What are Flight Attendant Physical and Beauty Standards?

  • There is no one answer to the question of what the beauty standard is for flight attendants, as it can vary from airline to airline.
  • However, there are some general things that most airlines look for in their cabin crew. These include physical fitness, grooming standards, and age requirements.
  • Being attractive is not the only criterion for being a successful flight attendant. In fact, airlines place a greater emphasis on customer service skills and personality.

Is there a standard beauty and physical requirement to become a flight attendant? There is no one answer to this question as the beauty standard for a cabin crew can vary from airline to airline. However, there are some general things that most airlines look for in their cabin crew.

Firstly, the cabin crew needs to be physically fit and able to handle the demands of the job, such as standing for long periods of time and lifting heavy luggage. They also need to be presentable and have a pleasant appearance so that they can represent the airline in a positive light.

So while the beauty standard for a cabin crew may vary from airline to airline, there are some general qualities that most airlines are looking for.

wizz air flight attendant uniforms
Image: Wizz Air

flight attendant beauty and physical standards

Why Airline Industry Has Strict Beauty and Physical Standards

There is no doubt that beauty standards play a role in many industries, but the airline industry is one of the most notorious for its stringent standards.

In order to become a cabin crew member or flight attendant, applicants must meet a long list of physical requirements.

These requirements vary from airline to airline, but they typically include features such as height, weight, and even skin tone. While some argue that these standards are necessary for creating a professional and polished image, others contend that they are outdated and discriminatory.

Whatever the case may be, there is no denying that the beauty standard for cabin crew members is one of the most controversial in the airline industry.

1. Height and Weight Requirements

Cabin crew are held to a high standard when it comes to their appearance. They are expected to be well-groomed and maintain a professional look at all times. One of the most visible aspects of this is their height and weight. Cabin crew must meet certain height and weight requirements in order to be considered for the job.

These requirements vary depending on the airline, but they typically fall within a certain range. For example, Delta Air Lines requires cabin crew to be at least 5’2″ tall and weigh no more than 160 pounds.

While these requirements may seem arbitrary, they are actually based on the need for cabin crew to be proportional. This ensures that they can move easily through the airplane and perform their duties without difficulty. The height and weight requirements for cabin crew are also in place so that they can be easily seen by passengers.

2. Physical Fitness Requirements

Cabin crew must also meet physical fitness requirements in order to be considered for the job. This is because they need to be able to handle the demands of the job, such as standing for long periods of time and lifting heavy luggage.

Also, during safety and emergency, the cabin crew is the one responsible for evacuating the passengers from the aircraft.

As a result, it is essential that cabin crew members be in good physical condition. It is important that they are physically fit and able to perform their duties without any difficulty.

TAP Air Portugal crew handsome beautiful photos
Image: TAP Air Portugal

3. Grooming Requirements

Cabin crew must also meet certain grooming requirements in order to be considered for the job. This includes maintaining a well-groomed appearance at all times. They need to have a neat and professional look so that they can represent the airline in a positive light.

Some of the specific grooming requirements that cabin crew must meet include:

4. Age Requirements

Cabin crew members must also meet certain age requirements in order to be considered for the job. For example, Emirates, Delta Air Lines require cabin crew members to be at least 21 years old.

This is because airlines want to ensure that their cabin crew members are mature enough to handle the demands of the job.

5. Vision Requirements

Any potential cabin crew member must meet a strict set of physical requirements in order to be considered for the role. One of the most important requirements is eyesight.

Cabin crew members must also have good vision in order to be considered for the job. This is because they need to be able to see clearly in order to perform their duties safely.

All candidates must have eyes that are free from any abnormalities or defects.

Additionally, they must have 20/20 vision, or be able to correct their vision to 20/20 with glasses or contact lenses. If a candidate is unable to meet these vision requirements, they will not be able to pursue a career as cabin crew.

beautiful emirates flight attendants
Image: Emirates

Customer-Facing Role

A cabin crew is a customer-facing job, which means that professional appearance is important. The airline wants its customers to feel safe and comfortable, and they rely on the cabin crew to be their ambassadors.

This is why there are certain physical requirements that applicants must meet in order to be hired.

Aside from the above physical requirements, flight attendants also need to have excellent communication skills and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

If you can meet all of these requirements, then you may just have what it takes to be appointed as a cabin crew member.

Do I have to be handsome to work as a male flight attendant?

No, you don’t have to be handsome to work as a male flight attendant, but you do need to be well groomed and have an up-to-date appearance. You should also be fit and healthy, as this is an important job requirement.

Attractiveness is often seen as an important quality for male flight attendants. After all, they are the face of the airline and are responsible for providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience for passengers.

As a result, many airlines have strict physical requirements for their male flight attendants, including height, weight, and grooming standards. While good looks may help you get your foot in the door, ultimately it is your personality and customer service skills that will determine whether you are successful in this career.

So if you’re not blessed with movie-star good looks, don’t despair; you may still have what it takes to be a great male flight attendant.

norwegian air male flight attendant
Image: Norwegian Air

Do I have to be physically attractive and pretty to be work as a female flight attendant?

No. The role of female flight attendants has changed a lot over the years. In the early days of commercial aviation, female flight attendants were chosen primarily for their looks. They were required to be young and attractive, and they had to adhere to strict physical appearance standards.

Today, however, female flight attendants are still expected to be well-groomed and presentable, but there is much more emphasis on customer service skills and other professional attributes. While it is still important to be attractive and pretty, it is no longer the only criterion for being a successful female flight attendant.

etihad airways woman flight attendant
Image: Etihad

Summary

In conclusion, there are different beauty standards for cabin crew. There is the “looks” standard and then there is the “professionals” standard. If you’re not blessed with movie-star good looks, don’t despair; you may still have what it takes to be a great male flight attendant or female flight attendant if your personality and customer service skills meet their requirements.

Airlines have different standards for the physical appearance of their flight attendants, but in general, they are looking for women who are attractive and well-groomed.

It is important to note that being pretty is not the only criteria for being a successful flight attendant. In fact, airlines place a greater emphasis on customer service skills and personality.

That said, it certainly doesn’t hurt to be easy on the eyes. If you take care of yourself and have a pleasant appearance, you will likely have an advantage over other candidates.