Want to become cabin crew but not sure where to start? Airlines receive thousands of applications, but only a few candidates make it through.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to become cabin crew—from meeting airline requirements to passing interviews and training.
Follow these 8 essential steps to improve your chances of getting hired fast.
Step 1: Gain customer service experience
Airlines prefer candidates with customer service experience because cabin crew handle passengers, complaints, and emergencies daily. If you don’t have any experience, start here before applying.
What jobs help you become cabin crew?
- Hospitality – Hotels, restaurants, cafes, bars
- Retail – Clothing stores, supermarkets, sales assistant roles
- Tourism – Airport jobs, tour guide positions
- Call centers – Customer support roles (handling complaints professionally)
Why do airlines prefer cabin crew with customer service experience?
- Airlines want candidates who are comfortable working under pressure
- Handling angry customers, problem-solving, and multitasking shows you’re a good fit
- Even 6–12 months of customer service experience boosts your application
Tip: If you already work in hospitality or retail, highlight it on your CV—this experience is more valuable than you think.
Step 2: Update your resume and cover letter
A weak or generic resume will get your application rejected before you reach the interview stage. Airlines receive thousands of applications, so your CV needs to stand out.
What should a cabin crew resume include?
- Personal details (full name, phone, email, nationality)
- Professional photo (passport-style, formal attire)
- Work experience (highlight customer service roles)
- Education & languages (English is mandatory; extra languages help)
- Skills (teamwork, communication, problem-solving)
Why do cabin crew resumes get rejected?
- Too much detail – Keep it one page, clear, and relevant
- No customer service experience – Always include transferable skills
- Unprofessional photos – Airlines reject selfies or casual pictures
Tip: Use bullet points to make your CV easy to scan—recruiters spend less than 30 seconds reading each application.
Step 3: Take your full-length and passport-size photos
Most airlines require specific photo formats. Submitting incorrect photos can get you disqualified before recruiters even review your CV.
What are the photo requirements for cabin crew?
- Full-length photo (standing, professional business attire)
- Passport-size photo (neutral background, airline-standard pose)
- Clear, high-quality image (no filters, no shadows)
How should you look in cabin crew photos?
- Men: Clean-shaven, short neat hair, suit & tie
- Women: Hair tied back, light makeup, business dress/skirt & blazer
Tip: Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad have strict guidelines—check each airline’s official recruitment page for exact requirements.
Step 4: Check if you meet the cabin crew requirements
Before applying, make sure you qualify. Airlines reject applicants immediately if they don’t meet the basics.
| Requirement | Minimum Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 18–21+ | Some airlines (Qatar, Emirates) require 21+. |
| Height | Reach of 208 cm | If you can’t reach safety equipment, you won’t qualify. |
| Education | High school diploma | A degree is optional but can help. |
| Languages | Fluent in English | Extra languages (Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic) boost your chances. |
| Health | Pass a medical check | Airlines check vision, hearing, BMI, and overall fitness. |
| Background | No serious criminal record | Security clearance is mandatory. |
Tip: Airlines are relaxing tattoo policies, but they must not be visible in uniform. Always check specific airline rules.
Step 5: Apply for cabin crew jobs
Once you meet the requirements, it’s time to apply. Most airlines hire online, but some hold walk-in Open Days.
Where to find cabin crew job listings
- Official airline career pages – Always apply directly to avoid scams
- Aviation job portals – Sites like LinkedIn, CabinCrew24, Indeed
- Cabin crew forums & social media – Many applicants share hiring updates & inside tips
How to submit a strong application
- To apply for a cabin crew job online, visit the airline’s website and find an active job listing.
- Fill out the application form (personal details, experience, qualifications).
- Upload your CV, photos, and required documents.
- Submit and wait for an invitation to the next stage.
Tip: Airlines close applications without notice once they reach a limit. Apply as soon as possible.
Step 6: Pass the cabin crew interview
Getting shortlisted is just the beginning—you’ll need to pass multiple interview stages before getting hired.
- Initial screening – Document check and height/reach test
- Group assessment – Tests teamwork, communication, and problem-solving
- Roleplay scenarios – Handling passenger conflicts & safety situations
- Final interview – One-on-one behavioural questions with recruiters
Tip: Airlines look for calm, confident, and professional candidates. Speak clearly, smile naturally, and show teamwork skills.
Step 7: Complete cabin crew training
If you pass the interview, you’ll receive a training invitation. This is mandatory before your first flight.
What cabin crew training covers
- Safety drills (fire, evacuation, water landings)
- First aid certification (handling onboard medical issues)
- Passenger service & conflict resolution
- Aircraft-specific procedures (emergency exits, safety equipment)
Tip: Airlines require you to pass all exams. Some allow only one retake before disqualification.
Step 8: Starting your cabin crew career
Not everyone gets hired on their first attempt. If you don’t succeed, improve and try again.
What to do if you’re rejected
- Gain more customer service experience
- Improve your resume & interview skills
- Learn an extra language
- Reapply (some airlines allow immediate reapplication, others require a 6-12 month wait)
Tip: Many successful cabin crew failed their first application. Airlines receive thousands of applications, so persistence matters.
How long does it take to become cabin crew?
It takes 3–6 months to become cabin crew, depending on the airline.
| Stage | Estimated Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Gain customer service experience | 3–12 months (if needed) |
| Application submission | 1–4 weeks (varies by airline) |
| Interview process | 2–6 weeks |
| Training | 4–8 weeks |
| First flight | Within a few weeks after training |
Tip: Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air hire faster than full-service airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways.
Common reasons for cabin crew rejection
Some applicants get rejected but don’t know why. These are the most common mistakes:
- Weak resume – No customer service experience, poorly written CV
- Unprofessional photos – Not meeting airline guidelines
- Failing group assessments – Being too dominant or too passive
- Bad interview answers – Generic or rehearsed responses
Tip: Airlines value teamwork and professionalism. If you’re too aggressive in group exercises, recruiters might reject you early.
Final thoughts: Ready to apply?
- If you meet the requirements, have your documents ready, and apply strategically, you’ll increase your chances of getting hired.
- Airlines won’t wait for you to be ready. The sooner you apply, the better.
👉 Check the latest cabin crew jobs [here]
👉 Need interview tips? Read our guide [here]
👉 Have questions? Drop a comment or join the forum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need experience to become cabin crew?
No, but customer service experience helps. Most airlines prefer candidates with hospitality, retail, or tourism experience, but some airlines hire freshers.
What qualifications do I need to become cabin crew?
You need a high school diploma, fluency in English, and the ability to reach 208 cm (arm reach test). Some airlines require medical clearance and background checks.
Can I be cabin crew with tattoos or piercings?
It depends on the airline. Some allow tattoos if they’re not visible in uniform, while others have strict no-tattoo policies. Facial piercings are usually not allowed.
How long does it take to become a flight attendant?
The process takes 3–6 months, including applications, interviews, and 4–8 weeks of training.
What is the age limit for cabin crew?
Most airlines require you to be at least 18–21 years old. There is no strict upper age limit, but airlines prefer candidates under 35 for entry-level roles.
Do airlines pay for cabin crew training?
Yes, airlines provide free training once you’re hired. Beware of scams that ask you to pay for “pre-training.”
Can I apply for cabin crew jobs without a degree?
Yes, a high school diploma is enough. A degree in hospitality, tourism, or aviation can help, but it’s not required.