What does it take to make the cut to become part of air cabin crew? It goes far beyond being able to reach the overhead lockers for these airlines.
A job jet-setting around the globe to exciting destinations seems like anyone’s dream job. However, working as cabin-crew comes with its own requirements and some of these will surprise you.
4. Stay Single
Qatar Airways requires flight attendants to have an arm stretch of 84 inches whilst on tip-toes which sounds like a reasonable request when the reason is to reach those overhead lockers. However, the airline wants you to remain single. Qatar Airways was subject to controversy when it was reported that the female cabin crew members were contractually mandated to stay unmarried for the first five years of their contract.
“If you come to seek employment with Qatar Airways we give you a document that these are the rules and regulations, if you as a mature individual accept those conditions, then you shouldn’t complain.”
Akbar al Baker, GCEO of Qatar Airways
3. Virgin Beauty
Why do the Virgin Atlantic crew always look so immaculate? The crew members, both male and female, must attend a ‘groom school’ at the airline’s base in Crawley. There they learn about the airline’s firm rules on appearance which includes a minimum make up requirement. Fun fact: the airline also has its own shade of lipstick – Upper Class Red by Bare Minerals, it matches the uniform exactly.
2. 20/20 vision
AirAsia wants its crew members to see clearly, asking for cabin crew applicants to be aged between 20 and 28 with excellent eyesight. However, applicants are told they’re allowed to wear contact lenses if need be, but strictly no glasses.
1. Survival Training
Brazilian airline TAM requires all air staff to undergo an intense Amazon jungle survival regime. After all, over half the country is covered in rainforest and if they happen to make an emergency landing in the rugged jungle, the crew has to be prepared. In fact, any airline based in the country is required to this kind of training by the Brazilian government. The training even includes instructions on using debris to build a makeshift toilet.
Want more? Check out flight attendant training from airlines.