How to Become Cabin Crew: Step-by-Step 2026 Guide

Do you dream of traveling the world, exploring new cultures, and working high above the clouds? Becoming an international flight attendant is an incredible career path—and this step-by-step cabin crew guide covers everything you need to know to get hired.

Whether you are applying for the first time or looking for a second chance, let’s break down the exact requirements, recruitment events, and interview steps to turn your dream into reality.

✅ Step 1: Meet the Airline Requirements

While every carrier sets its own benchmarks, the cabin crew job requirements for major Middle Eastern airlines (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, and Riyadh Air) share a highly consistent standard. You must meet these criteria before attending an Open Day or an Assessment Day.

Age Criteria

You must be 21 years old to work as a cabin crew member in the UAE and Qatar. In many countries, reaching 21 means becoming an adult, fully responsible for your decisions. It is also the legal age to drink and serve alcohol in the UAE and Qatar. If you are not yet 21, you will have to wait. You will not be able to attend the Open Day or Assessment Day.

Emirates, Etihad, Qatar, and Riyadh Air do not specify a maximum age limit.

Education

The minimum required level of education is high school, which ends with a school-leaving certificate. The type of school does not matter. Candidates are expected to have basic general knowledge and the ability to learn new things. During the initial cabin crew training, you will have to pass many tests in various subjects, such as emergency procedures, safety and security, first aid, etc.

Height

As a cabin crew member, you must be able to close the storage space above the seats and reach the emergency equipment stored there.

Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar require all candidates to reach a minimum of 212 cm (6’11”) without shoes, though tiptoeing is allowed. Jumping is not permitted.

Note: Emirates and Etihad require candidates to be at least 160 cm (5’3″) tall.

Practice at home: Make a mark on the wall at a height of 212 cm and try to reach this mark with just one hand.

Health Condition

Health and fitness are extremely important for this job. Your shift can start at 2 AM or 5 PM. You will stand in high heels and occasionally lift heavy luggage into storage spaces – all with a beautiful smile!

All this can be done assuming you maintain a healthy lifestyle. After a successful selection process, you must submit a detailed medical examination from your doctor. Upon admission to the airline, you must also undergo a medical examination with an airline doctor.

Tattoos – Allowed or Not?

If the tattoo can be hidden under your uniform, then it’s okay. Ladies normally wear short sleeves and a skirt to the knees. Gentlemen wear a long-sleeved shirt and trousers. If you cannot hide the tattoo, you will be excluded from the selection process.

Note: Qatar Airways has strict rules – NO tattoos are allowed.

English Language

The English language is considered primary in aviation. You must have a good level of English knowledge in all aspects: speaking, writing, reading, and understanding. All manuals, training, and communications are in English.

Customer Service Skills

Emirates recommends at least one year of hospitality and customer care experience. This is a recommended time, not a necessity.

All successful candidates will receive proper customer service training. However, previous experience might give you an advantage during the selection process.

✅ Step 2: check the latest recruitment events

If you meet the minimum requirements, you can take the next step. See which airline is looking for new colleagues.

Here is the list of 2026 Current Recruitment Events:

✅ Step 3: apply online or attend an open day

After selecting your preferred employer, there are two ways to apply for the cabin crew job: Online Application or Open Day.

Online Application

Click the links below to learn how to submit your cabin crew online application:

🛑 Before You Apply: Will Your Resume Pass the ATS Filter?

Major airlines use automated tracking systems (ATS) to scan applications. If your CV doesn’t feature the specific keywords recruiters look for, it gets filtered out automatically – even if you meet all the physical requirements.

Don’t risk your application on a guess. Check your CV compliance instantly before submitting.

⚡ Free analysis takes less than 60 seconds.

Open Day

If the Open Day is happening near your home, prepare all the documents and go for it! No prior registration is required.

If the Open Day is by invitation only, you must first fill out an online application. If you are selected for the assessment day, you will receive an invitation with details.

For the latest and most up-to-date information, visit the official career websites.