Height-wise, attendants should be between 5'2” and 6'3” without shoes. They do not allow facial piercings or visible tattoos – even if concealed. A high school degree is required, with 2 or more years of college preferred.

For male flight attendants in 2026, the standard minimum height is usually 165 cm (approx. 5'5"), though this varies by airline. The maximum height is often capped at 190–195 cm (approx. 6'3"–6'5") to ensure the crew member can move freely in the cabin without hitting their head on the overhead bins or PSU units. The logic behind height requirements isn't purely aesthetic; it is a functional safety standard. Flight attendants must have a "vertical reach" (often 210–212 cm) to reach emergency equipment, such as oxygen bottles or fire extinguishers, stored in high compartments. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Emirates are known for strict adherence to these measurements during the recruitment process. Conversely, if a candidate is too tall, they may be restricted to long-haul "wide-body" aircraft where the ceilings are higher. In modern recruitment, the "arm reach" test is often more important than the actual height, as it proves the candidate can perform all necessary safety duties in the specific aircraft the airline operates.