Airlines / Emirates / Requirements
Emirates cabin crew requirements
The hard filters Emirates 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
21 years
Most carriers set 18; Gulf and US majors usually 21.
Height & reach
160 cm min · 212 cm reach
212 cm is the toughest reach standard in the index — 16 airlines ask for it.
Tattoos
Nothing visible in uniform
No tattoos visible while in uniform; cover-up makeup or plasters not permitted. Like most of the 59 airlines we index, nothing may show while you are in uniform.
Languages
Fluent English
Fluent written and spoken English; additional languages are a scored advantage.
Education
High school (Grade 12) minimum.
Also required
Medical, swimming & documents
Able to swim unaided; no visible piercings beyond one earring pair; UAE employment visa arranged by the airline.
Do you meet these Emirates requirements?
Check your answers against Emirates and every other airline in the index — two minutes, no sign-up.
Stricter or softer than its rivals?
| Airline | Min age | Reach | Visible tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emirates | 21 | 212 cm | Not allowed |
| Qatar Airways | 21 | 212 cm | Not allowed |
| Etihad Airways | 21 | 212 cm | Not allowed |
| flydubai | 21 | 212 cm | Not allowed |
| Riyadh Air | 21 | 212 cm | Not allowed |
| Saudia | 21 | 212 cm | Not allowed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum height for Emirates cabin crew?
Emirates measures reach rather than height alone: you must touch 212 cm, with a minimum height of 160 cm. Practise against a wall on tiptoes before the assessment day.
Can you join Emirates cabin crew with tattoos?
No tattoos visible while in uniform; cover-up makeup or plasters not permitted. Covered tattoos are not a problem; anything showing in uniform is.
What age do you need to be to apply to Emirates?
The minimum is 21. 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 Emirates's official careers page before ruling yourself out.