Cabin crew

You could do a college course like a Level 2 Certificate in Air Cabin Crew, or study a cabin crew module as part of a broader travel and tourism course.

Entry requirements

You may need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

You could start by doing a cabin crew advanced apprenticeship.

This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time with a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

You could apply directly to airlines for a cabin crew job. Entry requirements vary but good customer service skills will be expected.

Career tips

Some airlines and private providers run 2-day cabin crew courses, which may help your chances of getting a job.

Some airlines also have online career quizzes you can do to test whether working as air cabin crew is for you, before you apply.

Being able to speak a second language gives you an advantage when making applications. You'll also need to demonstrate that you have great customer service skills, so experience of working directly with the public is useful.

Further information

You'll find details about working as air cabin crew from Careers That Move.

You'll need:

• customer service skills for working with passengers
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to enjoy working with other people
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding for dealing with customers’ needs
• a desire to help people and a friendly manner
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass enhanced background checks

You'll also be expected to:

• have a smart appearance
• have a valid passport with no restrictions for the countries the airline travels to
• live within 90 minutes of your base
• have good written and spoken English

Many airlines also ask that you're able to swim up to 25 metres.

There are rules about height and weight - these vary between airlines. As a general guide, most look for people between 5ft 2in (157cm) and 6ft 2in (188cm) with weight in proportion to height.

Before a flight you could:

• attend a staff meeting about the route and schedule
• check supplies on the plane and make sure emergency equipment is working properly
• greet passengers and check documents
• demonstrate emergency equipment and procedures

During a flight, you might:

• make sure passengers are comfortable and respond to any requests
• serve food and drinks, and sell duty-free items
• make announcements
• reassure passengers in the event of an emergency, and make sure they follow safety procedures

At the end of a flight you'll often:

• make sure passengers leave the plane safely
• write a flight report, including details about any unusual incidents
• add up and record food and drink orders, and duty-free sales

You could work on an aircraft.

Your working environment may be physically demanding and cramped.

You may need to wear a uniform.