Becoming a flight attendant is the dream of many people because this profession offers the opportunity to travel, meet various kinds of people, and work in a dynamic environment. However, Many people wonder if height is an absolute requirement to be a flight attendant. This article will discuss the general requirements for becoming a flight attendant, including height, and why some airlines set these requirements.
General Requirements to Become a Flight Attendant

Before discussing height, It is important to know the general requirements that prospective flight attendants must fulfill. In general, These conditions cover:
- Age: Usually, Candidates for flight attendants must be at least 10 years old 18-21 year, depending on airline policy. There are also maximum age limits set by some airlines.
- Education: Minimum high school education or equivalent. Some airlines prefer candidates with a higher educational background, such as a diploma or a master's degree.
- Health: Candidates for flight attendants must pass a medical exam that includes vision, hearing, and general physical condition. They must also have good stamina because this job is physically demanding.
- Language skill: English proficiency is a must. Some airlines also prioritize proficiency in other languages, depending on their flight route.
- Appearance: Although physical appearance is not always the main requirement, however, a neat and professional appearance is very important in this profession.
Height as a Condition

Height is often mentioned as one of the important requirements for becoming a flight attendant. Why is that?? There are several reasons why airlines set height standards for flight attendants:
- Safety and Security: Flight attendants' height is directly related to their ability to reach safety equipment stored in overhead compartments. They must be able to reach and operate safety equipment in emergency situations.
- Work Efficiency: In addition to safety equipment, Flight attendants must also be able to reach passengers' cabin baggage easily. This ensures that the boarding and deplaning process runs smoothly and efficiently.
- Industry Standards: Airlines often set height standards as part of their professional image. Flight attendants who have a standard height are considered to be able to reflect the image of an airline that is professional and ready to serve passengers well.
Height Standards on Various Airlines
Height standards for flight attendants vary between airlines. The following are some examples of height standards from several airlines:
- Garuda Indonesia: The minimum height for a flight attendant is: 160 cm and maximum 172 cm.
- Singapore Airlines: Minimum height is 158 cm.
- Qatar Airways: Has a minimum height requirement, usually approx 160 cm, but also takes into account the reach test, where flight attendants must be able to reach a certain height when standing with their arms raised.
- Emirates: Minimum height 160 cm, with the reach test 212 cm.
Reach test is a test that measures how high a person can reach with their hands while standing on their toes. This ensures that even though a person may not be very tall, they can still reach overhead compartments and safety equipment.
Is Height a Barrier??
Although height is often a requirement, However, this is not an absolute barrier for someone who wants to become a flight attendant. Some airlines are more flexible with their standards, especially if the prospective flight attendant shows other extraordinary qualities and abilities.
Besides that, There are several tips for prospective flight attendants who may not meet the height requirements:
- Improve Body Posture: Good posture can help a person look taller. Yoga or pilates training can help improve posture.
- Wearing the Right Shoes: Although during the test it is not allowed to wear high heels, but while working, slightly heeled shoes can help.
- Focus on Other Qualities: Improve communication skills, language skill, and customer service can help compensate for deficiencies in height.
Height is one of the requirements to become a flight attendant, but this is not the only condition and is not always an obstacle for a determined person. Height requirements are set for safety reasons, work efficiency, and the airline's professional image. However, Many airlines also consider other qualities of prospective flight attendants, such as communication skills, language ability, and customer service experience.
For prospective flight attendants who do not meet the height requirements, There are still many other opportunities in the aviation industry or they can look for airlines that have more flexible requirements or maybe they can also work as flight staff where the requirements are not too strict.. The most important thing is to show dedication, professionalism, and readiness to serve passengers as well as possible. What is the height requirement for flight staff??
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