How to Become Cabin Crew — A Step-by-Step Guide

How to Become Cabin Crew — A Step-by-Step Guide by JJ

Becoming cabin crew is one of the most exciting career moves you can make. The travel, the lifestyle, the people you meet — it’s genuinely unlike any other job. But the recruitment process can feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect.

I’ve been through it myself, and I’ve helped many aspiring crew members prepare for their applications and assessment days. Here’s my honest, step-by-step guide to getting hired as cabin crew.

Step 1: Research Airlines and Requirements

Not all airlines have the same requirements, so start by researching which airlines are currently recruiting. Common requirements include:

• Minimum age (usually 18 or 21)
• Minimum height (typically 5’2” to 6’2”, or arm reach of 210cm)
• Valid passport with no travel restrictions
• Right to work in the country of base
• Ability to swim
• No visible tattoos in uniform

Make a shortlist of airlines that match your profile and check their careers pages regularly — recruitment windows open and close quickly.

Step 2: Write a Strong Application

Your application is your first impression. Airlines receive thousands of applications, so yours needs to stand out.

• CV: Keep it clean, concise, and customer-service focused. Highlight any hospitality, retail, or people-facing experience.
• Cover letter: Be genuine. Explain why you want to fly for that specific airline and what you bring to the role.
• Photo: Many airlines request a professional photo. Dress smartly, smile naturally, and keep the background plain.

Step 3: Prepare for the Online Assessment

If your application is successful, you’ll typically be invited to complete an online assessment. This may include:

• Situational judgement tests
• Personality questionnaires
• English language tests
• Video interviews

Practice beforehand using free online resources. For video interviews, record yourself answering common questions and watch it back — it’s uncomfortable but incredibly useful.

Step 4: Ace the Assessment Day

The assessment day (or ‘open day’) is where most candidates are eliminated — but it’s also where you can really shine. Here’s what to expect:

• Group exercises: Airlines are watching how you interact with others. Be collaborative, listen actively, and contribute without dominating.
• Reach test: You’ll be asked to reach a certain height. Wear flat shoes and stand tall.
• Grooming check: Present yourself immaculately. Hair neat, nails clean, minimal jewellery, smart attire.
• One-to-one interview: Prepare answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for competency questions.

Step 5: Nail the Final Interview

If you make it to the final interview, you’re close. This is usually a more in-depth conversation about your experience, motivations, and how you handle challenging situations.

Common questions include:

• Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.
• How do you handle working under pressure?
• Why do you want to work for this airline specifically?
• Where do you see yourself in five years?

Research the airline thoroughly — their routes, values, uniform, and recent news. Show genuine enthusiasm.

Step 6: Medical and Background Checks

If you receive a conditional offer, you’ll need to pass a medical examination and background checks. These typically include:

• Vision and hearing tests
• General health assessment
• Criminal record check (DBS in the UK)
• 5-year employment history verification

Step 7: Training

Once cleared, you’ll begin your initial training — usually 4–6 weeks of intensive classroom and practical learning covering safety, emergency procedures, first aid, and service standards. It’s intense but incredibly rewarding.

JJ’s Top Tips for Aspiring Cabin Crew

• Apply to multiple airlines at once — don’t put all your eggs in one basket
• Customer service experience is gold — get some if you don’t have it
• Grooming matters more than you think — airlines notice everything
• Be yourself in interviews — they’re hiring a person, not a robot
• Don’t give up after rejections — most crew members applied multiple times

Ready to take the next step? Explore our Cabin Crew Training resources or visit the Cabin Crew Corner for more insider tips from JJ.