TL;DR: Here’s how to become a cabin crew:
- Meet basic requirements (age, height, education, passport, language)
- Get customer service experience (retail, hospitality, call center)
- Prepare a simple resume and airline-approved photos
- Apply online or attend an open day
- Pass the multi-step interview (group tasks, roleplay, final interview)
- Complete 4–8 weeks of airline training
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements
Most airlines ask you to:
- Be 18 or 21 years old (depending on the airline)
- Reach around 210 cm on tiptoes
- Speak English well
- Have a valid passport
- Finish high school or equivalent
Tattoos and piercings must not be visible while wearing the uniform. If they’re covered, they’re usually accepted.
Step 2: Get Some Customer Service Experience
Experience working with people helps your chances. Even a few months in retail, hospitality, or a call center shows you can handle difficult situations and stay calm.
Step 3: Prepare Your Resume and Photos
Your resume should be one page and focus on customer service, languages, and education. Keep it clean and easy to read.
Airlines usually ask for two photos:
- One headshot (passport-style)
- One full-length photo in business clothes
Use a plain background and natural lighting. Bad photos can get your application rejected.
Step 4: Apply for Cabin Crew Jobs
Look for job openings on airline career pages. Some airlines also hold open days where you can apply in person. Apply early — some airlines close applications once they reach a set number.
Step 5: Pass the Interview Process
The interview has a few parts:
- Height and document check
- Group activities (to see how you work with others)
- Roleplay tasks (to test how you handle passengers)
- Final one-on-one interview
Stay calm, speak clearly, and be polite. Recruiters are looking at how you behave just as much as what you say.
Want to feel more confident for the interview? [Read our guide to common cabin crew interview questions.]
Step 6: Complete Cabin Crew Training
If you get selected, you’ll be given a start date for training. It usually lasts 4 to 8 weeks. You’ll learn safety rules, service procedures, first aid, and how to handle emergencies. You’ll need to pass both written and practical exams.
If You’re Not Hired the First Time
Many people apply more than once. If you don’t pass, improve your resume, get better photos, or gain more experience. Some airlines let you reapply right away; others have a wait period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do you need to become cabin crew?
You usually need to be at least 18 years old, have finished high school, speak English well, and hold a valid passport. Some airlines prefer if you can swim or speak a second language, but it’s not always required.
What documents are needed for a cabin crew interview?
You should bring your passport, your printed resume, copies of your education certificates, and the required photos. Some airlines also ask for a completed online application form.
How long does cabin crew training take?
Cabin crew training usually takes between four and eight weeks. It covers safety procedures, first aid, service standards, and emergency drills.
Can cabin crew have tattoos?
Yes, but tattoos must not be visible when wearing the airline uniform. Tattoos on arms, legs, neck, or hands can disqualify you if they cannot be covered.
Is customer service experience required to become cabin crew?
It is not always required, but customer service experience can strongly improve your chances. Airlines prefer candidates who already know how to work with the public and handle pressure.