Can you become cabin crew at 18? The short answer is yes, but only with certain airlines. While some will hire you straight out of school, others set their minimum age at 19, or even 21. If you’re wondering which airlines accept 18-year-olds and how to stand out among older candidates, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Which Airlines Hire at 18?
Not every airline is willing to hand a fresh 18-year-old a cabin crew uniform, but some do. In Europe, low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet are known for hiring at 18. British Airways and Lufthansa also hire at this age for short-haul routes, but long-haul positions typically go to more experienced candidates.
If you’re looking at major Middle Eastern airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad, you’ll need to wait until you’re 21. These airlines expect a higher level of maturity due to the nature of long-haul flights, international layovers, and cultural expectations. The same applies to many Asian airlines, where the minimum age is often 19 or 20.
For those in the US, your options are even more limited. Major carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and United usually require candidates to be at least 21. If you’re eager to start flying, regional airlines like SkyWest or Republic Airways may be worth looking into, but opportunities for 18-year-olds are rare in North America.
Does Being 18 Put You at a Disadvantage?
Yes and no. Airlines that hire at 18 already know you won’t have years of work experience, so they focus on potential rather than a long résumé. What really matters is how well you handle responsibility, work under pressure, and interact with passengers.
The biggest challenge for younger candidates is proving they can keep up with the demands of the job. At 18, you could be dealing with medical emergencies, unruly passengers, or mid-flight conflicts—things that require composure, quick thinking, and confidence. Airlines don’t expect you to have all the answers, but they need to see that you won’t crumble in a crisis.
This is why interviews often focus on situational questions rather than just work experience. Expect questions like, “Tell us about a time you handled a difficult customer” or “How would you react if a passenger became aggressive?” If you don’t have job experience, think about real-life situations where you’ve stayed calm under pressure—whether in school, volunteer work, or personal challenges.
What Airlines Expect From 18-Year-Old Candidates
Even without work experience, airlines want to see specific qualities in younger candidates. A high school diploma is usually the minimum education requirement. Some airlines, especially those operating internationally, prefer multilingual candidates since speaking another language can be a huge advantage.
Customer service experience isn’t required, but it helps. Whether you’ve worked part-time in retail, hospitality, or volunteering, anything that shows you know how to deal with people will strengthen your application.
Once hired, airline training programs will teach you everything you need to know. This includes safety procedures, emergency protocols, first aid, and customer service techniques. You don’t need prior aviation knowledge—just the ability to learn quickly, stay professional, and adapt to new situations.
Maturity Matters More Than Age
Airlines don’t just look at your date of birth; they look at how well you handle responsibility. Cabin crew aren’t just serving drinks—they’re responsible for the safety and well-being of hundreds of passengers.
This is where some younger candidates struggle. You might be the same age as some passengers, yet you’ll be expected to enforce safety regulations, de-escalate conflicts, and make judgment calls in high-pressure situations. The airline wants to know: Can you stay professional even when things go wrong?
The best way to prove this is during the interview. Show that you’re confident, adaptable, and capable of thinking on your feet. If you can do that, being 18 won’t hold you back.
Physical and Medical Requirements
Age is just one requirement—you also need to meet the airline’s physical and medical standards. Airlines have height requirements because cabin crew need to reach overhead compartments. For example, Emirates requires a minimum height of 160 cm. There are no strict weight limits, but a healthy BMI and good overall fitness are expected.
Vision and hearing are also important. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, most airlines allow this as long as your vision is correctable to 20/20. A medical exam will check your overall fitness, cardiovascular health, and respiratory function since working at high altitudes puts extra strain on the body.
So, Can You Become Cabin Crew at 18?
Yes—but only with certain airlines. If you’re in Europe, you have plenty of options with Ryanair, EasyJet, and British Airways. If you’re in the US or the Middle East, you’ll need to wait a few more years.
The key is proving that age isn’t a barrier to professionalism. Airlines want candidates who can handle responsibility, adapt quickly, and stay composed under pressure. If you’re serious about getting hired, focus on building customer service experience, interview skills, and a professional attitude.
If you’re 18 and ready to apply, start researching airlines that match your age and qualifications. Some will take a chance on younger candidates—if you can show them that you’re ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you become cabin crew at 18?
Yes, but only with certain airlines. Some hire at 18, especially for short-haul routes, while others require candidates to be at least 19, 20, or 21.
Which airlines hire cabin crew at 18?
In Europe, Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, Air France, Norwegian, Iberia, and Lufthansa accept applications from 18-year-olds. In the US and the Middle East, most airlines set the minimum age at 20 or 21.
Why do some airlines require cabin crew to be older?
Long-haul airlines prefer older candidates due to the responsibilities of international flights, layovers, and emergency handling. They believe older applicants may have more life experience and maturity.
Does being 18 make it harder to get hired as cabin crew?
It can be slightly more challenging since airlines may question your experience and ability to handle difficult situations. Proving maturity, confidence, and strong customer service skills will help your chances.
What qualifications do you need to be cabin crew at 18?
Most airlines require a high school diploma. Strong English skills are essential, and speaking additional languages can improve your chances, especially with international airlines.
Are there height or fitness requirements for cabin crew at 18?
Yes. Airlines have height requirements to ensure crew members can reach overhead compartments. Fitness is also important, as the job is physically demanding. Most airlines require good vision, hearing, and overall health.
Can you work as cabin crew at 18 in the US?
No, most US airlines require flight attendants to be at least 21. Some regional airlines may accept younger applicants, but opportunities are limited.