Many want to become a cabin crew and of course, I am sure you are all aware that there are requirements. While these requirements are usually specific per airline, I would like to discuss these requirements on a more general note. Hence, allow me to share the basic flight attendant requirements to be aware of on a general note.
Please do check also your airline’s list of requirements and qualifications that should be followed.
There are two types of requirements but I will first discuss the physical side. Now you might think, “oh no, mapapagastos ako uli.” Think of this as an investment and not an expense. You pay for something that will give you long-term benefits in the future, like becoming a flight attendant. We have time to prepare especially while airlines are not hiring yet. However, you have to act soon. Now, do you need to spend? Nasa diskarte nalang yan, we should say. We know someone who became a flight attendant wearing a 5-peso worth top.
Again, what I am providing here are the requirements on a general note. These are not airline-specific. It is best to always check the airline requirements when applying for a flight attendant job. Requirements may differ per airline so please do always read the requirements.
So here are now the important basic general requirements to be a flight attendant that you need to know.
Height
It is common for airlines to have height requirements for flight attendants. The reason why there is a height requirement is for flight attendants to be able to reach the safety equipment located on the overhead stowage bins. In the Philippines, the basic minimum height for females is 5-foot 3-inches while males are at 5-foot 5-inches. However, some airlines like Cebu Pacific have recently updated their minimum height requirement to a minimum arm reach of 210cm. This is based on commercial airlines that operate jets, particularly the Airbus A320 family.
Some Middle East airlines do not have height requirements. Instead, arm-reach requirements are in place. You have to be able to make your arms reach a certain height during the screening process. So even if you are 5’1″ but your arms are within the reach requirements, then that’s good.
Other airlines outside the Philippines may also have height requirements but necessarily 5’3″ for females and 5’5″ for males. Height requirements may differ depending on the type of aircraft the airline operates. Of course, the company’s branding and image for flight attendants are also factored in. So always do your research. Go through the details of each requirement list.
Skin
To set the record straight, skin tone is never a requirement nor has it been a requirement to be a flight attendant. You may have dark skin or fair skin tone and be a flight attendant. Your skin tone is never a requirement. Let’s dodge those fake news saying “kelangan maputi ka para maging flight attendant.” Untrue! However, when it comes to skin, you must have clear skin. If you have tattoos, just make sure that they are not visible when you put in a uniform. If you have pimples, acne, or breakouts, you may always go see a Dermatologist to have these addressed. Besides, no one likes a pimple-riddled face. Birthmarks are normal and we know quite a several cabin crew with birthmarks. Is it necessary to have them removed? That will depend on you. Will airlines take you in? Until you try, we will never know.
How about moles? I know some cabin crew with moles on their face. I shall have a topic on flight attendant skincare soon so stay tuned. So what’s the need for clear skin? As flight attendants, you will be the airline’s frontline to the passengers inside the aircraft. You will be carrying the company’s brand and image which has to be represented well. You are brand ambassadors of the airline.
Weight
Your weight has to be proportionate to your height. Some airlines, even look at something more specific like BMI or Body-Mass Index. Yes to be a flight attendant, you have to be fit since your job will entail dealing with passengers’ lives, especially during emergencies. At the same time, you have to look good in the uniform. Going back, you will be brand ambassadors of the airline. Now, how about plus-sized people who can carry themselves well?
Again, different airlines have different requirements or standards. This is why it is best to always try and apply. If the airline says that you need to slim down, then do your best to slim down. We can go to the gym or if you don’t want to spend much, then just diet or eat right. Exercise regularly too. We know a 250lb guy who lost weight and is now a flight steward.
So if you have the chance to slim down, please do. If you are underweight, then find ways to gain some muscle or fat.
Teeth
Perfect set of teeth and straight teeth. Yes, this is a very common requirement among airlines. Your teeth will bring out your best smile. A flight attendant’s smile is part of his or her uniform. If you have problems with your teeth, then please do see a dentist provide the best solutions. If you need braces, then go get one while airlines are still on their way to recovery. Oh, braces are not allowed by the way when you start training.
Eye vision
A perfect 20-20 vision is always an advantage however, airlines do have different conditions. Most flight attendants who do not have 20/20 vision use contact lenses. Many have resorted to LASIK. If there is one thing though, you cannot be color-blind. As flight attendants, you must be aware of your surroundings. You have to be able to notice if there is smoke inside the cabin, if there is a fire in one of the engines, or if a passenger has lost consciousness. You have to properly be able to read the manuals. During an emergency, you have to be able to see through the dark.
“Do I have to be good-looking in order to be a cabin crew? Do I have to look like a celebrity?”
Being “maganda” and “guapo” are objective. Someone who we may find “maganda” may not be for others, hence, being “guapo” or “maganda” is not a requirement. We may all have our definition of what makes a person “good-looking” but at the end of the day, we are all beautiful. For the airlines, you just have to be presentable, stand with confidence, speak with dignity, and represent the airline well.
The airlines would rather get someone who is clean, presentable, confident, and dignified, over someone who looks like a celebrity but lacks confidence.
Last but not least Even if you look like Marian Rivera or Ian Veneracion, if you barely smile, then your flight attendant dream may just end up as a pipe dream.
Now that you know the basic physical requirements to be a flight attendant, it is time to prepare as early as today.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
