Swiss International Airlines is known for its high standards and professionalism. If you’re interested in becoming part of their cabin crew, there’s a clear path to follow. This role requires strong communication skills, physical resilience, and a genuine commitment to passenger safety and comfort. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the qualifications, application process, and training required to join one of the leading airlines in Europe.

1. Meet the basic requirements

Swiss International Airlines has specific criteria that candidates must meet before applying. To be considered, you need to:

  • Must be a Swiss or EU national.
  • Minimum age: 18 years old (no upper age limit).
  • Minimum height: 155 cm.
  • Fluency in German and English (for Zurich base) or French and English (for Geneva base). Additional languages are an advantage.
  • Good health and physical resilience.
  • Completed professional apprenticeship (EFZ) or higher education.
  • Must pass a medical examination.
  • Good swimming skills.
  • Ability to reach Zurich Airport within 75 minutes for standby duty[1].

These requirements are fairly standard across the aviation industry, but language proficiency is particularly crucial for Swiss Airlines, given their multilingual passengers.

2. Prepare the necessary documents

The application process at Swiss International Airlines is thorough, and you’ll need to submit several key documents. Be ready with:

  • A well-structured CV.
  • Proof of your citizenship (Swiss or EU passport).
  • An updated medical report.
  • Your school or apprenticeship diploma.
  • Work references covering the last five years.

3. Submit your online application

All applications to Swiss International Airlines must be submitted through their online Careers Website. Make sure to complete every section with accurate details, including your personal information, references, and work history. The more complete your profile, the better your chances of standing out.

4. Pass the preliminary screening

Once your application is reviewed, you may be invited for a video interview. This stage is your opportunity to showcase your personality and suitability for the role. Be sure to research the company thoroughly and practice common interview questions, such as those about customer service scenarios and your experience working in a team​.

5. Ace the assessment day

If you make it past the initial interview, you’ll be invited to an Assessment Day at one of the airline’s hubs, such as Zurich. The assessment involves various group exercises, language tests, and possibly psychometric evaluations. These exercises help evaluate your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and how well you work in a team.

6. Impress during the final interview

The final interview is a more detailed session where recruiters assess your fit for the role. You’ll need to demonstrate excellent customer service skills and provide examples of how you handle difficult situations, such as resolving passenger complaints or dealing with emergencies. Be prepared to explain how you embody Swiss’s values of hospitality and safety​.

7. Complete the medical and background checks

Before you’re officially offered a position, Swiss International Airlines will conduct a series of background checks and a medical examination to ensure you are fit to fly. Passing these checks is crucial for securing your job offer​.

8. Begin your training

Once hired, you’ll undergo a three-month training program that includes both theoretical and practical sessions. The first six weeks focus on the airline’s service standards and safety procedures, while the remaining six weeks involve hands-on training aboard short-haul and long-haul flights. By the end of your first year, you’ll be fully certified to work on both types of routes​.

Pay and benefits

Swiss International Airlines offers a competitive compensation package for its cabin crew members. The starting salary is approximately €4,000 per month[2], with additional allowances for onboard sales, long-haul flights, and extra language skills​. Besides the base salary, Swiss cabin crew members enjoy a range of benefits, including:

  • Travel perks such as discounted flights for employees and their families.
  • Comprehensive health insurance and dental coverage.
  • Training opportunities that allow for career development within the airline, including the potential to become a Maitre de Cabine (senior cabin crew member).
  • Discounts on hotels and travel packages.
  • A permanent contract offering job stability.

These benefits make Swiss International Airlines an attractive employer for aspiring cabin crew members who seek both personal and professional growth while enjoying the perks of traveling the world.

Share your journey and join the conversation!

Now that you know the essential steps to becoming a cabin crew member with Swiss International Airlines, it’s time to take action! If you’ve been through the application process, or are considering applying, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your experience in the comments section below, or ask your questions in our cabin crew forum, where experienced crew members can offer advice. And don’t forget to check out our cabin crew jobs page for the latest openings at Swiss and other top airlines!

Good luck with your cabin crew journey!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the basic requirements to apply for Swiss International Airlines cabin crew?

You must be a Swiss or EU national, at least 18 years old, with a minimum height of 155 cm. Fluency in German and English (for Zurich base) or French and English (for Geneva base) is required. You should be in good health, have swimming skills, and be able to reach Zurich Airport within 75 minutes for standby duty.

2. What documents do I need for the application?

You’ll need a well-structured CV, proof of citizenship (Swiss or EU passport), an updated medical report, your school or apprenticeship diploma, and work references covering the last five years.

3. How do I apply?

Submit your application through Swiss International Airlines’ online Careers Website. Complete all sections accurately, including personal details, references, and work history.

4. What happens after submitting the application?

You may be invited for a video interview. This is an opportunity to showcase your personality and suitability for the role. Be prepared with customer service scenarios and teamwork examples.

5. What does the Assessment Day involve?

On Assessment Day, you’ll participate in group exercises, language tests, and possibly psychometric evaluations. These help assess your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

6. What is the final interview like?

The final interview is more detailed, focusing on customer service and handling difficult situations. Be ready to explain how you align with Swiss’s values of hospitality and safety.

7. Are there medical and background checks?

Yes, you’ll need to pass medical exams and background checks to ensure you are fit to fly before receiving a job offer.

8. What is the training process?

The training lasts three months, with six weeks of theory and six weeks of practical flight training. By the end of your first year, you’ll be fully certified for both short-haul and long-haul routes.

9. What is the starting salary and benefits?

The starting salary is around €4,000 per month, with additional allowances for onboard sales and long-haul flights. Benefits include discounted flights, health insurance, career development opportunities, and job stability with a permanent contract.

References:

1. Swiss International Airlines. “Cabin Crew Member.” Swiss Careers Website. Retrieved September 26, 2024.

2. Glassdoor. (2024, August 16). “Cabin Crew Salaries in Switzerland.” Glassdoor Website. Retrieved September 26, 2024.