Airlines / British Airways / Requirements
British Airways cabin crew requirements
The hard filters British Airways 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
157 cm min · 201 cm reach
1 airlines ask for the same 201 cm; 27 demand more.
Tattoos
Nothing visible in uniform
Visible tattoos are not permitted in uniform. BA's November 2022 grooming update loosened make-up, hair and piercing rules for all genders but kept the tattoo policy: anything on the hands, neck, face or below a short sleeve must be fully coverable. Like most of the 59 airlines we index, nothing may show while you are in uniform.
Languages
Fluent English
Fluent English; additional European and Asian languages are an advantage but not required.
Education
No formal degree requirement; solid secondary education and customer service experience expected.
Also required
Medical, swimming & documents
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.
Do you meet these British Airways requirements?
Check your answers against British Airways and every other airline in the index — two minutes, no sign-up.
Stricter or softer than its rivals?
| Airline | Min age | Reach | Visible tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| British Airways | 18 | 201 cm | Not allowed |
| Virgin Atlantic | 18 | 210 cm | Not allowed |
| Lufthansa | 18 | 160 cm height | Not allowed |
| SWISS | 18 | 158 cm height | Some allowed |
| KLM | 18 | 158 cm height | Not allowed |
| Air France | 18 | 212 cm | Some allowed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum height for British Airways cabin crew?
British Airways measures reach rather than height alone: you must touch 201 cm, with a minimum height of 157 cm. Practise against a wall on tiptoes before the assessment day.
Can you join British Airways cabin crew with tattoos?
Visible tattoos are not permitted in uniform. BA's November 2022 grooming update loosened make-up, hair and piercing rules for all genders but kept the tattoo policy: anything on the hands, neck, face or below a short sleeve must be fully coverable. Covered tattoos are not a problem; anything showing in uniform is.
What age do you need to be to apply to British Airways?
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 British Airways's official careers page before ruling yourself out.