TL;DR:
- Most airlines require a minimum height of 158 cm (female) or 170 cm (male), or passing a reach test.
- You must be at least 18–21 years old, with no visible tattoos.
- Vision must be correctable to 20/20 and you’ll need to pass a medical.
- Swimming 25 meters unaided is often tested.
- A valid passport, clear background, and professional grooming are expected.
Cabin Crew Requirements: What You Really Need to Get Hired
Before you apply, airlines want to know if you meet the basic cabin crew requirements — height, age, health, appearance, and legal eligibility. These are non-negotiables, not preferences. Here’s exactly what matters:
Minimum Height for Flight Attendants
Most airlines require:
- 158 cm minimum for females
- 170 cm minimum for males
Some skip the number and use a reach test: usually 212–214 cm on tiptoes or flat-footed. If you’re a few cm under, some airlines still accept you if you can reach the required height.
Age Requirement for Cabin Crew Jobs
You must be at least 18 or 21, depending on the airline.
There’s usually no official upper age limit, but most first-time hires are under 35. Airlines care more about your fitness and attitude than your birth year.
Cabin Crew Weight and Grooming Standards
Your weight should be proportionate to your height, based on visual assessment or BMI range. You need to move easily, fit the uniform, and perform safety duties without restriction.
Grooming is strict. You’re expected to show up polished, with natural hair colours, clean nails, and no visible piercings except for standard earrings.
Some airlines also look at dental appearance — not for perfection, but for clean, healthy-looking teeth.
Tattoo Policy for Cabin Crew
Most airlines don’t allow visible tattoos in uniform. That means nothing on the arms, hands, neck, lower legs, or behind the ears.
Tattoos in covered areas are often fine. Covering them with makeup is rarely allowed. Check the uniform style before assuming yours will be hidden.
Eyesight Requirements for Flight Attendants
You must have vision correctable to 20/20.
Glasses and contact lenses are allowed, but they need to be neat and fit grooming rules. Colour blindness or depth perception issues could be disqualifying depending on the airline.
Medical Requirements for Cabin Crew
Airlines require a medical exam covering:
- Blood pressure
- Heart and lung function
- Hearing
- Mental and physical fitness
Conditions like mild asthma or high blood pressure may be accepted if well-managed. You’ll also need to pass a hearing test to make sure you can follow safety instructions and respond to emergencies.
Swimming Ability for Cabin Crew
Most airlines require you to swim at least 25 meters unaided.
It’s part of emergency training, even if your airline doesn’t fly over water. Some airlines test this during recruitment, others during training. If you’re not confident in the water, take lessons before applying.
Passport and Legal Requirements
You must have a valid passport with at least six months’ validity and no travel restrictions.
Some airlines only hire citizens or residents of certain countries. Others accept international applicants if you already have a work permit for the base country.
Criminal Background Checks
Airlines will run a criminal record check before hiring.
Minor issues might be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, but serious or recent offences usually lead to rejection.
English Language Requirement
All flight attendants must speak and understand English fluently.
This is required for safety, not just customer service. Some airlines also expect fluency in the official language of the country where they’re based.
If You Don’t Meet Every Requirement
Some rules are flexible. Airlines might overlook a small tattoo or slight height difference if everything else fits. Others — like serious medical issues or visible tattoos — are harder to work around.
Always read the airline’s exact requirements before applying. They’re not all the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum height for cabin crew?
Most airlines require a minimum height of 158 cm for women and around 170 cm for men. Some use a reach test instead, usually 212–214 cm barefoot.
What is the age limit for flight attendants?
The minimum age is 18 or 21, depending on the airline. There’s no fixed upper age limit, but most new hires are under 35.
Are visible tattoos allowed for cabin crew?
No. Most airlines don’t allow visible tattoos while in uniform. Tattoos on arms, neck, hands, or legs usually disqualify you.
Can flight attendants wear glasses or contact lenses?
Yes. Your vision must be correctable to 20/20. Glasses must be simple and professional. Some airlines prefer contact lenses.
Do you need to know how to swim to be cabin crew?
Yes. Most airlines require you to swim at least 25 meters without help. It’s part of emergency training.
Do cabin crew need to pass a medical exam?
Yes. Airlines check your general health, blood pressure, hearing, and fitness to fly. Well-managed conditions may be accepted.
Do flight attendants need a passport?
Yes. A valid passport with at least six months of validity and no travel restrictions is required for international flights.
Can you become cabin crew with a criminal record?
It depends. Minor issues may be reviewed, but serious or recent offences usually result in rejection after background checks.
Are there weight or BMI requirements for cabin crew?
Yes. Your weight must be proportionate to your height. Airlines check this visually or during uniform fitting.
Can flight attendants have braces?
Yes, but some airlines may ask you to remove them before training or flying, especially if they affect speech or safety gear.
Is English required to be a flight attendant?
Yes. You must speak and understand English clearly. Some airlines also require fluency in the local language.