Entry Requirements Copy

A bachelor or master degree is not required for entry into work as a cabin crew member. Instead, most airlines require a secondary education (+2), with some asking for grade C or above in English and Math.

Studying a degree/HND/foundation degree in one of the following subjects may be useful; however, in showing the airline you have an interest in this area:

• Languages;
• Travel;
• Leisure and Tourism Management;
• Nursing;
• Hospitality Management.

Being able to speak other languages may be particularly useful and this could put you at an advantage against other candidates.

A postgraduate qualification is not required.

The majority of airlines do have a certain list of requirements, however, which candidates must meet. This includes some or all of the following:

• minimum age of 18, in some cases 21;
• good standard of health and fitness with the ability to swim 25 meters unaided;
• minimum height requirement 5’2” (this may differ depending on airlines) and usually that height be in proportion to weight;
• good hearing and eyesight, although glasses and contact lenses are allowed;
• valid passport permitting unrestricted travel worldwide;
• Disclosure and Barring Service check;
• Medical examination (some airlines may not require this).

Candidates also need to show evidence of the following:

• communication skills;
• confidence in dealing with a range of people;
• the ability to work as a team member (different teams may be worked with every day) and be supportive of colleagues;
• competence in handling difficult situations and the ability to remain calm under pressure and in emergency situations;
• the ability to be tactful and diplomatic but also assertive when necessary;
• commercial awareness and sales skills;
• flexibility in working unsocial hours on any day of the year;
• the ability to work quickly and efficiently, often to tight time constraints;
• numeracy skills for handling cash, including foreign currency;
• the ability to work in a confined space.

This is a highly competitive profession and candidates compete for jobs with a wide range of people, from school leavers to those with a significant amount of relevant experience. Airlines recruit throughout the year so keep checking relevant websites regularly and make speculative applications.