FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

To become a cabin crew member, follow these steps:

1. Check the requirements: Most airlines require you to be at least 21, fluent in English, able to reach 212 cm, and have no visible tattoos in uniform.

2. Apply online or attend an open day:

   • Emirates: Usually holds open days.

   • Qatar Airways: Online applications only.

   • Etihad: Uses both methods.

3. Prepare your documents: Submit a professional CV, full-body photo, and passport-sized photo.

4. Attend the assessment day: Includes English tests, group exercises, interviews, and reach tests.

5. Pass medical and background checks.

6. Join the airline’s training program if selected.

While each airline may have slight variations, the general minimum requirements are:

• Minimum age: 21 years

• Minimum arm reach of 212 cm while standing on tiptoes

• High school graduate (Grade 12 or equivalent)

• Fluent in English (spoken and written)

• Well-groomed appearance and professional look

Airline-Specific Requirements:

ETIHAD, EMIRATES, QATAR, AIR ARABIA, RIYADH AIR

The minimum age to apply is 21. While these airlines don’t officially specify a maximum age, it’s generally understood to be between 33 and 35. Although younger candidates are often preferred, older applicants are still encouraged to apply—highlight your unique skills and experience that set you apart from younger candidates.

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It’s a number calculated from your height and weight to estimate whether you have a healthy body weight. Airlines often use BMI as part of their health and fitness checks to ensure cabin crew can safely perform their duties.

Use our BMI calculator. 

EMIRATES and ETIHAD:

If you can hide it while in the cabin crew uniform, then you can have a tattoo.

QATAR does not allow tattoos, even if they can be hidden under the uniform.

During the Open or Assessment Day, recruiters typically do not ask candidates to remove clothing, so visible tattoos may go unnoticed. However, this does not mean tattoos are permitted.

When completing the online application or pre-employment documents, you are required to declare any tattoos. Providing false or incomplete information can lead to immediate termination of your contract.

After hiring, a thorough medical examination takes place. If any undeclared tattoos are discovered during this check, your employment contract will be terminated immediately without further notice.

• General Policy: Most Middle Eastern airlines, including Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, allow candidates to have birthmarks or scars as long as they are not prominently visible while wearing the uniform. The airlines expect cabin crew to present a neat, professional, and polished appearance.

• Visible Marks: If the birthmark or scar is on a visible area (face, neck, hands), it should be small and discreet. Large or prominent marks that affect the professional image may be a concern during recruitment.

• During Assessment: Recruiters assess overall grooming and appearance but rarely reject candidates solely for minor birthmarks or scars.

• Honesty: Always declare any significant marks if asked during medical or application forms. Transparency is important.

Yes, you can wear glasses while working as cabin crew for Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways, but there are some important guidelines:

• Glasses must be stylish and professional-looking. Avoid overly casual or distracting frames.

• Contact lenses are often preferred during assessments and training, especially for safety reasons, but glasses are allowed.

• During recruitment and training, your vision must meet the airline’s medical standards, whether corrected by glasses or contacts.

• If you wear glasses, you should be comfortable wearing them for long hours, including emergency situations.

EMIRATES

• Visible Braces: Emirates has strict grooming standards, and visible braces are not allowed while flying. Therefore, you must have them removed before joining. 

• During Recruitment: You can attend an open day with braces. However, if your braces will be removed soon, it’s advisable to wait until after they are removed before applying. 

QATAR

• Braces Policy: Qatar Airways does not allow braces, even if they are invisible or clear. If you’re close to the end of your treatment and will be able to remove your braces soon, it’s recommended to contact the recruitment team for advice. 

ETIHAD

• Braces Policy: Etihad Airways allows braces as long as they are invisible, transparent, or the same color as your teeth. Traditional metal braces may not be acceptable.

The hijab is not part of the cabin crew uniform for any of these airlines; therefore, it cannot be worn while on duty.

If you prefer or need to wear the hijab, consider applying to airlines that officially permit it (e.g., Saudia, EgyptAir, Royal Brunei, Garuda Indonesia).

If you become cabin crew with one of these airlines, you will be based in the following city:

Emirates – Dubai

Etihad – Abu Dhabi

Qatar – Doha

Absolutely! I provide Cabin Crew CV writing service to deliver my client an attractive CV for an Open Day or an Online Application. For more information, click here.

Yes, absolutely! Prior experience in aviation is not required to become cabin crew. I was hired myself without any background in the airline industry.

While airlines do value experience in customer service or hospitality, it’s not mandatory. What matters most is your attitude, communication skills, and professionalism — all of which can be learned and demonstrated regardless of your previous job history.

Yes, you need a valid passport to apply for a cabin crew job with Emirates, Etihad, or Qatar Airways. It’s required during the online application and must be shown at the Open Day or Assessment Day. Since the role involves international travel, having a passport ready is essential. Without it, you may not be allowed to proceed in the recruitment process.

An Open Day is a public cabin crew recruitment event hosted by airlines. Anyone who meets the basic requirements can attend without a prior invitation. During the event, you’ll watch a company presentation and may participate in initial screening rounds. It’s your first opportunity to make a good impression and potentially advance to the Assessment Day.

More about Cabin Crew Open Day

To apply online, you’ll need the following:

• An updated CV (professional and tailored for cabin crew)

• A passport-sized photo

• A full-length photo (meeting airline guidelines)

• A copy of your passport

• A cover letter (optional, but recommended for Etihad)

Make sure all documents are clear, professional, and meet the specific airline’s photo and CV requirements.

Assessment Day is a full-day recruitment event where shortlisted candidates are evaluated through group activities, interviews, and communication tasks. You can receive an invitation by attending an Open Day or by applying online.

More about Assessment Day.

A detailed overview of what to expect on the Emirates Assessment Day.

A detailed overview of what to expect on the Etihad Assessment Day. 

A detailed overview of what to expect on the Qatar Assessment Day. 

English is the primary language used throughout the aviation industry. Airlines expect cabin crew to have a very good or fluent level of English — both spoken and written.

From my experience, not all cabin crew are perfectly fluent; many are non-native speakers who speak English well enough to communicate effectively. The key is that your English must be strong enough to clearly understand training materials, safety manuals, and communicate confidently with passengers and colleagues.

Yes, of course. Check my ebook ‘Cabin Crew Interview Success’ which helped many candidates to pass the recruitment process and they became cabin crew.