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What do they check at a cabin crew medical?

Applicants must have a healthy blood count that shows sign of no anemia, infections, HIV or Hepatitis C, according to Flight Attendant Central. A vaccination record is also required along with a chest X-ray.



A cabin crew medical exam (often referred to as an EASA Class 2 or equivalent FAA medical) is a comprehensive physical to ensure you can perform safety duties in an emergency. The exam includes a vision test (you must be able to see clearly with or without glasses), a hearing test (to ensure you can hear pilot commands and alarms over engine noise), and a cardiovascular assessment (including blood pressure and sometimes an ECG). Doctors also check your lung function, BMI (for mobility in narrow aisles), and perform a drug and alcohol screen. A critical part of the check is the "Reach Test," where you must prove you can reach emergency equipment located in high overhead bins, usually standing at a minimum height (often 5'2" or 160cm). In 2026, there is also an increased focus on mental health and psychological resilience, as crew members must be able to stay calm under the pressure of unruly passengers or mechanical failures. If you have chronic conditions like epilepsy or insulin-dependent diabetes, you may face stricter scrutiny or disqualification, as you must be able to survive and assist others in a "hypoxic" or de-pressurized environment.

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As a general guide the examination will include a vision test (if you wear glasses or contact lenses you'll be asked to have them on for this part), an ear test to check that your ears are healthy and can cope with the repeated pressure changes of take off and landing, blood tests and a drug/alcohol test.

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Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

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If you aren't sure whether your medication falls into one of these categories, you should check with your AME:
  • Tranquilizers, such as but not limited to Valium, Librium, Ativan.
  • Most antidepressants. ...
  • Opiates, such as Morphine, Codeine, Lortab, Percodan, Oxycontin.
  • Muscle relaxants, such as Soma, Sonata, Flexeril.


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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.

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Asthma has to be clinically stable before a pilot or cabin crew member can return to performing aviation safety related duties. The use of respiratory aerosols or powders, such as corticosteroids, beta-2-agonists or chromoglycic acid may be compatible with performing aviation safety related duties.

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The average Flight Attendant salary in the United States is $84,637 as of October 25, 2023, but the range typically falls between $71,996 and $100,596.

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It's difficult and can take a long time. Airlines can take 3-6 months to get through the hiring process, that's if your resume makes it through the first cut. Intense Competition. We estimate there are 1 – 1.5 million flight attendant applications for 5,000 – 10,000 jobs.

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About Flight Attendant Jobs
Out of the thousands of applicants each year, only four percent are hired to fill the approximate 8,000 annual new hires. The appeal of travel makes this a highly competitive job, but the harsh reality of 12 to 14 hour work days often discourages many new employees.

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The workforce of Flight attendants in 2020 was 110,280 people, with 76.1% woman, and 23.9% men. The average age of male Flight attendants in the workforce is 44.8 and of female Flight attendants is 46.1, and the most common race/ethnicity for Flight attendants is White.

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DOT - As a flight attendant, a safety-sensitive designated position, you are subject to drug testing developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Psychiatric Conditions. The use of a psychotropic drug is disqualifying for aeromedical certification purposes. This includes all sedatives, tranquilizers, antipsychotic drugs, antidepressant drugs (including SSRI's - see exceptions), analeptics, anxiolytics, and hallucinogens.

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Some of the medications that individuals take for ADHD are Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine. Take note: These medications are either amphetamine-based or methylphenidate-based stimulants. The FAA does not accept the use of any of these medications.

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You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

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You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It's highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

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