Airlines / Air Canada / Requirements
Air Canada cabin crew requirements
The hard filters Air Canada applies before a recruiter reads your CV — age, reach, tattoos, languages and documents, with how strict each one is compared to the rest of the industry.
Minimum age
18 years
Most carriers set 18; Gulf and US majors usually 21.
Height & reach
208 cm reach
5 airlines ask for the same 208 cm; 22 demand more.
Tattoos
Nothing visible in uniform
Tattoos must not be visible in uniform; small pieces coverable by the uniform are acceptable. Like most of the 59 airlines we index, nothing may show while you are in uniform.
Languages
Fluent English
Fluent English; French-English bilingualism is a significant, sometimes decisive advantage, and Asian languages help for Pacific routes.
Education
High school diploma; customer service experience preferred.
Also required
Medical, swimming & documents
Canadian citizenship or permanent residency with the right to work, valid passport with unrestricted travel, ability to swim, Transport Canada security clearance and medical.
Do you meet these Air Canada requirements?
Check your answers against Air Canada and every other airline in the index — two minutes, no sign-up.
Stricter or softer than its rivals?
| Airline | Min age | Reach | Visible tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Canada | 18 | 208 cm | Not allowed |
| Delta Air Lines | 21 | — | Not allowed |
| American Airlines | 20 | — | Not allowed |
| United Airlines | 21 | — | Some allowed |
| Southwest Airlines | 21 | — | Some allowed |
| Alaska Airlines | 21 | — | Not allowed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum height for Air Canada cabin crew?
Air Canada measures reach rather than height alone: you must touch 208 cm. Practise against a wall on tiptoes before the assessment day.
Can you join Air Canada cabin crew with tattoos?
Tattoos must not be visible in uniform; small pieces coverable by the uniform are acceptable. Covered tattoos are not a problem; anything showing in uniform is.
What age do you need to be to apply to Air Canada?
The minimum is 18. There is no published upper limit at most carriers, and experienced applicants in their 30s and 40s are hired regularly.
Requirements change without notice — tattoo and grooming rules in particular have been relaxed at several airlines since 2022. Always confirm on Air Canada's official careers page before ruling yourself out.