Airlines / Malaysia Airlines / Requirements
Malaysia Airlines cabin crew requirements
The hard filters Malaysia Airlines 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
Reach matters more than height: you must access the emergency equipment overhead.
Tattoos
Nothing visible in uniform
No visible tattoos while in uniform; the kebaya exposes the forearms. Like most of the 59 airlines we index, nothing may show while you are in uniform.
Languages
English + Malay
Fluent Malay and English (credit in SPM English or equivalent); Mandarin, Tamil or other languages are advantages.
Education
SPM with credits (including English) or higher.
Also required
Medical, swimming & documents
Malaysian citizenship; minimum height ~157 cm (women) / ~165 cm (men) with weight in proportion; able to swim; willing to be based at KLIA and fly rotating shifts.
Do you meet these Malaysia Airlines requirements?
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Stricter or softer than its rivals?
| Airline | Min age | Reach | Visible tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia Airlines | 18 | 157 cm height | Not allowed |
| Singapore Airlines | 18 | 158 cm height | Not allowed |
| Cathay Pacific | 18 | 208 cm | Not allowed |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | 18 | — | Not allowed |
| Japan Airlines | 18 | — | Not allowed |
| Korean Air | 18 | 208 cm | Not allowed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum height for Malaysia Airlines cabin crew?
Malaysia Airlines asks for a minimum height of 157 cm.
Can you join Malaysia Airlines cabin crew with tattoos?
No visible tattoos while in uniform; the kebaya exposes the forearms. Covered tattoos are not a problem; anything showing in uniform is.
What age do you need to be to apply to Malaysia Airlines?
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 Malaysia Airlines's official careers page before ruling yourself out.