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Flight Attendant Requirements

With almost 40 years of training experience, we know that flight attendant requirements are different for each airline. Airlines trust our school because The Travel Academy students meet their stringent flight attendant qualifications.  Because of this high standard, airlines come to our school and conduct flight attendant interviews with students, while still in class.  Students commonly have one or more job offers prior to graduation!

 

 

There are many words that describe flight attendants: adventurous, personable, outgoing, resourceful, and adaptable. Of course these traits alone do not make a flight attendant. Learning how to become a flight attendant is an exciting journey!  There are many flight attendant requirements and qualifications which applicants are required to meet.  These include:

  • Physical Requirements
  • Education & Language Requirements
  • Citizenship & Background Requirements

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It is reported that Delta airlines receives 260,000 applications for a few thousand positions. Going at it alone can take months, only to receive a rejection letter. In a matter of weeks, The Travel Academy will show you how to meet the flight attendant requirements and teach you how to land a flight attendant job.  Career Services are also included to provide you the personal touch and success tools to launch your new career.

Flight Attendant Requirements & Qualifications

Each airline has their own flight attendant requirements:

  • 4’11″-6’4” tall –  Many airlines have more restrictive height requirements. Apply for a free height evaluation.
  • Excellent overall health
  • Five senses- hearing/sight/touch/smell/taste
  • An overall pleasing and well groomed appearance
  • Vision that is correctable by contacts or glasses
  • No facial piercing – 1 earring per ear (lobe only)
  • Tattoos – flight attendant requirements for tattoos are different for each airline. Apply for a free tattoo evaluation.
  • Age restrictions
    • 21 and older – all airlines
    • 19-20 – more than half of airlines
    • 18 -limited regional airlines,  non-traditional airlines (charter, private, corporate and part 135 operators)

Flight Attendant Requirements

Flight Attendant requirements for  EDUCATION – LANGUAGE

  • Minimum high school diploma or GED
  • Fluent in English (reading, writing, listening, and speaking)- Bilingual people must read, write, understand, and speak English and an additional language fluently.
  • Preferred candidates have flight attendant training, travel, hospitality, or tourism

Flight Attendant requirements for CITIZENSHIP – IDENTIFICATION – BACKGROUND

  • A United States citizen or Green Card holder – When applying to a US-based airline, applicants must have full legal ability to work in the US and be able to exit and re-enter US without incident.
  • Identification- This includes a valid passport, social security card, and/or government issued picture ID.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration requires background checks for each flight attendant.  Parking or speeding tickets are acceptable, but things like DUI or arrest records could negatively effect your job prospects. Apply for a free background evaluation.

Flight Attendant requirements for APPEARANCE – RELOCATION

  • Flight attendants must dress according to the requirements set by the airline.  The Travel Academy provides you the opportunity to learn how to look and talk like a flight attendant.  Looking and talking authentically like a flight attendant,  makes it easy for the airline to hire you.
  • It is also important for aspiring flight attendants to consider their flexibility concerning relocation and how close to the base of operations they wish to live.  Some airlines require relocation.

Flight Attendant FAQs

What do flight attendants do?

Flight attendants wear many hats, including nurse, entertainer, consultant and, occasionally… Read more

How much do flight attendants make?

The type of airline, guaranteed hours and experience all affect salary. Most airlines also offer… Read more

Can I be a flight attendant if I have a DUI?

There are general hiring rules due to Canadian law for people who have a minor consumption or DUI offenses… Read more…

The Travel Academy’s flight attendant school provides training that meets airline requirements and helps you develop the skills needed to become a flight attendant. Also, our Career Services will help you move forward in your career as you gain experience!*

 

* Apply for more details.

United Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements
One of the largest US airlines, United Airlines, generally referred to as just United, flight attendant jobs are the dream for many flight attendants. The company offers a generous benefits package, including paid time off, unlimited standby travel and discounted fares, health and wellness benefits, professional development and more.

All United flight attendants must be at least 21 years old at the time of application and have a valid passport. Height-wise, attendants should be between 5’2” and 6’3” without shoes. They do not allow facial piercings or visible tattoos – even if concealed. A high school degree is required, with 2 or more years of college preferred. A flight attendant working for United Airlines should be able to read,write, speak and understand English. Speaking a second language fluently is not required, but is an asset.

The airline has bases in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, Boston, Cleveland, Las Vegas, and Honolulu.

According to the website,

“United has been recognized for our dedication to equality and diversity in the workplace by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and the National Business Inclusion Consortium (NBIC), and listed as one of the “Best Places to Work” by the Disability Equality Index (DEI) for the third straight year. We share our company-wide commitment to the environment through our Eco-Skies program.”

Delta Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements
Delta flight attendants must be at least 21 years old and have at least a high school diploma or GED. But they do prefer high education. Attendants are expected to be willing to work a flexible schedule and be fluent in English (speaking, reading & writing).

According to the flight attendant positions website, Delta takes professional image very seriously. Delta in-flight staff may not have any tattoos visible while wearing the uniform. Facial piercings, multiple earlobe piercings and earlobe plugs aren’t permitted. Likewise, they don’t allow any unnatural hair colors or nails decals. The airline considers these “unusual or attention-grabbing.” For men, facial hair is permitted, but must be neatly trimmed and fall within their length requirements.

While Delta doesn’t require a second language for all flight attendant roles, having fluency in another language will give you a competitive edge. Some international flights require attendants to relay flight information in multiple languages. You’ll also be expected to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in both direct communication and body language.

New hires are expected to complete an 8-week training in Atlanta, GA. The airline has bases in Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Southwest Flight Attendant Guidelines
Unlike the above airlines, Southwest will consider your application if you’re at least 20 years old when you apply.

The airline doesn’t publicly publish specific height or weight requirements, but they have published information on uniform sizes and generally look for candidates whose height and weight is proportionate. According to the Delta forum, uniforms come in standard sizes ranging from 28 to 42 inches for men, and size 0 to 18 for women. Visible body and facial piercings aren’t allowed, and only 2 pairs of earrings are allowed in the earlobe – with limitations on size and length. Southwest’s tattoo policy is a little more flexible than other airlines in that they prefer tattoos to be hidden when in uniform, but do allow in-flight crew to conceal with makeup.

A high school degree is required, and college coursework or a degree are an asset. A flight attendant working for Southwest Airlines should be able to read,write, speak and understand English. Speaking a second language fluently is not required for every flight.

The airline has bases in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Orlando, Oakland and Phoenix.

Hear What TTA Students Say!

Two TTA students giving each other a high five for learning flight attendant requirements and landing flight attendant job offers
LaVonne Z.
Flight Attendant

Before The Travel Academy, I felt stuck and unfulfilled, but I followed my heart and attended The Travel Academy. TTA has made my dreams a reality. The instructors pushed and encouraged me- at the same time and they gave me the confidence and courage to soar in to the next chapter of my life. I'm so excited that I received a job offer from...my first choice! I'm ready to tackle the training and experience the time of my life! I'm so happy that I decided to attend The Travel Academy. The instructors and staff really care about you. I felt their compassion every step of the way. I've made great friends who encouraged and inspired me during the beginning of my journey and I can't wait to see all of them...!