The cabin crew hiring process is highly competitive—most candidates are eliminated before training even starts. Expect long wait times, silent eliminations, and strict physical screening. Recruiters watch everything—from your body language to how you answer trick questions. If you don’t know how the system works, you won’t make it.
So, you want to be cabin crew? Great. But before you imagine yourself traveling the world, let’s talk about how airlines actually hire. It’s not as simple as sending a CV and getting a call back. The cabin crew recruitment process is long, selective, and designed to eliminate most applicants before they even step into training.
This guide breaks down:
- The different types of hiring events (open days, assessment days, online tests)
- Why airlines take so long to hire
- How each round of the cabin crew selection process works
- The biggest mistakes candidates make
- What airlines don’t tell you about the cabin crew hiring process
If you’re serious about this job, you need to understand the process before applying.
The truth about why cabin crew hiring takes so long
You applied weeks ago. No response. You passed the first round. Now you’re waiting again. Why does it take so long?
Here’s the reality:
- Thousands apply, but airlines only need a few. Major airlines receive tens of thousands of CVs every hiring cycle. They don’t have time to read them all, so they filter quickly.
- Recruitment is done in batches. Some airlines only hire at certain times of the year. If they don’t need staff right now, you’ll be waiting.
- Background checks are slow. If you pass the interview, you’ll still wait weeks for medical and security clearance.
Tip: Set up alerts on airline career pages. If you wait until you see ads everywhere, it’s probably too late.
The 3 cabin crew hiring events you’ll face – and how to survive them
There are three main ways airlines select candidates:
Open Days (walk in, drop your CV, hope for the best)
How it works:
- No invitation needed. You show up with your CV and hope recruiters notice you.
- If they like you, you move to the next round. If not, you’re out in minutes.
✅ Good for: Anyone who wants a fast-track shot at getting noticed.
❌ Bad for: Those who can’t handle rejection in front of other applicants.
Assessment Days (invite-only, structured testing)
How it works:
- You apply online first. If selected, you get invited.
- Expect group exercises, role-plays, and problem-solving tasks.
✅ Good for: Those who prepare well and work well in teams.
❌ Bad for: Those who panic under pressure or try to “outshine” others aggressively.
Online Assessments (AI decides if you’re worth an interview)
How it works:
- Some airlines don’t even want to meet you at first. They use AI to screen candidates.
- You take an automated video interview and situational judgment tests.
✅ Good for: Those who speak clearly and come across well on camera.
❌ Bad for: Those who struggle with impersonal, robotic interview setups.
Tip: Some airlines mix these methods. Don’t assume every airline does the same thing.
How airlines secretly eliminate candidates before the interview even starts
Recruiters are constantly observing—even when you think they’re not.
How you sit in the waiting area is judged.
- Confident posture = ✅
- Engaging with other candidates = ✅
- Sitting nervously, avoiding eye contact = ❌
Recruiters ‘test’ your manners before the interview.
- If you don’t smile when you walk in, it’s noted.
- If you ignore the receptionist, it’s noted.
- If you’re too aggressive in group exercises, it’s noted.
What airlines don’t tell you: Some recruiters already know who they’re rejecting before the official interview even starts. First impressions kill more chances than bad interview answers.
Recruiter secrets: How airlines filter people out without telling them
Recruiters don’t have time to go through every application thoroughly. They rely on quick elimination methods to cut down the pile fast.
Why some people never get called back (even if they meet requirements):
- Email errors: If your CV file name is “CV.docx” or “resume.pdf”, it might get lost in the system. Always rename it “[Your Name] Cabin Crew CV.pdf.”
- AI auto-rejection: Many airlines use software that scans your CV for exact keywords. If your resume doesn’t match their job description closely, your application never gets seen by a human.
- Recruiter bias: Some recruiters make snap judgments based on appearance in the CV photo. If your photo isn’t high quality, poorly lit, or has a distracting background, you might get filtered out.
- Wrong answers in online assessments: Some online assessments are designed to trick you. If you say you’d ignore a small safety issue, you fail instantly..
Tip: Always save and review your application. Some rejection emails say you didn’t meet requirements—even when you did. That means a technical error might have blocked you.
The cabin crew selection process: Step by step
If you pass the first filter, here’s what happens next:
Step 1: The online application trap – how most candidates get rejected here
What airlines check:
- Work experience (they prefer customer service)
- Language skills (English is a must, but extra languages help)
- Professional photo (bad photos = rejection)
Biggest mistake: Sending a generic CV that doesn’t match airline requirements.
Step 2: Online or video interview (where you sound like a robot)
Many airlines send pre-recorded questions instead of doing live calls.
Example questions:
- “Why do you want to be cabin crew?” (They’ve heard “I love traveling” a million times. Say something better.)
- “Describe a time you handled a difficult customer.”
- “Tell us about a time you worked in a team.”
Biggest mistake: Sounding rehearsed, robotic, or giving generic answers.
Step 3: The physical test that catches many off guard
Airlines test your physical suitability for the job.
- Reach test: Can you grab the overhead compartments? (Qatar Airways requires 212 cm reach on tiptoes.)
- Weight and height check: They don’t officially list weight limits, but BMI often matters.
- Visible tattoos and grooming: Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad do not allow visible tattoos in uniform.
Biggest mistake: Not checking airline-specific grooming rules before applying.
Step 4: Assessment Day (where you’re secretly watched)
If you reach an assessment day, expect group tests, role-plays, and teamwork exercises.
- They judge: How you communicate, react under stress, and interact with others.
- They eliminate: Anyone who is too quiet, too aggressive, or too nervous.
Biggest mistake: Trying too hard to stand out or acting too quiet.
Step 5: The final cabin crew interview – how airlines test your mental strength
This is a one-on-one or panel interview with senior recruiters.
What they ask:
- “Why should we hire you?”
- “What do you know about our airline?”
- “Tell us about a time you had to adapt quickly.”
Biggest mistake: Giving memorised answers instead of showing real personality.
Step 6: Medical checks and background screening
- Vision and hearing tests
- Drug and alcohol testing (for some airlines)
- Criminal record check
Biggest mistake: Thinking no news means good news. If they don’t contact you, you’re probably not moving forward.
Why cabin crew interview questions matter
Recruiters aren’t just testing your answers. They watch:
- How confident you sound
- Whether you panic under pressure
- How professional you look
Tip: If they ask, “Why cabin crew interview question?” They want to see if you understand airline priorities: safety, service, and teamwork.
The cabin crew interview outfit mistakes that get you rejected instantly
✔ DO wear:
- A well-fitted business outfit (dark suit, blouse, or professional dress)
- Minimal makeup and simple hair (airlines have strict grooming rules)
- Closed-toe shoes (no sneakers, no flashy heels)
❌ DON’T wear:
- Loud colours or over-the-top jewellery
- Messy hair or heavy cologne
- Anything that doesn’t match the airline’s style
Biggest mistake: Showing up underdressed or looking too casual. Airlines want to see if you respect uniform standards.
How to spot the hidden signs you’re about to be rejected
Recruiters will never say, “You’re not moving forward because…” But here’s how you know:
Red flags that mean you’re probably out:
- They don’t take notes while talking to you.
- The recruiter thanks you but doesn’t say “see you soon.”
- They ask fewer questions than other candidates.
- They don’t smile or nod while you answer.
💡 If you notice these, don’t expect a callback.
When cabin crew hiring happens – and why most people apply too late
- Peak hiring months: Before summer and winter travel seasons
- Some airlines hire year-round: Ryanair, easyJet, regional carriers
- Batch recruitment: Emirates, Qatar, Singapore Airlines only hire at specific times
Biggest mistake: Waiting too long to apply. Once applications close, you have to wait for the next cycle.
Cabin crew hiring scams: The red flags that will save you thousands
- If a recruiter asks for money, it’s fake. No airline charges candidates to apply.
- If the email is from a free service (@gmail, @yahoo), it’s fake. Airlines use official domains.
- If there’s no in-person verification process, it’s fake.
Red flag: Some scams send fake acceptance letters after online interviews. If they ask for visa fees, training deposits, or “security clearance” payments, run.
Final warning: Most people fail cabin crew hiring for one simple reason
If you’re still reading this, you’re already ahead of 90% of applicants who apply without knowing what they’re doing. The hiring process is tough, frustrating, and unfair at times. But if you prepare the right way, stay patient, and learn from each rejection, your chances skyrocket. Most people fail not because they’re bad candidates—but because they didn’t know how the system works. Now you do. Use it.