Cabin Crew Requirements
Cabin Crew Requirements: What Airlines Ask For
Before you apply to be cabin crew, check what each airline requires. Requirements differ between airlines and change over time, so this page explains the types of requirement you will usually see and how to check them.
The main types of requirement
| Area | What airlines may ask | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Age | A minimum age, often stated at the time of application or joining | The job advert and careers page |
| Height or reach | A minimum height and/or arm reach, so you can reach safety equipment | The job advert, and ask the airline how it is measured |
| Education | A minimum level, such as high school | The job advert |
| Experience | Customer service or hospitality experience, sometimes for a stated length of time | The job advert |
| Language | Fluent written and spoken English, and sometimes additional languages | The job advert |
| Right to work | The right to work in the country where you would be based, or ability to meet visa requirements | The airline’s careers page and FAQ |
| Appearance and uniform | Uniform and grooming standards, for example rules on visible tattoos or head coverings | The airline’s grooming guidance and event dress code |
| Health and fitness | Medical forms or checks, usually after a conditional offer | The airline’s FAQ and your offer documents |
| Swimming ability | Some airlines ask for it | The job advert |
| Documents and checks | Passport or ID, and background or security checks | Your invitation and the airline’s instructions |
Example: Emirates
The official Emirates Group Careers cabin crew page, read on 27 October 2026, states that candidates need to be:
- Fluent in written and spoken English (additional languages are an advantage)
- A natural team player with a personality that shines
- At least 160 cm tall and able to reach 212 cm high
- Able to meet the UAE’s employment visa requirements
- At least 21 years old
And have at least one year of hospitality or customer service experience, a minimum of high school (Grade 12) education and no visible tattoos while in Emirates cabin crew uniform.
This is one airline, and other airlines ask for different things. Always read the current requirements for the airline you are applying to. Our Emirates Cabin Crew Interview Prep Pack goes through them in more detail.
How to check your eligibility
- Read the official careers page and the job advert in full.
- Write each requirement down and note whether you meet it.
- Ask the airline’s recruitment team if anything is unclear, and keep a note of the answer.
- Check again just before you apply, because requirements can change.
The Grooming & Uniform Standards Checklist includes a table to record what you have checked for each airline.
If you do not meet a requirement yet
Some requirements, such as experience, you can build over time. Customer-facing roles in hospitality, retail or airport customer service can strengthen an application. Our Ground Crew & Airport Customer Service Career Guide explains how airport roles can help you gain experience. Other requirements, such as height, reach or age, are set by the airline and cannot be changed, so check them first.
Next steps
Read our guide on how to become cabin crew, or explore the Training Hub.
Skyway by JJ is independent and is not affiliated with any airline. Requirements are set by each airline and can change. This page is general guidance and cannot guarantee a job offer.