TL;DR: How to Become Cabin Crew
- Training & Persistence – If you pass, you’ll complete 4–8 weeks of airline training. Many applicants don’t get hired on their first try—reapply, improve your resume, and gain experience to boost your chances.
- Basic Requirements – You must be 18–21+ years old, reach 208 cm on tiptoes, have a high school diploma, English fluency, and no visible tattoos or piercings. Good health and a clean background check are also required.
- Customer Service Experience Matters – Airlines prefer candidates with customer-facing experience (hospitality, retail, tourism, or call centers). If you don’t have it, getting at least six months of experience improves your chances.
- Strong Resume & Photos Are a Must – A one-page, well-structured resume with a professional full-length and passport-size photo is essential. Airlines reject poorly formatted CVs and photos that don’t meet their guidelines.
- The Hiring Process Is Tough – After applying, you’ll go through group exercises, roleplay scenarios, and a final interview. Many fail for being too passive, too aggressive, or giving weak answers. Confidence and teamwork are key.
Cabin Crew Requirements: What You Need to Apply
Before applying, you must meet the basic cabin crew eligibility criteria. Airlines won’t even consider your application if you don’t check these boxes:
- Minimum age: 18–21 years, depending on the airline
- Height requirement: Must reach at least 208 cm on tiptoes
- Education: High school diploma (some airlines prefer a degree)
- Languages: English fluency required; extra languages are a plus
- Medical fitness: Good vision, hearing, and overall health
- Tattoos & piercings: Must not be visible in uniform
- Background check: Airlines will screen for security clearance
How to Become Cabin Crew (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Gain Customer Service Experience
Most airlines prefer candidates with customer service backgrounds. If you’ve worked in hospitality, retail, tourism, or a call center, you already have an advantage. If not, getting at least six months of customer-facing experience will help your application stand out.
Step 2: Write a Strong Resume
Recruiters scan resumes in seconds, so yours must be clear and professional. Keep it one page and focus on relevant experience. Include a professional passport-size photo, your work history, education, languages spoken, and contact details. A cluttered or poorly formatted CV gets ignored instantly.
Step 3: Follow Airline Photo Requirements
Submitting the wrong photo is one of the fastest ways to get rejected. Airlines require a full-length photo in business attire and a passport-size headshot on a plain background. Women should wear light makeup with hair tied back, while men should be clean-shaven with neatly styled hair. Each airline has specific guidelines, so always double-check before submitting.
Step 4: Apply for Cabin Crew Jobs
Most airlines post vacancies on their official careers page. Some, like Ryanair, host walk-in open days where you can apply in person. Job portals such as LinkedIn and CabinCrew24 also list openings. Apply early—airlines often close applications once they receive enough candidates.
Step 5: Pass the Interview
The hiring process involves several stages. It typically starts with a height and document check, followed by group exercises that test teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Roleplay scenarios assess how well you handle passenger issues, and the final interview is a one-on-one conversation with a recruiter.
Most candidates fail during the group assessments by either being too aggressive or too passive. Airlines look for confident, adaptable candidates who work well with others.
Step 6: Complete Cabin Crew Training
If you pass the interview, the airline provides mandatory training. Courses cover safety procedures, first aid certification, and customer service standards. Training lengths vary—low-cost airlines like Ryanair complete it in a few weeks, while full-service airlines like Emirates run longer programs. Exams are strict, and failing too many could result in disqualification.
Step 7: Reapply If Rejected
Most cabin crew don’t get hired on their first try. If rejected, find out what went wrong and improve. Fix your CV, gain more customer service experience, or even learn an extra language to boost your chances. Some airlines allow immediate reapplication, while others require a six-month wait.
How Long Does It Take to Become Cabin Crew?
The process usually takes between three to six months, depending on the airline. Applications are reviewed in one to four weeks, interviews take another two to six weeks, and training lasts four to eight weeks. If you need to gain customer service experience first, it could take longer.
Why Some Applicants Get Rejected
Weak resumes, unprofessional photos, and a lack of customer service experience are the most common reasons candidates don’t get hired. Many candidates fail group assessments by either dominating the conversation or staying too quiet. Generic interview answers also don’t impress recruiters. Airlines want candidates who are confident, professional, and adaptable.
If you meet the requirements and apply strategically, your chances of getting hired improve significantly.
Where to Apply and Get Hired Faster
Airlines won’t wait for you to be ready. The sooner you apply, the better.
Check the latest cabin crew job openings.
Need help with interviews? Read our full breakdown of cabin crew interview questions and recruiter insights.
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.