How to Become a Male Flight Attendant

While being a flight attendant is usually seen as a female-heavy profession, there’s no reason it can’t be done by males. In this day and age, it’s hard for men to find jobs that pay well and are also fulfilling. But being a male flight attendant is both! Here we share some explanations and tips on why there are fewer men working as cabin crews.

The number of women working as cabin crew has been growing in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue with more than three quarters (78%) preferring it over their male counterparts who make up 22% of the airline industry workforce today. However, this does not mean that men are not allowed to become flight attendants.

Also Read: What are Flight Attendant Physical and Beauty Standards?

This guide will show you all the steps needed to become a male flight attendant step by step from finding out what airlines hire men as cabin crew members, learning about their application process, and getting trained up so that when you submit your resume, airline companies will be impressed enough to call you in for an interview!

male cabin crew emirates lounge
Image: Emirates

Why is a Male Crew Needed inside a Flight?

Some airline companies require at least one male crew to be inside every flight as sometimes passengers prefer to speak to a male crew due to religion, especially in Middle Eastern countries where there might be concerns over a man talking to a woman.

Another reason is if a male passenger would prefer to speak to a male crew for certain medical questions.

It is also very useful for a plane to have a male flight attendant as generally, they are known to be stronger and are more capable to handle passengers who need restraining (on rare occasions) of unruly passengers.

plus ultra Lineas Aereas male flight attendants uniform
Image: Plus Ultra Lineas Aereas

History

In the early days of commercial aviation, flight attendants were chosen for their looks and charm as much as their ability to perform the necessary safety duties. As a result, most flight attendants were young women, and the job was generally seen as a stepping stone to other career paths.

However, that began to change in the 1970s when a number of airlines started hiring male flight attendants. While some passengers were initially surprised to see men in what had traditionally been a female-dominated occupation, male flight attendants quickly became a commonplace sight in airports around the world.

Today, men make up a significant percentage of flight attendants in many major airlines, and the job is no longer seen as a primarily female occupation.

jetblue male crewt uniform
Image: JetBlue

What are the job responsibilities of a male cabin crew?

There is no main difference between the job and tasks as a male and female cabin crew. Cabin crew members work diligently to ensure a safe and pleasant journey for passengers.

Cabin crews are the backbone of an airline, working 16 hours a day on average. They must ensure that all passengers have their seat number clearly displayed and feel safe during flight delays or other disruptions to air travel conditions.

The job description for flight attendants typically includes tidying up around aircraft cabins before boarding time arrives; checking in cargo holds if necessary–and then taking care not only of each passenger but also themselves by making sure they’re well-rested after 10-12 hour shifts at best!

They are responsible for taking care of all their needs from the moment they board, making sure everything runs smoothly while traveling through different parts of an airplane or helicopter cabin – even providing assistance when needed!

Cabin crews also provide information about what’s going on around them including announcements made by air traffic controllers in case there is ever any confusion during flight time

A cabin crew member’s workday typically consists mostly of standing but can involve some walking if it takes place outside where footing may not always be entirely stable.

etihad male cabin crew uniform
Image: Etihad

What are the cabin crew male requirements?

Every airline company is different and each airline has its own set of specific requirements. Here’s a list of general requirements for airline companies that also apply for male flight attendant applicants:

  • Minimum 18 years old (20 or 21 for certain USA airline companies)
  • Meet the height requirements (158cm to 185cm) depending on the airline company. Some require a minimum height reach of 212 cm without shoes.
  • High School Graduate
  • Fluency in English (written and spoken) — in most airlines
  • No visible tattoos
  • People-oriented and have a customer service background
  • Physically fit with a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI)
air france male flight attendant uniform
Image: Air France

How to Become a Male Cabin Crew?

It’s never easy to become a male flight attendant, but with these steps, you’ll be well on your way.

1. Know the requirements.

You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, and pass an English proficiency test, minimum height requirement reach (212 cm in most airlines). There may be additional requirements depending on the country and airline company that you are applying for.

Becoming a cabin crew relies heavily on your qualifications and important qualities. If you want the job, make sure that these requirements will be suited for what it takes:

-Good communication skills and charm to get people talking about their flights with an interested audience;

-Ability to have small talk easily because passengers might feel safer around someone who can better relate or connect emotionally as well— this way they’ll open up easier when needed! Be ready at any moment if something goes wrong so all may enjoy themselves safely aboard ship.

norwegian air male flight attendant
Image: Norwegian Air

2. Apply for jobs with airlines that are hiring now

After all, you cannot apply for a company if they don’t have any openings. Make sure to follow the job boards in the airlines in your area. Cabin crew positions are few and far between, but they’re a crucial part of airline safety. So if you want to find your dream job as an air traveler- go ahead! Search through all the companies’ career pages for the jobs.

To apply for Cabin Crew on any airline company website such as British Airways or American Airlines then first go onto each individual site’s homepage by clicking ‘career opportunities’ from within their respective menus at the top right corner next to where there will be an option named ‘Jobs’. Once found simply scroll down until reaching the title “Cabin crew” along with other similar listings under this label including those involving Trainee Opportunities.

Stay up-to-date on the latest news about the industry and job openings in order to find new opportunities if your current employer doesn’t work out.

thai airways male flight attendant
Image: Thai Airways

3. Be physically fit and healthy – pass medical exams

This is a basic part of the requirements but it deserves its own highlight. Being able to handle the safety and security of the flight requires the cabin crew to be physically fit and able. So make sure to take care of your health and fitness.

There is also a medical fitness exam that is required before working for your chosen airline company. You need to pass the medical exam which requires you to be free from specific diseases.

mesa airlines happy male flight attendant
Image: Mesa Airlines

4. Pass the interview rounds and qualifying exams.

There will be open days and interview rounds whether one-on-one or group activity exams. You need to pass the screening and assessment days in order for you get the job as a flight attendant.

5. Wait for the golden call.

You will wait for the call wherein you are accepted by the airline company where you applied for. This is known as the ‘golden call’.

ita airways male flight attendant
Image: ITA Airways

6. Submit the document requirements.

Make sure to have all the documents needed for your job. The cabin crew application documents need to be complete and accurate to avoid any delay in processing your employment and

7. Pass the cabin crew training.

Once you get hired, you will undergo training in the airline company. Make sure you pass all the exams and the training sessions so you can become a successful male flight attendant.

westjet male flight attendants
Image: WestJet

Video: 73 Questions with a Male Flight Attendant

Check out this interesting video of a male Emirates flight attendant as he answers questions about working as a male cabin crew for one of the top airline companies in the world.

Photos: Male Flight Attendants from Different Airlines

The photos below show male flight attendants from different airlines, proving that men can be successful in this important role. Check out this photo album below:

What is the Salary of a Male Cabin Crew?

There is also no difference in salary and benefits between a male crew and a female crew. Flight attendants are provided a salary that consists of the following: Basic Pay plus Flying Hours plus Layover Allowance

  • Basic Pay – the standard base rate that you will get every month
  • Flying Hours Pay – the salary paid per hour that you are on the flight’
  • Layover Allowance – the per diem allowance you get for a day that you stay in another country to rest after your flight duty.

The salary will depend on the above factors and male flight attendants will get usually get a higher salary if they have more flights in a month.

Also Read: Can I Apply as a Cabin Crew Even if I am Dark-Skinned?

air canada happy male flight attendants
Image: Air Canada

Is Cabin Crew for Male or Female?

A flight attendant job can be for a man or woman so long as you’re willing and able, and you also meet the qualifications and requirements needed for the role. But do take note that there are some airlines that post a job event with a specific gender in mind.

Do not take this personally because this is basically a requirement that is needed by the airline to meet their own quota for the position.

If there is no gender specified in a job board by the airline company, then you can sign up as a male crew and submit your application.

american airlines male flight attendant uniform
Image: American Airlines

Top Reasons why Men should work as a Cabin Crew

Here are some popular reasons why you should work as a cabin crew:

  1. You get to travel the world.
  2. Flight attendants make good money.
  3. You’ll meet lots of new people on each flight.
  4. It’s an exciting job that requires you to be friendly and outgoing.
  5. Flight attendants have some of the best benefits out there, including free meals,  discounted airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more!
  6. If you’re looking for a career with security and stability this is it!
  7. You can use this as a stepping stone in a career in the aviation industry.

how to become a male cabin crew

Summary

It’s a well-known fact that being a flight attendant is one of the most exciting and rewarding jobs in the world. However, it’s also very challenging to become a member in this aviation job.

It’s never easy to become a male flight attendant, but with these steps, you’ll be well on your way. Apply early so that they can select who will get hired!

You might not hear back right away-if not at all, so keep plugging away in case something comes up unexpectedly as another job offer or overseas opportunity pops into mind while waiting.