Airlines / British Airways / How to apply
How to apply to British Airways
Where British Airways recruitment stands today, what to prepare before you touch the form, and every stage between the application and the offer call.
Recruiting on a rolling basis for Heathrow crew and periodically for Gatwick-based BA Euroflyer; applications processed year-round with intakes most months.
The application, stage by stage
- 01
Apply online with CV and eligibility questionnaire on the BA careers portal.
- 02
Complete online situational judgement and numerical tests plus a recorded video interview.
- 03
Attend an assessment centre at Heathrow with group exercises, a reach test and a one-to-one competency interview.
- 04
Receive a conditional offer, then clear the 5-year background and referencing check (the slowest step, often 6-12 weeks).
- 05
Complete a pre-employment medical and begin the multi-week safety and service training course.
Prepare these before you apply
A one-page cabin crew CV
Screened in seconds, often by software first. Lead with customer-facing experience and state languages honestly.
Build one free →Documents and right to work
Passport validity, work authorisation and education certificates get checked early — have scans ready.
CV & photo guide →Assessment day readiness
The group exercise eliminates more candidates than the interview. Know how assessors score behaviour before you walk in.
Assessment day guide →English fluency
Every airline in our index tests spoken and written English. Practise the interview out loud, not in your head.
Practise real questions →Check you qualify before you apply to British Airways
Answer five questions about your age, reach, tattoos, languages and documents — we check them against every airline's published requirements and show you exactly where you stand.
Frequently asked questions
Is British Airways hiring cabin crew right now?
Actively hiring. Recruiting on a rolling basis for Heathrow crew and periodically for Gatwick-based BA Euroflyer; applications processed year-round with intakes most months.
How long does the British Airways application process take?
Expect roughly 4-12 weeks from application to a decision, plus training and — for international bases — visa processing before your first flight. Silence beyond about six weeks usually means an unsuccessful file.
What documents do I need to apply to British Airways?
A one-page CV, a passport with unrestricted travel, education certificates and proof of any languages you claim. Right to live and work in the UK without sponsorship, valid passport with unrestricted global travel, ability to swim 25m, and a criminal record check covering the last 5 years.