Flight Attendant Requirements In Commercial And Private Aviation
The aviation industry has gone a long way from very harsh requirements for flight attendants: they don't have to leave their job when married, everyone can apply for the job regardless of gender and even special training is not required sometimes!
But there are still a lot of requirements to become a flight attendant, especially in commercial aviation.
For example, Emirates Airlines, which is widely regarded as the airlines with the best quality of service, has the following requirements:
- At least 21 years of age at the time of joining
- Arm reach of 212 cm while standing on tiptoes
- Minimum height of 160 cm
- High school graduate (Grade 12)
- Fluency in English (written and spoken)
- No visible tattoos while you’re in Emirates cabin crew uniform (cosmetic and bandage coverings aren’t allowed)
- Can adapt to new people, new places and new situations
- Physically fit for this demanding role with a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
In the private aviation industry, the requirements are, surprisingly, laxer. The flight attendant can be of any age (many flight attendants working on private jets are 40+), there is no height and arm reach requirement (because there are no overhead luggage bins in private jets), the flight attendant can be of any weight and express themselves any way they want - there is no tattoo or piercing ban.
The most important qualities of a private aviation flight attendant are:
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Ability to deliver exceptional service to customers
- Good attitude
If this has inspired you to become a flight attendant, check out our Instagram contest!
