KLM cabin crew requirements
The hard filters KLM 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
158 cm min
Reach matters more than height: you must access the emergency equipment overhead.
Tattoos
Nothing visible in uniform
Tattoos must not be visible in uniform; coverage by uniform items is accepted, but hand, neck and face tattoos are not. Like most of the 59 airlines we index, nothing may show while you are in uniform.
Languages
English + Dutch
Fluent Dutch and English required; French, German, Spanish and Asian languages are a plus.
Education
Dutch secondary education (havo level or equivalent) preferred.
Also required
Medical, swimming & documents
EU right to work in the Netherlands, ability to swim, valid passport, and willingness to obtain Schiphol security clearance.
Work rights matter here
KLM expects the right to work in Netherlands. Without it, applications are usually filtered out before assessment regardless of how strong the rest of your profile is.
Do you meet these KLM requirements?
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Stricter or softer than its rivals?
| Airline | Min age | Reach | Visible tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| KLM | 18 | 158 cm height | Not allowed |
| 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 |
| Air France | 18 | 212 cm | Some allowed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum height for KLM cabin crew?
KLM asks for a minimum height of 158 cm.
Can you join KLM cabin crew with tattoos?
Tattoos must not be visible in uniform; coverage by uniform items is accepted, but hand, neck and face tattoos are not. Covered tattoos are not a problem; anything showing in uniform is.
What age do you need to be to apply to KLM?
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 KLM's official careers page before ruling yourself out.