Eventhough, we always beleived that we should not judge a book by its cover, however, in airline industry, physical attributes still play a pretty important part. Not only, will it reflect the quality of the airlines, cabin crew also represent their country as ambassador to the world. As such, physical attributes is one very key point to be recruited.

Physical attributes include a pleasant face, which is symmetrical and balanced. Double eyelids will be a plus. Good sets of dental teeth, straight, clean and white. Clear complexion. Neat, folded ears ('non-satellite' ears, although some airlines are less stringent on this criteria). Height weight proportion with minimum height of 157cm or 158cm (depending on airlines) and in certain airlines arm reach on tip toe of 208cm, 212cm or 214cm depending on the airlines. Face should not be broad, wide, too sharp or unbalanced. Complexion should be good and with minimum acne scare. Body should be proportionate, not too skinny or apparent overweight. We have been very candid here in describing what recruiters look for in physical attributes and hope this directness would not offend you nor anyone who asked this question and read this article.

Recruiters also look for other elements in a candidate. We recommend that you do some research, especially which has an early released segment on cabin crew qualities and suitability for the job.

All and all, language skills, especially English, also matter to most airlines as their pilots require English skills to communicate with their cabin crew as well as air traffic controllers. Communicating with their cabin crew is a very important aspect of safety management and emergency procedures. Hence, English tends to be the de facto language for communications and interviews among airlines. English skills is also needed for communicating with international passengers.

There are, however, some airlines which will hire if you have other language skills, especially if you are native speakers. In such cases, they will still require English skills but have revised standards in accordance with their internal guidelines. On a separate note, airlines who needs cabin crew to specialize in specific routes only hire native speakers (including passports of native countries) for those routes.

So, in conclusion, physical elements is just part and not the whole thing an interviewer look for in airline cabin crew. This outlines what recruiters look out for generally. As a summary, recruiters look out for good appearance, clear complexion, nice smile, good attitude, communication skills, listening skills, height weight proportion, pleasant personality/disposition, friendly and stable emotions.