Can flight attendants wear glasses? If you need glasses to see clearly, you might wonder if this will affect your chances of becoming cabin crew. The answer is yes, you can wear them, but airlines have strict rules on frame styles, lens types, and vision requirements. Some prefer contact lenses, while others require non-reflective glasses in neutral colours. Most importantly, your corrected vision must meet airline standards—usually 20/30 or 20/40 per eye. Here’s what you need to know before applying.
Do Airlines Allow Flight Attendants to Wear Glasses?
Yes, but not all glasses are accepted. Airlines have appearance standards that require frames to be simple, professional, and in neutral colours like black, brown, silver, or gold. Bright colors, oversized frames, or trendy designs are usually not allowed. Some airlines also require non-reflective lenses to prevent glare.
Beyond appearance, vision requirements matter more. Most airlines accept glasses as long as your corrected vision is 20/30 or 20/40 in each eye. If your vision is worse than this, you might not pass the medical exam. Some airlines also have uncorrected vision requirements, meaning your eyesight without glasses must still be within a certain range.
What If You Prefer Contact Lenses?
Airlines accept contact lenses, and some even prefer them over glasses for a more uniform look. However, wearing contacts on long-haul flights can be uncomfortable due to dry cabin air, so many flight attendants bring both. Some airlines recommend carrying a backup pair of glasses in case of emergencies.
If your glasses tend to slide down your nose or feel loose, they could become an issue during emergency situations. That’s why some airlines prefer contact lenses or require snug-fitting glasses that won’t fall off.
Which Airlines Have Vision Requirements for Cabin Crew?
Major airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways require flight attendants to pass a vision test during their medical exam. Some airlines are stricter than others—while most only care about your corrected vision, a few require a minimum level of uncorrected vision without glasses.
If you’re applying to a specific airline, check their medical guidelines before submitting your application. Some airlines update their vision requirements over time, so what was allowed in the past might not be accepted now.
Will Glasses Affect Your Chances of Getting Hired?
Wearing glasses won’t stop you from becoming a flight attendant, but you need to follow airline policies on both vision standards and professional appearance. If your eyesight meets the medical requirements and your glasses fit the airline’s grooming rules, you’ll have no problem getting hired.
Still unsure if you qualify? Join our Cabin Crew Forum to ask current flight attendants about their experience, or check out the latest cabin crew job listings to see which airlines are hiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flight attendants wear glasses?
Yes, airlines allow flight attendants to wear glasses, but they must meet specific rules. Frames should be simple, in neutral colours, and non-reflective lenses are often required.
Do airlines prefer contact lenses over glasses?
Some airlines prefer contact lenses for a more uniform look, but they are not mandatory. Many flight attendants switch between both, as contacts can cause discomfort on long flights due to dry cabin air.
What are the vision requirements for cabin crew?
Most airlines require corrected vision of at least 20/30 or 20/40 in each eye. Some airlines also have uncorrected vision requirements, meaning your eyesight without glasses must be within a certain range.
Will wearing glasses affect my chances of becoming a flight attendant?
No, as long as your vision meets airline medical standards and your glasses follow grooming guidelines, you can still get hired. It’s always best to check specific airline policies before applying.
Do airlines require backup glasses?
Some airlines recommend carrying an extra pair of glasses in your cabin bag in case of emergencies, especially for long-haul flights.
Which airlines have eyesight requirements for cabin crew?
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and British Airways require vision tests during the medical exam. Some airlines are stricter than others, so checking the latest policies before applying is important.
Can air hostesses wear glasses?
Yes, air hostesses can wear glasses, but they must be professional in appearance. Airlines typically allow thin, neutral-coloured frames that blend with the uniform.
What happens if my vision doesn’t meet the requirements?
If your eyesight is below the airline’s standards, you may not pass the medical exam. Corrective surgery, such as LASIK, is an option, but some airlines have restrictions on how soon after surgery you can apply.