3 answers
Glimmer
Student
Harare, Harare Province, Zimbabwe
1
Question
Asked
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What should l do to be an air hostess ?
I'm 17 years with five subjects including English and Business studies
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Ah, Glimmer, dreaming of flying high as an air hostess, are we? Well, buckle up, because this advice is about to take off smoother than a first-class cabin seat!
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How to Be an Air Hostess Extraordinaire: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Minimum Qualifications
You're already ahead of the game! Having English and Business Studies is great. Most airlines require:
Minimum Age: Usually 18-21 (You’re close, so hold on tight!).
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent (check!).
Height: They’ll measure you to ensure you can reach those overhead compartments. If you can grab that jar on the top kitchen shelf, you're golden.
English Proficiency: Sounds like you’re ready, and bonus points for learning another language like French or Spanish. It's like being a linguistic ninja in the sky.
---
2. Get the Right Skills
Before they hand you those wings, you’ll need to master a few things:
Communication Skills: Smile while explaining to someone that their oversized luggage won’t fit.
Customer Service: Channel your inner diplomat; passengers can be… well, colorful.
First Aid Training: Ever delivered a baby at 30,000 feet? No? Time to learn basic first aid!
Confidence & Patience: Especially when someone asks if the flight is going to fly through the clouds.
---
3. Apply to Airlines
Airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Ethiopian Airlines often recruit fresh talent globally. Keep an eye on their careers pages. Pro Tip: Wear your best suit and smile—it’s an interview, not a selfie contest!
---
4. Training Schools (Optional)
Consider attending a cabin crew training school if you want to boost your chances. These programs teach:
Emergency drills (yes, you’ll slide down an inflatable chute—fun!).
Grooming: Expect makeup tips that’ll make you look flawless even during turbulence.
Food & Beverage Service: Serving coffee mid-flight without spilling? A true art.
---
5. Master Interviews
Some questions will test your wit and charm:
"What would you do if a passenger refused to fasten their seatbelt?" (Answer: Smile sweetly while imagining them wearing it like a hula hoop.)
"How would you calm a nervous flyer?" (Pro Tip: Humor and free peanuts work wonders!)
---
6. Stay Fit & Healthy
Remember, this isn’t just about looking sharp in uniform. Long hours, time zones, and carting that food trolley need physical stamina. Exercise, eat well, and practice yoga if possible. Trust me, those stretches will come in handy in tight spaces!
---
Recommendations
1. Airlines to Consider: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways—these giants are always hunting for enthusiastic cabin crew.
2. Languages: Picking up an extra language can set you apart. Bonjour? ¡Hola!
3. Online Resources: Check YouTube for mock cabin crew interviews, grooming tips, and behind-the-scenes training.
---
Fun Fact
Air hostesses walk more steps than a marathon runner on a 12-hour flight. Translation: Free cardio while you work—what a win-win!
---
Final Boarding Call
Glimmer, you’re just a step away from joining the mile-high club (the professional one, of course). Your uniform is waiting, your charm is shining, and the sky is ready for YOU. Go show them that the real star in the air isn’t the sun—it’s Glimmer from Harare! Fly high and don’t forget to flash that dazzling smile, even when someone asks, “Are we there yet?”
---
How to Be an Air Hostess Extraordinaire: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Minimum Qualifications
You're already ahead of the game! Having English and Business Studies is great. Most airlines require:
Minimum Age: Usually 18-21 (You’re close, so hold on tight!).
Education: A high school diploma or equivalent (check!).
Height: They’ll measure you to ensure you can reach those overhead compartments. If you can grab that jar on the top kitchen shelf, you're golden.
English Proficiency: Sounds like you’re ready, and bonus points for learning another language like French or Spanish. It's like being a linguistic ninja in the sky.
---
2. Get the Right Skills
Before they hand you those wings, you’ll need to master a few things:
Communication Skills: Smile while explaining to someone that their oversized luggage won’t fit.
Customer Service: Channel your inner diplomat; passengers can be… well, colorful.
First Aid Training: Ever delivered a baby at 30,000 feet? No? Time to learn basic first aid!
Confidence & Patience: Especially when someone asks if the flight is going to fly through the clouds.
---
3. Apply to Airlines
Airlines like Qatar Airways, Emirates, or Ethiopian Airlines often recruit fresh talent globally. Keep an eye on their careers pages. Pro Tip: Wear your best suit and smile—it’s an interview, not a selfie contest!
---
4. Training Schools (Optional)
Consider attending a cabin crew training school if you want to boost your chances. These programs teach:
Emergency drills (yes, you’ll slide down an inflatable chute—fun!).
Grooming: Expect makeup tips that’ll make you look flawless even during turbulence.
Food & Beverage Service: Serving coffee mid-flight without spilling? A true art.
---
5. Master Interviews
Some questions will test your wit and charm:
"What would you do if a passenger refused to fasten their seatbelt?" (Answer: Smile sweetly while imagining them wearing it like a hula hoop.)
"How would you calm a nervous flyer?" (Pro Tip: Humor and free peanuts work wonders!)
---
6. Stay Fit & Healthy
Remember, this isn’t just about looking sharp in uniform. Long hours, time zones, and carting that food trolley need physical stamina. Exercise, eat well, and practice yoga if possible. Trust me, those stretches will come in handy in tight spaces!
---
Recommendations
1. Airlines to Consider: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, South African Airways—these giants are always hunting for enthusiastic cabin crew.
2. Languages: Picking up an extra language can set you apart. Bonjour? ¡Hola!
3. Online Resources: Check YouTube for mock cabin crew interviews, grooming tips, and behind-the-scenes training.
---
Fun Fact
Air hostesses walk more steps than a marathon runner on a 12-hour flight. Translation: Free cardio while you work—what a win-win!
---
Final Boarding Call
Glimmer, you’re just a step away from joining the mile-high club (the professional one, of course). Your uniform is waiting, your charm is shining, and the sky is ready for YOU. Go show them that the real star in the air isn’t the sun—it’s Glimmer from Harare! Fly high and don’t forget to flash that dazzling smile, even when someone asks, “Are we there yet?”
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1095
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Glimmer,
Requirements for cabin crew vary by airline and by country. As a cabin crew member there is a height requirement and you need to always be well groomed and in uniform. Makeup and heels for the ladies. Clean-shaven with short hair for the gents. You want to be somewhat fit and in shape. Participating in some sports or going to the gym would be a good idea.
For Emirates you need to be at least 21. Emirates has recruitment events around the globe. You can look up the dates. If accepted, they will train you.
For SAA you must be at least 18 years old. SAA has cabin crew training courses that you pay for. They do not guarantee employment though.
You can look up similar recruitment information for other airlines. I did not find anything for Zim Airlines though.
Some colleges, like Speciss College also offer programs for Airline Cabin Attendants.
What you can do now:
What is your long-term goal? Do you plan to stay and rise in cabin crew or do you see it as a stepping stone to maybe finance a college education? Officially, the only educational requirement is a high-school diploma, but many cabin crew have already college experience or even a degree (especially if the age requirement is 21). Any courses in hospitality or psychology e.g. would be beneficial. Business is always useful.
Languages and communication skills are important for cabin crew. Airlines pride themselves on how many languages are spoken on board. You will need good English, spoken and written. Any other languages are an advantage.
A lot of your duties as cabin crew concern safety on board. There is some medical training, training for emergency situations, hospitality training, customer training etc. You could prepare by doing a first-aid course and CPR certificate as well as a fire course. Some airlines require that you are able to swim with a floatation device. If you can't swim yet, now might be a time to learn. Airlines generally prefer if you have some experience in hospitality. So, if you can get a job as waitron or in a hotel that would be a good start.
I have added some airline links for you below. Good luck!
KP
https://www.flysaa.com/about-us/leading-carrier/cabin-crew-training
https://www.emiratesgroupcareers.com/cabin-crew/
https://www.specisscollege.com/careers/cabin-attendant-airline
Requirements for cabin crew vary by airline and by country. As a cabin crew member there is a height requirement and you need to always be well groomed and in uniform. Makeup and heels for the ladies. Clean-shaven with short hair for the gents. You want to be somewhat fit and in shape. Participating in some sports or going to the gym would be a good idea.
For Emirates you need to be at least 21. Emirates has recruitment events around the globe. You can look up the dates. If accepted, they will train you.
For SAA you must be at least 18 years old. SAA has cabin crew training courses that you pay for. They do not guarantee employment though.
You can look up similar recruitment information for other airlines. I did not find anything for Zim Airlines though.
Some colleges, like Speciss College also offer programs for Airline Cabin Attendants.
What you can do now:
What is your long-term goal? Do you plan to stay and rise in cabin crew or do you see it as a stepping stone to maybe finance a college education? Officially, the only educational requirement is a high-school diploma, but many cabin crew have already college experience or even a degree (especially if the age requirement is 21). Any courses in hospitality or psychology e.g. would be beneficial. Business is always useful.
Languages and communication skills are important for cabin crew. Airlines pride themselves on how many languages are spoken on board. You will need good English, spoken and written. Any other languages are an advantage.
A lot of your duties as cabin crew concern safety on board. There is some medical training, training for emergency situations, hospitality training, customer training etc. You could prepare by doing a first-aid course and CPR certificate as well as a fire course. Some airlines require that you are able to swim with a floatation device. If you can't swim yet, now might be a time to learn. Airlines generally prefer if you have some experience in hospitality. So, if you can get a job as waitron or in a hotel that would be a good start.
I have added some airline links for you below. Good luck!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps:
chaitanya Kanna
5
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
chaitanya’s Answer
To become an air-hostess, you should start by completing your Class 12 (10+2) in any stream and ensuring you meet basic airline requirements such as minimum height, good communication skills, overall fitness, and a well-groomed appearance. It also helps to build strong interpersonal skills, confidence, and fluency in English, since cabin crew work closely with passengers. Many aspirants choose to take specialised training in aviation, hospitality, or cabin crew skills from institutes like Frankfinn or other recognised training centres, as these programs offer practical exposure to customer service, safety procedures, and professional grooming. Once you meet the eligibility criteria and complete relevant training, you can begin applying to airlines for cabin crew openings and attend their interview and assessment rounds. With the right preparation and attitude, you can build a successful career as an air-hostess.