook Airnorth because of its small size, but it actively recruits cabin crew aged 18 and older, providing highly personalised training and rapid skill-building.
For young cabin crew, Airnorth provides a supportive environment, rapid promotion opportunities, and immediate responsibility, making it a top choice among Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew.
QantasLink: A Shortcut to International Cabin Crew Roles
QantasLink flies regional and short-haul international flights across New Zealand and Pacific islands. They actively recruit 18-year-olds because younger crew adapt quickly to Qantas standards.
Joining QantasLink can lead directly to mainline Qantas international roles later, offering a clear career path. It’s an ideal starting point if your ultimate goal is to fly internationally with Qantas. It remains one of the smartest Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew today.
Link Airways: A Future Option for International Cabin Crew in Australia
Link Airways currently focuses on domestic flights, but it plans international expansion soon, particularly to New Zealand and the Pacific islands. They’re already hiring cabin crew starting from 18 in preparation for their international growth.
Applying to Link Airways now gives you early seniority and valuable experience when international routes begin operating. This hidden opportunity makes Link Airways a strategic pick among Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew.
Common Mistakes 18-Year-Old Cabin Crew Applicants Make
Young applicants often chase big-name airlines, thinking they’ll have better careers. The truth? Large airlines have tougher competition, reducing your chances significantly. Instead, apply to Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew that actively seek younger candidates. You’ll have fewer competitors, more realistic entry requirements, and faster progression opportunities.
Recruiters openly admit privately they prefer younger cabin crew because you’re enthusiastic, flexible, and quicker to train.
Final Thoughts
Stop waiting on Qantas. You have real alternatives with Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew right now, providing genuine international experience, career growth, and quick entry into the job you’ve always wanted.
Apply strategically, start flying internationally sooner, and skip the long wait times at bigger airlines. Your cabin crew career can start immediately with these overlooked but valuable Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew offer international routes?
Virgin Australia, Jetstar, Regional Express (Rex), Alliance Airlines, Airnorth, QantasLink, and soon-to-expand Link Airways actively hire 18-year-old crew for international flights or future international opportunities.
Do these Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew require previous experience?
No. Most of these airlines prefer younger cabin crew because they’re easier to train. Being new and adaptable at 18 can actually give you an advantage.
Is pay good at Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew?
Yes, pay can be surprisingly good, especially at Alliance Airlines and Jetstar. Salaries are competitive, and smaller airlines often offer quicker raises due to faster promotions.
Are promotions really quicker at these Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew?
Generally, yes. Smaller airlines like Rex, Virgin Australia, and Airnorth promote young cabin crew quickly because they have smaller teams and fewer layers of management.
Do I need cabin crew experience to apply?
No. Recruiters at Australian airlines hiring 18-year-old cabin crew expect enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, not years of work experience.
What’s the biggest mistake when applying to these airlines?
Many 18-year-olds wrongly focus only on Qantas, missing opportunities at smaller airlines that actively seek younger candidates. Apply widely and consider lesser-known airlines first.
Is it easier to get hired by smaller Australian airlines as an 18-year-old?
Absolutely. Smaller airlines have fewer applicants and simpler recruitment processes. They prefer young candidates who can grow with them, giving you a better chance at landing the job quickly.
Can these smaller airlines help me move to larger airlines later?
Definitely. Airlines like QantasLink and Virgin Australia offer clear career paths towards larger international airlines. Starting small can lead directly to bigger opportunities within a few years.