How to Become Cabin Crew: Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever dreamt of becoming a cabin crew? This step-by-step guide shows you exactly how to apply, what qualifications you need, and what to expect in the cabin crew recruitment process.
Whether you dream of flying for a major airline or just starting out, here’s everything you need to know to launch your career as a flight attendant.
Cabin Crew Application Process
🗣️
Language Skills
Fluent English required; knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
Language Skills
Fluent English required; knowledge of additional languages is a plus.
🩺
Medical Fitness
Must pass a medical examination (including vision and hearing).
Medical Fitness
Must pass a medical examination (including vision and hearing).
🏊♂️
Swimming Ability
Ability to swim unaided (often tested during recruitment).
Swimming Ability
Ability to swim unaided (often tested during recruitment).
🎂
Minimum Age
Usually 18–20 years old (varies by airline).
Minimum Age
Usually 18–20 years old (varies by airline).
🎓
Education
Completed secondary school or equivalent.
Education
Completed secondary school or equivalent.
📏
Height Requirements
Typically between 160–190 cm (to reach safety equipment).
Height Requirements
Typically between 160–190 cm (to reach safety equipment).
Cabin Crew Requirements
Before you apply, make sure you meet the standard requirements set by most airlines:
✅
Clean Background
No criminal record.
Clean Background
No criminal record.
🌍
Work Permit
Right to work in the country where the base is located.
Work Permit
Right to work in the country where the base is located.
*Some airlines may have additional requirements, such as customer service experience or specific appearance standards (e.g., visible tattoos/piercings, grooming). Always check the airline’s official job ad for details.
1
Research Airlines and Open Positions
Check job boards, airline career pages, and AAP Aviation’s Cabin Crew Jobs to find active vacancies.
Read each job ad carefully for airline-specific requirements.
Research Airlines and Open Positions
Check job boards, airline career pages, and AAP Aviation’s Cabin Crew Jobs to find active vacancies.
Read each job ad carefully for airline-specific requirements.
2
Prepare Your CV and Application
Create a professional CV tailored to cabin crew roles (see our CV Tips page).
Prepare Your CV and Application
Create a professional CV tailored to cabin crew roles (see our CV Tips page).
3
Submit Your Application
Apply online via the airline’s portal or AAP Aviation’s platform.
Double-check all details before submitting.
Submit Your Application
Apply online via the airline’s portal or AAP Aviation’s platform.
Double-check all details before submitting.
4
Complete Online Assessments (if required)
Some airlines may require online tests (language, reasoning, or customer scenarios).
Complete Online Assessments (if required)
Some airlines may require online tests (language, reasoning, or customer scenarios).
5
Attend an Assessment Day or Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment day, which may include:
Attend an Assessment Day or Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited to an assessment day, which may include:
- Group exercises
- Roleplays
- Panel interviews
- English language tests
- Swimming or reach tests
6
Medical Check and Background Screening
If you pass the assessment, you’ll need to complete a medical exam and provide documentation for background checks.
Medical Check and Background Screening
If you pass the assessment, you’ll need to complete a medical exam and provide documentation for background checks.
What Makes a Strong Cabin Crew Candidate?
🗣️
Excellent Communication Skills
Friendly, clear, and confident
Excellent Communication Skills
Friendly, clear, and confident
😊
Positive Attitude
Enthusiastic, adaptable, and ready to help others
Positive Attitude
Enthusiastic, adaptable, and ready to help others
🤝
Teamwork
Able to work with diverse people under pressure
Teamwork
Able to work with diverse people under pressure
💄
Professional Appearance
Polished and follows uniform/grooming guidelines
Professional Appearance
Polished and follows uniform/grooming guidelines
🧑💼
Customer Service Mindset
Experience in hospitality or customer-facing roles is a plus
Customer Service Mindset
Experience in hospitality or customer-facing roles is a plus
🌎
Cultural Awareness
Comfortable with international, multicultural teams and passengers
Cultural Awareness
Comfortable with international, multicultural teams and passengers
🧩
Problem-Solving Skills
Calm and resourceful during unexpected situations
Problem-Solving Skills
Calm and resourceful during unexpected situations
Tip: Use real-life examples in your application and interview to show how you’ve demonstrated these qualities.