How Important is Physical Appearance in Airline Companies?

  • Airlines have always placed a high value on the appearance of their cabin crew.
  • In recent years, this focus on appearance has become even more pronounced, as airlines compete to offer the best possible service in an increasingly competitive market.
  • As a result, airline companies now have very strict grooming standards for their cabin crew members. These standards cover everything from hair and makeup to uniforms and accessories to invisible tattoos.
  • Cabin crew members who take pride in their appearance and make an effort to meet the grooming standards set by their airline are more likely to be successful.

Airlines have always placed a high value on the appearance of their cabin crew. A well-groomed, clean, and professional appearance conveys a sense of competence and reliability to passengers, which is essential for creating a positive customer experience.

In recent years, this focus on appearance has become even more pronounced, as airlines compete to offer the best possible service in an increasingly competitive market. As a result, airline companies now have very strict grooming standards for their cabin crew members.

These standards cover everything from hair and makeup to uniforms and accessories to invisible tattoos, and failure to meet them can result in disciplinary action. Cabin crew members who take pride in their appearance and make an effort to meet the grooming standards set by their airline are more likely to be successful.

Image Credit under Wikimedia Creative Commons

Professional Appearance Speaks Volumes in the Airline Industry

To act and look professional is a must for the business industry, given the fact that how you carry yourself says a lot about your personality. Did you notice how every businessman present themselves properly by wearing suits and making sure that they are well-groomed before facing their clients and colleagues?

It is the same for most airlines. As we all know, airlines have been very strict with their flight attendants’ appearance nowadays. It isn’t just to look decent, but also because the cabin crews reflect the image and the reputation of the airlines that they are working for.

What do the airlines mean when they say a pleasant appearance / personality?

You’re probably thinking why airlines are looking for someone with ‘pleasant appearance’ when they already have a pleasing personality as another requirement – which is both necessary.

Having good customer service abilities gives you an edge over your other competitors, but when you do have a pleasant appearance it gives you a sure spot in their shortlisted candidates.

Flight attendants are often seen as an extension of the airline’s brand. They are ambassadors that will give the first and last impression to the passengers. And that’s why it is essential for them to always look good and smell nice whenever they are on duty.

Airlines would usually request for a recent photo of you during the interview process (or even during the application stage) because they want to get an idea of how you look like in person.

If your photo doesn’t meet their standards, don’t be surprised if you didn’t get a call back from them, regardless of how great your customer service skills are.

Factors Affecting Physical Appearance in Flight Attendants

Now, what are they referring to when they say a pleasant appearance? Here are some factors:

1. Height and Weight Standard

Almost all airlines include a standard height of 5’2 to 6’2, which should be proportioned to their body mass index – that must be around 19-22, generally.

You might hear some stories about applicants who weren’t shortlisted but fret not as there are some flight attendants who try to lose some more weight first before hitting another chance with the recruiter.

Image Credit: under Wikimedia Creative Commons

2. Impeccable Grooming

Hygiene is also a basic requirement for airlines. As a matter of fact, there are hair and nail regulations that exist. Hair shouldn’t be too long or colored, while the nails should be kept clean or in french.

As for American Airlines, they require their cabin crews to have their nostrils, ears, and underarm hair removed or cut.

As a cabin crew member, you are always in the public eye and need to maintain impeccable grooming standards at all times. This means being clean and well-groomed on your face, hair, hands and nails.

You will also need to wear the correct uniform, shoes and accessories as prescribed by your airline. grooming standards can vary from airline to airline, but they all have one thing in common – they are designed to ensure that you project a professional image at all times.

By following the grooming standards of your airline, you will help to create a positive impression of your airline and reassure passengers that they are in safe hands.

3. Clear skin complexion

One of the most bizarre requirements for the flight attendants of Jet Airways is to have a clear skin complexion, which means that you shouldn’t have any exposed or hidden scars, pimples, and blemishes.

For many people, the thought of going on a long flight is enough to make their skin break out in a cold sweat. Between the dry air and close quarters, it’s no wonder that so many people end up with a case of cabin fever. However, for those who work as cabin crew, clear skin is a must.

In order to maintain a professional appearance, crew members are expected to keep their skin looking flawless – no small feat when you’re constantly on the go. In addition to following a strict skincare routine, many cabin crew members make sure to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep.

After all, when you’re responsible for the safety and comfort of passengers, clear skin is just one more fator airlines have always been strict when it comes to their employees’ appearance. From the color of their hair to the style of their uniforms, every detail is carefully chosen to create a certain image.

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

4. A good set of teeth

A good set of teeth is important for anyone, but it is especially important for those in the cabin crew. A smile is one of the most important tools that a cabin crew member has to create a positive experience for passengers, and teeth are a vital part of that smile.

As a result, many airlines have strict standards for the teeth of their cabin crew members. In order to maintain their position, crew members must regularly brush their teeth and avoid anything that could cause staining. While this may seem like a small thing, it is an important part of creating a professional and welcoming environment onboard.

Oral hygiene is a must, which is why breath sprays are recommended as well. Crews are required to have a full and complete set of teeth when they smile. Braces should be clear or in silver, while retainers must be gum toned.

Summary

Appearance is very important in the business world, especially when it comes to customer service. Airlines are looking for flight attendants who have a pleasant appearance because they want their customers to feel comfortable and happy while on board.

The way you present yourself speaks a lot about your well-being. But of course, professionalism is not only based on what the eyes can see. You should also know how to behave in public, most especially during working hours.

This means that you need to be well-groomed, have clear skin, and have a set of pearly whites. In addition, you must also behave professionally at all times. If you can meet these requirements, then you have a good chance of being hired by an airline.