Flight Attendant Height Requirements: Can You Still Get Hired If You’re Short?
Yes, you can still become a flight attendant even if you think you are too short however it still depends on the airline’s policy. Every airline has its own height requirements, and some also assess your arm reach rather than height alone. Airlines set these standards to ensure cabin crew can safely reach emergency equipment stored in the overhead compartments. Some airlines also consider your Body Mass Index (BMI) because cabin crew need to move comfortably inside the aircraft cabin and perform safety duties effectively.
If you have been worried that your height might end your aviation dream, keep reading. The truth may surprise you.
Grace stood in front of the mirror measuring herself for what felt like the tenth time that week.
She had just seen an airline recruitment advert.
One requirement immediately caught her attention.
Minimum height required.
She sighed.
I don’t think I am tall enough.
Without submitting an application, she convinced herself she had already been rejected.
Months later, she met another aspiring flight attendant named Bridget at an aviation seminar.
During their conversation, Bridget mentioned she had recently been employed by an airline.
Grace was shocked.
They were almost the same height.
That day, Grace realised she had rejected herself before any recruiter had the opportunity to evaluate her.
After almost two decades in aviation, I have met many aspiring cabin crew who believe height is the biggest obstacle to becoming a flight attendant.
While height does matter, it is only one part of the recruitment process.
Understanding why airlines have these requirements can help you prepare more confidently.
Why Do Airlines Have Height Requirements?
One of the biggest myths is that airlines prefer tall people simply because they look better in uniform.
That is not the reason.
Height requirements exist primarily for safety.
Cabin crew are responsible for checking and accessing emergency equipment stored inside the overhead compartments throughout the aircraft.
During an emergency, every second counts.
A flight attendant must be able to reach emergency equipment quickly without assistance.
This is why many airlines combine a minimum height requirement with an arm reach test.
The ability to comfortably reach overhead lockers is often more important than height alone.
Flight Attendant Height Requirements for Popular Airlines
Different airlines have different recruitment standards.
Here are some examples.
| Airline | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Emirates | 160 cm with an arm reach of 212 cm |
| Etihad Airways | 163 cm |
| Riyadh Air | 160 cm with an arm reach of 212 cm |
| Singapore Airlines | 158 cm for women and 165 cm for men |
Remember that these requirements may change over time, so always check the airline’s latest recruitment information before applying. Qatar airways has an arm reach of 212cm only.
What About Airlines in Nigeria?
There is no single height requirement for every Nigerian airline.
Each airline establishes its own recruitment criteria.
However, one important factor many applicants overlook is Body Mass Index (BMI).
Some Nigerian airlines place significant emphasis on maintaining an appropriate BMI alongside height.
For example, Green Africa is known to take BMI seriously because of the type of aircraft it operates.
Green Africa primarily operates the ATR aircraft, where the cabin is narrower than many larger commercial aircraft.
Cabin crew need to move comfortably through the aisle, assist passengers efficiently, and respond quickly during emergencies.
Maintaining an appropriate BMI helps ensure crew members can perform these duties safely and effectively.
What Is BMI?
BMI stands for Body Mass Index.
It is a simple measurement used to estimate whether your weight is appropriate for your height.
Many airlines use BMI as one of several indicators when assessing a candidate’s overall fitness for the role.
It is important to understand that BMI is only one factor.
Airlines also consider your general health, medical fitness, and ability to perform safety related responsibilities.
How Do You Calculate BMI?
The formula is:
BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ Height² (m²)
Example
Imagine your weight is 60 kg and your height is 1.65 metres.
BMI = 60 ÷ (1.65 × 1.65)
BMI = 60 ÷ 2.7225
BMI = 22.0
This falls within the healthy BMI range for most adults.
General BMI Categories
- Underweight: Below 18.5
- Healthy weight: 18.5 to 24.9
- Overweight: 25 to 29.9
- Obesity: 30 and above
Remember that BMI is a screening tool rather than a complete assessment of health.
Airlines may also require medical examinations before employment.
Can You Become a Flight Attendant If You are Short?
Yes, absolutely.
One mistake many aspiring cabin crew make is assuming that one airline’s requirements apply to every airline.
They don’t.
Some airlines focus more on arm reach.
Others have different height standards.
Some regional airlines have different requirements from international carriers.
The important thing is to research each airline individually before deciding whether to apply.
Never reject yourself based on assumptions.
Height Is Only One Part of Recruitment
Throughout my aviation career, I have seen candidates who met every physical requirement fail the interview.
I have also seen candidates who were worried about their height go on to become excellent cabin crew.
Why?
Because recruiters assess much more than physical appearance.
They evaluate:
- Communication skills.
- Confidence.
- Professional grooming.
- Emotional intelligence.
- Teamwork.
- Customer service mindset.
- Body language.
- Safety awareness.
Meeting the height requirement simply allows you to continue through the recruitment process.
It does not guarantee employment.
Likewise, being close to the minimum height does not automatically prevent success.
Do Not Focus on What You Cannot Change
Instead of worrying constantly about your height, focus your energy on areas you can improve.
Develop excellent communication skills.
Practise interview questions.
Improve your body language.
Build customer service experience.
Learn a foreign language.
Strengthen your CV.
Research every airline before applying.
These are the qualities that often separate successful candidates from unsuccessful ones.
Grace’s Story Didn’t End There
After learning more about airline recruitment, Grace stopped comparing herself with other people.
She researched airlines individually.
She measured her arm reach.
She improved her CV.
She attended aviation networking events.
Most importantly, she stopped allowing fear to decide her future.
When another airline announced recruitment, she submitted her application with confidence.
She finally gave herself the opportunity she almost denied herself months earlier.
Sometimes, the biggest obstacle isn’t your height.
Sometimes, it’s believing you don’t have a chance.
A Final Boarding Call
If you have been worrying about your height, remember this:
Do not eliminate yourself before the recruiter has the opportunity to assess you.
Every airline has different recruitment requirements.
Research carefully.
Prepare thoroughly.
Focus on becoming the best version of yourself rather than comparing yourself with other applicants.
Height is important.
BMI may also be considered.
But professionalism, communication, confidence, preparation, and the right attitude are equally important in building a successful aviation career.
If aviation is truly your dream, let preparation speak louder than self doubt.
Ready to Begin Your Cabin Crew Journey?
Start by downloading my free Cabin Crew CV Templates to create a professional application that gets recruiters’ attention.
You can also book a complimentary 15 minute consultation, where we will discuss your CV, interview preparation, and practical ways to improve your chances of getting hired.
If you want to build a successful aviation career, visit the Shop section of this website and explore my ebooks.
📘 How to Become a Flight Attendant
This comprehensive guide covers everything from recruitment and interview preparation to grooming, airline expectations, and practical advice based on my experience working across multiple airlines.
📙 How to Become a Corporate Flight Attendant
Interested in working on private jets? This ebook explains how corporate aviation differs from commercial airlines, what employers expect, and how you can prepare for opportunities in this exclusive sector.
Whether your dream is commercial or corporate aviation, these guides are designed to help you prepare with confidence and avoid common mistakes many aspiring cabin crew make.