Air hostess, now more commonly called cabin crew, requires a National Senior Certificate, the ability to swim, medical fitness, a clear criminal record, and a valid passport permitting unrestricted international travel. The safety training that qualifies you is provided by the airline after hiring.
The role is a safety role first and a service role second. That is why the requirements centre on medical fitness, reach and swimming rather than on appearance, and why airlines train their own crew rather than accepting outside certificates.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
Airlines generally assess the following.
- A National Senior Certificate
- A minimum age set by the airline, generally above eighteen
- Height and reach sufficient to operate safety equipment and emergency exits
- Medical fitness, assessed by examination
- The ability to swim, which is tested
- A clear criminal record and background check
- A valid passport allowing unrestricted international travel
Education and Subject Requirements
A National Senior Certificate is the standard requirement with no prescribed subject combination. English is essential, since it is the operating language of the cabin and of safety procedures.
Additional languages are a genuine advantage on international routes and are commonly weighted in selection. Customer-facing experience in hospitality or retail is frequently preferred.
Age, Fitness, Licence and Background Requirements
Height and reach requirements exist so that crew can reach overhead safety equipment and operate emergency exits. They are safety requirements, and the specific measurements differ by airline and aircraft type.
A background check is standard because crew access secure areas of airports, and a passport permitting unrestricted travel is required because crew must be able to enter the countries the airline flies to.
Documents and Evidence Required
Expect to provide the following.
- Your National Senior Certificate or statement of results
- A certified copy of your identity document
- A valid passport
- A curriculum vitae and photographs to the airline specification
- A police clearance certificate
- A medical certificate, where required before assessment
Application and Selection Process
Airlines recruit in intakes rather than continuously. Selection typically runs through application screening, a group assessment day, interviews, then medical and swimming assessments.
Be cautious about paid cabin crew courses. Airlines provide their own certified safety training after hiring, so such a course is not a substitute, and any recruiter asking for payment to secure a position should be treated as fraudulent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is air hostess the same as cabin crew?
Yes. Cabin crew is the current term for the same role, which is a safety role first and a service role second.
Do I need a cabin crew course before applying?
Generally no. Airlines provide their own certified safety training after hiring.
Why is there a height requirement?
So that crew can reach overhead safety equipment and operate emergency exits. It is a safety requirement.
Do I need to swim?
Yes. Swimming ability is tested because of evacuation and ditching procedures.
Confirm age, height, medical and language requirements with the specific airline, since each sets its own. Browse all career requirements.