SAS cabin crew requirements
The hard filters SAS 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
160 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; coverable tattoos are accepted in line with the pragmatic Scandinavian grooming code. Like most of the 59 airlines we index, nothing may show while you are in uniform.
Languages
English + Scandinavian
Fluent English plus a Scandinavian language (Danish, Swedish or Norwegian) required for most positions.
Education
Completed secondary education.
Also required
Medical, swimming & documents
EU/EEA right to work, ability to swim, medical fitness, and residence within reach of the assigned base; seasonal contracts are common entry routes.
Do you meet these SAS requirements?
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Stricter or softer than its rivals?
| Airline | Min age | Reach | Visible tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAS | 18 | 160 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 |
| KLM | 18 | 158 cm height | Not allowed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum height for SAS cabin crew?
SAS asks for a minimum height of 160 cm.
Can you join SAS cabin crew with tattoos?
Tattoos must not be visible in uniform; coverable tattoos are accepted in line with the pragmatic Scandinavian grooming code. Covered tattoos are not a problem; anything showing in uniform is.
What age do you need to be to apply to SAS?
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 SAS's official careers page before ruling yourself out.