Your cabin crew interview photo is the first thing recruiters see, and a bad one can get your application rejected instantly. Airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad have strict photo requirements, especially for the full-length photo and CV headshot.

Most airlines require:

  • A passport-sized headshot (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
  • A full-length photo (13 x 18 cm)

These must be JPEG format (max 500 KB) and printed for in-person interviews. But what exactly do airlines look for? Here’s how to take a recruiter-approved cabin crew photo that meets all airline requirements – including Emirates-specific guidelines.

Emirates cabin crew photo requirements: Size, attire & rules

Emirates has specific guidelines for both passport-sized and full-length photos. If you’re applying, make sure you follow these exact instructions to avoid rejection.

Emirates cabin crew photo size requirements

Headshot (passport photo): 3.5 x 4.5 cm (JPEG, max 500 KB)

Full-length photo: 13 x 18 cm (JPEG, max 500 KB)

Background: Solid white with no shadows.

Emirates cabin crew photo attire (female applicants)

  • Black, navy, grey, or brown suit – Knee-length skirt only.
  • Light-coloured blouse – No patterns, no low-cut tops.
  • Neutral stockings – No fishnets or patterned tights.
  • Dark, closed-toe heels – No platforms or stilettos.
  • Hair in a neat bun or French twist – No loose strands.
  • Minimal makeup – Red lipstick is optional but should be neatly applied.

Emirates cabin crew photo attire (male applicants)

  • Dark suit (black, navy, or dark grey) – Well-fitted.
  • White collared shirt – Pressed and buttoned.
  • Simple tie – No flashy patterns.
  • Polished dress shoes – No sneakers.
  • Neatly styled hair – No extreme styles, no long beards.

Important: Emirates is very strict about grooming. If your hair is not styled correctly or your suit doesn’t fit well, you may be asked to retake your photos.

Emirates Cabin Crew photo requirements.
Photo: Emirates

What are the airline rules for cabin crew photos?

Every airline has slightly different rules, but these basics apply almost everywhere:

  • Plain background – Solid white or light grey. No shadows. No clutter.
  • Professional attire – Dress like you would for the interview.
  • Natural, confident smile – No forced grins or blank expressions.
  • No glasses, coloured contacts, or heavy makeup – airlines need to see the real you.e.
  • Full visibility – No cropped hands, arms, or feet in full-length photos.

Recruiters compare your photo to how you look in person, so no heavy filters, no over-editing, no fake smiles.

How to take a cabin crew interview photo (step-by-step guide)

Taking a great cabin crew interview photo isn’t just about looking good – it’s about following airline standards. Here’s how to do it right:

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Step 1: Choose the right background

  • Stand in front of a plain white or light grey wall – no textures, patterns, or distractions.
  • If you don’t have a solid background, use a large white sheet or a professional backdrop.

Step 2: Set up good lighting

  • Use natural daylight if possible – stand near a window for soft, even light.
  • If indoors, use bright white lighting to avoid shadows. No yellow or dim lighting.
  • Avoid using the camera’s flash – it can create harsh shadows.

Step 3: Position the camera correctly

  • For headshots: The camera should be at eye level – not too high, not too low.
  • For full-length photos: The camera should be at waist level to avoid awkward angles.
  • Keep the camera straight and steady – tripods help.

Step 4: Dress like you’re going to the interview

  • Wear a suit (see detailed dress code above).
  • Grooming matters – neatly styled hair, light makeup (for women), clean-shaven (for men).
  • No accessories except a watch or wedding ring.

Step 5: Pose the right way

  • For the headshot: Look straight at the camera, relax your shoulders, and smile naturally.
  • For the full-length photo: Stand straight, arms relaxed, feet together. No crossed arms or stiff posture.
  • Show your full body including shoes – no cropped feet.

Step 6: Check the photo before submitting

  • No shadows or overexposure – your face should be clearly visible.
  • No over-editing – just basic brightness or contrast adjustments.
  • Save as a JPEG file, max 500 KB to meet airline requirements.

Full-length cabin crew photo: What airlines expect

Many applicants fail the full-length photo requirement because they don’t follow simple rules. Here’s what you need to know.

What does a full-length photo mean?

A full-length photo for a cabin crew interview means:

  • Your entire body must be visible, including shoes.
  • Plain white background with no shadows.
  • No cropped hands, arms, or feet.
  • Standing posture with a natural smile.

Common mistakes that lead to rejection:

  • Standing too close to the camera – your feet or head gets cut off.
  • Wearing casual clothes instead of formal business attire.
  • Poor lighting – shadows or overexposed images.
  • Using an edited or filtered image.

Cabin crew photo dress code: What to wear (and avoid)

Your outfit should match airline dress code expectations. If you’re not sure what to wear, follow this:

For women:

  • Suit in black, navy, grey, or brown – Skirt should be knee-length.
  • Neutral stockings – No patterns or fishnets.
  • Dark, closed-toe heels – No platforms or stilettos.
  • Hair neatly tied back – No loose strands, no messy buns.
  • Light, natural makeup – Think polished, not overdone.
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For men:

  • Dark suit (black, navy, or dark grey) – Well-fitted.
  • Crisp collared shirt – White or light blue.
  • Simple tie – No flashy colours or patterns.
  • Polished dress shoes – No sneakers or casual footwear.
  • Neatly styled hair – No extreme cuts, no unkempt beards.

Dressing right isn’t just about looking smart – it shows airlines that you understand their grooming standards.

Male vs. female cabin crew photo rules

Some airlines have slightly different expectations for male and female applicants when it comes to photo submission.

Female applicants:

  • Must wear a skirt, not trousers.
  • Hair should be neatly tied back – no loose styles.
  • Light, professional makeup is expected.

Male applicants:

  • Clean-shaven or neatly trimmed beard – unkempt facial hair is not allowed.
  • No earrings or visible piercings.
  • Suit must be properly fitted – baggy or oversized suits look unprofessional.

If your appearance doesn’t match airline grooming standards, they may reject your application even if your photo is correctly sized.

Cabin crew interview photo poses: Do’s & don’ts from recruiters

For the headshot:

  • Look straight at the camera, head upright.
  • Keep your shoulders relaxed.
  • Smile naturally – forced smiles look awkward.

For the full-length photo:

  • Stand straight, weight evenly distributed.
  • Keep arms relaxed at your sides.
  • Make sure your feet are visible – no cropped shoes.

Bad posture, crossed arms, or looking stiff makes a bad impression. You want to look approachable and confident – because that’s exactly what recruiters are looking for.

Cabin crew photo mistakes: Why applicants get rejected (& how to fix them)

Many applicants lose their chance before the interview because of avoidable photo mistakes. Airlines expect professional, well-lit, and properly framed photos – anything less can hurt your chances. Here’s what gets applications rejected:

Good cabin crew photo:

  • Plain white background, no distractions.
  • Well-lit with even lighting – no shadows.
  • Professional attire – suit, tie (for men), skirt and stockings (for women).
  • Natural smile, upright posture, confident look.
  • Full-length photo includes shoes.

Common mistakes that lead to rejection:

  • Busy background – A bookshelf, bed, or patterned wallpaper = instant rejection.
  • Poor lighting – Dark, overexposed, or shadowy? Not acceptable.
  • Casual clothes? Hoodies, jeans, sneakers – instant rejection. Airlines expect formal attire.
  • Weird angles – No tilted heads, awkward postures, or extreme close-ups.
  • Too much editing – Over-smoothed skin, unnatural lighting – recruiters will notice.
  • Cropped body parts – Missing hands, cut-off feet? Airlines require full visibility.
  • No eye contact – Looking away or forced expressions make you appear uncomfortable.
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Quick fix: If your photo doesn’t look like it belongs on an airline’s website, retake it before submitting.

Cabin crew CV photo: Do you need one?

Some applicants wonder if they need to attach a photo to their CV when applying for cabin crew roles. Here’s what you should know:

Middle Eastern airlines (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) require a photo on your CV.
European and North American airlines usually don’t require one.
If you’re asked for a CV photo, use the same headshot as your passport photo.

Common mistake: Using a casual or low-quality CV photo. If an airline requires a photo, it should match the same formal, professional look as your interview photos.

Cabin crew photo height requirements: Do they matter?

Some airlines have strict height requirements, and your full-length photo helps them check if you meet them.

Typical cabin crew height requirements:

  • Females: 160 cm (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad)
  • Males: 170 cm (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad)

Reach test: Many airlines require you to reach 212 cm (flat feet, no shoes) to access overhead bins.

Important:

  • Do not wear extra high heels or thick-soled shoes to artificially increase height in your full-length photo.
  • If your height is close to the minimum requirement, expect a reach test at the interview.

Can I retake my cabin crew photo after submitting?

This depends on the airline. Here’s what you need to know:

  • If you haven’t been invited to an interview yet, you can update your application with a better photo – check the airline’s portal for an “edit” option.
  • If you’re already shortlisted, the recruiter may still ask you for a new photo if they think yours is unclear or unprofessional.
  • If your photo is rejected, it’s usually because:
    • Poor lighting, incorrect background, or bad quality.
    • Your appearance doesn’t match the airline’s grooming standards.

If in doubt, retake the photo before submitting. It’s better to get it right the first time than risk rejection over a simple mistake.

Final check: Is your cabin crew photo ready?

Before submitting your application, go through this quick checklist:

✅ White background, no distractions
✅ Professional outfit, clean and polished
✅ Natural, confident smile
✅ Full-length photo includes shoes
✅ No heavy editing or filters
✅ JPEG format, under 500 KB