Can underweight become cabin crew?

Most airlines do not have minimum or maximum weight requirements either. Instead, they require that flight attendants' weights be proportional to their body type. Flight attendants must be able to sit comfortably in the jump seat and easily maneuver through the aisles of an airplane.



Yes, you can become cabin crew if you are "underweight," but you must still meet the physical strength and stamina requirements of the role. In 2026, most airlines have moved away from strict weight-to-height charts in favor of a Body Mass Index (BMI) range, typically between 18.5 and 24.9. If your BMI is slightly below 18.5, you aren't automatically disqualified, but you must demonstrate that you have the functional fitness to perform safety duties. This includes the ability to open heavy aircraft doors (which can weigh up to 60 lbs), lift 35-lb suitcases into overhead bins, and possess the cardiovascular endurance to work 12-hour shifts at high altitudes. Airlines like Emirates and Qatar are known for their high grooming standards, but they prioritize a "healthy and proportional" appearance over a specific number on the scale. If a candidate appears "unhealthily thin" or lacks the physical strength to assist passengers in an emergency, they may be asked to gain weight or build muscle before completing the training program.

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It's a physical job, but not all flight attendants must be slim and trim. You do, however, have to fit into the flight attendant jumpseat. Flight attendants have no set weight requirements, as body types can vary even if two people are the same height and weight.

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Aspiring cabin crew is also subjected to drug tests and sometimes alcohol tests to discover any substance abuse issues. Speech defects are not accepted. Any candidate with anemia, epilepsy, diabetes or such will not be considered fit to fly.

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Upon hire, new Flight Attendants must go through the individual airline's training for certification. Sadly, most new hires fail airline training before ever making it to the tarmac. However, our graduates have a head start, and most go on to get hired by some of the top airline companies in the world.

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Cabin crew interviews are demanding and there are lots of interview stages to pass. Speaking with the recruiter is the one chance a candidate has to really impress.

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Women needs to be at least 154 cm tall to work on a domestic flight and men should have a minimum height of 170 cm. On international routes, they should be taller. For women, a BMI (body mass index) of 18-22 is stipulated, while it could be up to 25 for men.

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The airline said that the normal BMI for an air hostess is between 18 and 22, overweight between 22 and 27, and obese for a value above 27. For male attendants the brackets were 18 to 25, 25 to 30, and above. The NHS says a healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9.

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It's a physical job, but not all flight attendants must be slim and trim. You do, however, have to fit into the flight attendant jumpseat. Flight attendants have no set weight requirements, as body types can vary even if two people are the same height and weight.

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At 21 years old, you can apply to be a flight attendant with any airline. Minimum age requirements typically apply at the time of training completion, so candidates who will reach an airline's minimum age during training can apply for flight attendant roles. There is no upper age limit for flight attendants.

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The minimum age requirement for flight attendants is 21. There are some airlines that are more lenient when it comes to age requirements, but they are typically regional or smaller carriers. For the major airlines, the average age limit for flight attendants is between 27 and 32 years old.

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While there is no specific weight requirement to be cabin crew, one flight attendant revealed that staff must be able to fit into a plane seat with the seatbelt on, which is adjustable.

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Delays, long flights and long hours can make it difficult to follow a regular diet and exercise routine. For many airline professionals, this lifestyle can lead to unexpected weight gain. Lose weight while maintaining an unpredictable schedule by following a few guidelines.

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Published Research. U.S. flight attendants have a higher prevalence of several forms of cancer, including breast cancer, uterine cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, thyroid cancer, and cervical cancer, when compared with the general public, according to new research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

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Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar are closely looking at your. BMI when you are submitting your application.

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Do airlines check hand luggage weight? Well it does happen, and some airlines are strict, but the vast majority of them only weigh checked luggage at the desk. That's the luggage you've either paid for or have included depending on your ticket.

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Each airline has their own requirements but most applicants must be at least 18 years old, be eligible to work in the United States, have a valid passport pass a background check and drug test.

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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.

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“Education and experience is important. Airlines are also looking for people who are not just qualified in terms of height and looks, they also want crew members who have customer relations and service background,” she said. This is what additional training can provide.

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