Cabin Crew Requirements: Everything You Need
Height, age, medical fitness, education, tattoos, swimming, and more. This is the complete reference guide for cabin crew requirements at every major airline in 2026.
TLDR: The Quick Version
Most airlines require you to be at least 18-21 years old, reach 212 cm on tiptoes, pass a medical exam, hold a high school diploma, speak English at B2+ level, swim 25 metres unassisted, and have no visible tattoos in uniform. Beyond that, requirements vary significantly between airlines.
- Height: 157-160 cm minimum (varies by airline)
- Age: 18-21 minimum, upper limits vary
- Medical: Vision, BMI, ECG, blood tests
- Education: High school diploma minimum
- English: B2+ level required
- Swimming: 25 m unassisted
- Tattoos: No visible tattoos at most airlines
- Criminal record: Must be clear
Height and reach requirements
Height requirements exist because cabin crew need to reach overhead bins, operate emergency equipment, and assist passengers safely. Most airlines care more about your arm reach than your standing height.
| Airline | Min. Height | Arm Reach | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 160 cm | 212 cm | Measured on tiptoes without shoes |
| Qatar Airways | 157 cm | 212 cm | Lowest height minimum among Gulf carriers |
| Etihad | 160 cm | 212 cm | Same standard as Emirates |
| Singapore Airlines | 158 cm | Not published | Height only, no published reach test |
| British Airways | No minimum | 212 cm | Reach test only, no height minimum |
Tips for the Reach Test
How old do you need to be?
Age requirements vary significantly between regions. Gulf airlines are stricter, while European and US airlines tend to be more flexible on upper limits.
Gulf Airlines
21+
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad all require a minimum age of 21. While none of these airlines publish an upper age limit, the reality is that they tend to prefer candidates under 35 for initial recruitment. That said, older candidates with strong hospitality backgrounds do get hired.
European Airlines
18+
British Airways, EasyJet, Ryanair, and other European carriers accept applicants from 18 with no upper age limit. EasyJet famously has cabin crew members in their 70s. European employment law makes age-based discrimination illegal, which is why there is no upper cap.
US Airlines
18-21+
United, Delta, and American Airlines require a minimum age of 18 to 21 depending on the carrier. There is no upper age limit. US airlines have some of the most age-diverse cabin crew in the world, with crew members flying well into their 60s and beyond.
The medical exam
Every airline requires cabin crew to pass a comprehensive medical examination before starting training. Here is what gets tested and what can disqualify you.
Vision
Your vision must be correctable to 20/20 (6/6) with glasses or contact lenses. You cannot be colour blind, as cabin crew need to identify colour-coded safety equipment, emergency lighting, and warning signals. Laser eye surgery is generally accepted as long as your vision has stabilised. Some airlines prefer contact lenses over glasses for uniformity, but both are accepted.
Dental
Dental checks are part of the medical for most Gulf airlines. Emirates specifically requires braces to be removed before joining. If you currently have braces and are applying to Emirates, plan your removal timeline accordingly. Clear aligners like Invisalign are generally acceptable at most airlines. Good oral hygiene and a presentable smile are expected.
BMI & Physical Fitness
Airlines typically expect a BMI in the 18 to 25 range, which is the standard healthy weight classification. This is assessed during the medical examination. The requirement exists for practical reasons: cabin crew need to move through narrow aisles, fit into jump seats, and operate emergency equipment. If you are close to the boundary, your overall fitness and appearance are also considered.
ECG, Blood Tests & Drug Screening
The medical includes an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check heart health, comprehensive blood tests, and a drug screening. Blood tests check for conditions that might affect your ability to work at altitude or handle the physical demands of the role. Drug screening is zero tolerance at every airline. This is non-negotiable and applies to recreational drugs including cannabis, even in jurisdictions where it is legal.
What to Expect at the Medical Exam
Not sure if you meet the requirements?
Ask Glo anything about cabin crew requirements. She knows the specifics for every airline and can give you an honest assessment of your eligibility.
Ask GloWhat qualifications do you need?
The minimum education requirement at virtually every airline is a high school diploma or equivalent. You do not need a university degree to become cabin crew.
That said, certain qualifications can strengthen your application. Degrees or diplomas in hospitality, tourism, languages, or communications show relevant interest and knowledge. First aid certifications, food safety qualifications, and language certificates also add value. Emirates and Qatar Airways both state that a high school diploma is the minimum, and many successful cabin crew have no degree at all.
Helpful but Not Required
- Hospitality or tourism degree
- First aid certification
- Food safety qualification
- Language certificates (IELTS, TOEFL)
- Customer service qualifications
What Actually Matters More
- Customer service experience of any kind
- Strong English communication skills
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Cultural awareness and adaptability
- The right personality and attitude
English proficiency
English is the international language of aviation. Every airline requires cabin crew to speak English at a minimum of B2 level (upper intermediate) on the CEFR scale. This means you can communicate clearly, handle unexpected situations in English, and make announcements confidently.
Airlines test English ability differently. Emirates and Qatar Airways assess it during the interview and assessment day through conversation, group exercises, and sometimes written tests. Some European airlines accept IELTS or TOEFL scores. If English is not your first language, practice speaking English daily. The assessment is not about perfection. It is about clear, confident, professional communication.
Additional languages are a major advantage. Airlines operate globally and highly value crew who speak Mandarin, Arabic, French, Spanish, German, Japanese, or Korean. If you speak multiple languages, make sure they are prominently featured on your CV with accurate proficiency levels.
Tattoo and piercing policies
This is one of the most asked-about topics in cabin crew recruitment. Policies range from zero tolerance to full acceptance.
Strict Policies
- Qatar Airways: Zero tolerance. Any tattoo = rejection.
- Emirates: No visible tattoos in uniform.
- Etihad: No visible tattoos in uniform.
- Singapore Airlines: No visible tattoos.
- Ryanair: No visible tattoos.
Relaxed Policies
- British Airways: Visible tattoos allowed since 2022.
- Virgin Atlantic: Pioneered visible tattoo acceptance.
- United Airlines: Visible tattoos now allowed.
- Delta: Visible tattoos now allowed.
- EasyJet: Small visible tattoos allowed.
For piercings, most airlines allow one small stud earring per ear for female crew. Male crew are typically not permitted visible piercings. Nose piercings, lip piercings, and other facial piercings are not allowed at most airlines. Remove all non-standard piercings for your assessment day.
Read the full tattoo policy breakdown by airlineSwimming requirements
Cabin crew must be able to swim because they are responsible for passenger safety during water landings and evacuations. Most airlines require you to swim at least 25 metres unassisted and tread water for a period of time.
Typical Requirements
- Swim 25 metres without assistance
- Tread water for 1-3 minutes
- No flotation devices allowed
- Any swimming style is acceptable
When is Swimming Tested?
- Some airlines test during assessment day
- Others test at the start of training
- Emirates tests during training in Dubai
- If you cannot swim, take lessons before applying
Cannot swim? Start swimming lessons now. You typically have several months between applying and starting training. Many successful cabin crew could not swim when they first decided to apply and learned specifically for the role. 25 metres is very achievable with a few weeks of regular practice.
Additional requirements
Clear Criminal Record
All airlines require a clean criminal background check. Any criminal convictions, especially those related to violence, drugs, or theft, will disqualify you. Airlines will conduct background checks as part of the hiring process, and some require a police clearance certificate from every country you have lived in.
Valid Passport
You must hold a valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity. For Gulf airlines, your passport should ideally have at least 2 years remaining. Some airlines require that your passport allows travel to all their destinations without visa restrictions. Having a passport with many visa-free destinations is an advantage.
Right to Work
For European airlines, you need the right to work in the country where the airline is based. For Gulf airlines like Emirates (UAE), Qatar Airways (Qatar), and Etihad (UAE), the airline sponsors your work visa, so this is handled during the hiring process. US airlines require US citizenship or permanent residency.
Visible Scars & Skin Conditions
Some airlines, particularly Gulf carriers, have policies regarding visible scars, skin conditions, or birthmarks. This varies significantly between airlines and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Minor scars are generally not an issue, but prominent scars on the face, hands, or arms may be discussed during the medical. This policy is becoming less strict over time.
Requirements by airline
A comprehensive side-by-side comparison of cabin crew requirements at the top five airlines aspiring cabin crew apply to.
| Requirement | Emirates | Qatar | Etihad | Singapore | British Airways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Height | 160 cm | 157 cm | 160 cm | 158 cm | No minimum |
| Arm Reach | 212 cm | 212 cm | 212 cm | N/A | 212 cm |
| Min. Age | 21 | 21 | 21 | 18 | 18 |
| Education | High school | High school | High school | A-levels min. | GCSEs/equiv. |
| Tattoo Policy | No visible | Zero tolerance | No visible | No visible | Allowed |
| Experience | 1 yr hospitality preferred | Not required | Preferred | Not required | Customer service preferred |
| Swimming | 25 m (tested in training) | 25 m required | 25 m required | Required | 25 m required |
| English Level | Fluent | Fluent | Fluent | Fluent | Native/C1+ |
| Visa/Work | Sponsored by airline | Sponsored by airline | Sponsored by airline | Singapore PR or sponsored | Right to work in UK |
| Braces | Must be removed | Must be removed | Must be removed | Case by case | Accepted |
Meet the requirements? Check your CV.
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Analyze My CVFrequently asked questions
What is the minimum height to be cabin crew?
Minimum height varies by airline. Emirates and Etihad require 160 cm, Qatar Airways requires 157 cm, and Singapore Airlines requires 158 cm. British Airways has no minimum height requirement. What matters more for most airlines is your arm reach, typically 212 cm on tiptoes.
Is there an age limit for cabin crew?
Gulf airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad require a minimum age of 21. European carriers like EasyJet and British Airways accept applicants from age 18, with no upper age limit. US airlines typically require 18-21 minimum with no upper limit. While Gulf airlines do not publish an upper age limit, they tend to prefer younger candidates for initial recruitment.
Do I need a university degree to be cabin crew?
No. A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum education requirement at most airlines. While a degree in hospitality, tourism, or languages can strengthen your application, it is not mandatory. Some airlines value relevant work experience over academic qualifications.
Can cabin crew have tattoos?
It depends on the airline. Qatar Airways has a zero-tolerance policy for tattoos anywhere on the body. Emirates and Etihad do not allow visible tattoos when wearing the uniform. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic now allow visible tattoos. Always check the specific airline policy before applying.
What medical tests do cabin crew have to pass?
Cabin crew medical exams typically include vision testing (correctable to 20/20), hearing tests, ECG, blood tests, drug screening, BMI assessment, dental checks, and general physical examination. Some airlines like Emirates require braces to be removed before joining. The medical must be passed before training begins.
Do cabin crew need to know how to swim?
Yes. Most airlines require cabin crew to swim at least 25 metres unassisted and tread water for a set period. This is because cabin crew are responsible for passenger safety during water evacuations. Some airlines test swimming ability during the assessment day, while others test it during training.
Can I wear glasses or contact lenses as cabin crew?
Yes. Your vision needs to be correctable to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses. You cannot be colour blind, as cabin crew need to identify colour-coded safety equipment. Some airlines prefer contact lenses for aesthetic reasons but glasses are generally accepted.
What is the BMI requirement for cabin crew?
Most airlines look for a BMI in the range of 18 to 25, which is the standard healthy range. This is assessed during the medical examination. Airlines frame this as a health and safety requirement rather than an aesthetic one, as crew need to move through narrow aisles and operate emergency equipment efficiently.
Do I need customer service experience to be cabin crew?
Not necessarily. While customer service experience is highly valued, airlines like Qatar Airways explicitly state that no prior experience is required. What matters is demonstrating the right personality traits: empathy, adaptability, teamwork, and communication skills. Any experience working with people is relevant.
Can I apply to multiple airlines at the same time?
Yes. There is no rule against applying to multiple airlines simultaneously, and most aspiring cabin crew do exactly that. Tailor your CV and preparation to each airline individually. If you receive multiple offers, you can choose the one that suits you best.
Have a question that is not answered here?
Ask Glo AnythingContinue preparing
How to Write a Cabin Crew CV
Complete guide to creating a CV that gets you to assessment day.
Assessment Day Survival Guide
Everything you need to know about the full assessment day.
Top 30 Interview Questions
The questions you will face and how to answer them.
Tattoo Policy by Airline
Detailed breakdown of which airlines allow tattoos and which do not.
Start your cabin crew journey
You know the requirements. Now prepare properly. Get your CV scored, practice your interview answers, and walk into your assessment day with confidence.