How to Become a Cabin Crew Member

Also called flight attendants, air stewards, or air stewardesses, cabin crew make sure airline passengers have a safe, comfortable, and pleasant flight.

Think of them as the friendly hosts on a flying hotel—there to help you, keep things running smoothly, and make sure everyone stays safe, no matter what happens at 35,000 feet.

Meet Richard and Wen

The two talk about the different responsibilities they have as cabin crew.

How to Become Cabin Crew: The Different Paths

You can get into this job in a few ways—choose what fits you best:

1. College Course

Some colleges offer courses focused on cabin crew skills or include them in broader travel and tourism programs. This is a great way to learn the basics of customer service, safety, and airline operations.

• Entry requirements vary by course and college.
• Search for courses near you and check if funding is available.

2. Apprenticeship

In the UK, you can apply for a Cabin Crew Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship. It usually takes about 12 months and combines practical, on-the-job training with classroom learning.

• You’ll need about 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A to C), including English and maths*.
• It’s a great way to earn while you learn and get real airline experience early on.

3. Apply Directly to Airlines

Many airlines accept direct applications. They usually want:

• A good level of spoken and written English.
• Strong customer service skills, often shown by previous work with the public.
• A positive attitude and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Some airlines and private providers offer short preparation courses—helpful but not essential.

Career Tips

• Try airline online quizzes to see if you’re suited to cabin crew work before applying.
• Speaking a second language can be a real plus, especially for international airlines.

What You’ll Need to Qualify

Most airlines require you to:

• Be 18 years or older
• Pass a medical exam and background checks
• Have a valid passport without travel restrictions
• Live within 90 minutes of your base airport
• Be physically fit and able to swim 25 metres
• Meet height and weight requirements (usually between 5ft 2in and 6ft 2in, or 157–188 cm, with proportionate weight)

What Skills Are Important?

• Great customer service and communication skills
• Patience and calmness during stressful moments
• Enjoy working with people and being part of a team
• Understanding of safety and security procedures
• Ability to use computers and software confidently
• Open to feedback and able to work well under pressure

What You’ll Do Day to Day

Before the Flight

• Attend briefings on the route, schedule, and passenger needs
• Check supplies and safety equipment
• Greet passengers and check documents
• Demonstrate safety and emergency procedures

During the Flight

• Help passengers feel comfortable
• Serve meals, drinks, and duty-free products
• Make announcements and provide first aid if necessary
• Respond calmly to any emergencies or passenger concerns

After the Flight

• Assist passengers leaving the plane
• Complete flight reports and incident records
• Handle payments from onboard sales

Working Environment and Hours

• Typically 30 to 40 hours per week
• Work includes evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
• Often away from home for several days at a time
• Work is physically demanding and in tight spaces
• You will wear a uniform and need to stay professional at all times

Career Progression

With experience, you can move up to:

• Cabin crew supervisor or senior roles
• Ground-based jobs such as training, recruitment, passenger services, marketing, or sales

Salary Overview (UK Example)

Annual Salary by ExperienceExperienceApproximate Annual SalaryStarter£19,000 (~$24,000 USD)Experienced£28,000 (~$35,000 USD)

Salaries vary by airline and country. US-based roles may pay more but also expect longer hours.

Final Thoughts

Being cabin crew is a career full of travel, teamwork, and responsibility. You’re part safety officer, part hospitality expert, and part traveler. If you like working with people, can stay calm under pressure, and want to explore the world, this job could be your perfect fit.