Aviation
How to become a Flight Attendant / Cabin Crew
Flight attendants (cabin crew) ensure passenger safety and comfort, deliver safety briefings and handle emergencies on board.
Qualifications
- Usually secondary-level education; airline training provided
- Minimum height/reach, swimming ability and medical requirements vary by airline
Licences & registration
| United Kingdom | UK Cabin Crew Attestation obtained through airline training. |
|---|---|
| United States | FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency after airline training. |
| Canada | Transport Canada-approved airline training. |
| Australia | Airline training to CASA requirements. |
| United Arab Emirates | Airline training to GCAA requirements. |
| European Union | EASA Cabin Crew Attestation. |
Key skills
- Customer service
- Calm under pressure
- Teamwork
- Languages
- First aid
Experience
Entry-level with airline training.
Indicative pay
- UK: £21,000 (starter) to £28,000 (experienced) a year — National Careers Service
- US: median $63,580 a year; 10th–90th percentile $35,110–$136,430 (SOC 53-2031) — BLS OEWS May 2025 national estimates
- Canada: varies by province — see Job Bank wage data.
- Australia: see Your Career (Australian Government) occupation profiles.
- UAE & EU: varies widely by employer and country; check current listings.
Pay figures retrieved 2026-10-29 from the cited official sources; they are averages/estimates, not offers.
Working in this job abroad: visa notes
United Kingdom
Since 22 July 2025, new Skilled Worker applicants generally need a job classed as ‘higher skilled’ (RQF level 6+). Jobs classed as ‘medium skilled’ are only eligible if they appear on the Immigration Salary List or Temporary Shortage List, so check the current eligible occupations list for this job’s occupation code. Some nationalities can use the Youth Mobility Scheme instead.
Official sources: GOV.UK – Skilled Worker visa · GOV.UK – Skilled Worker eligible occupations · GOV.UK – Check if you need a UK visa
United States
US airlines generally require existing work authorisation; there is no dedicated visa route for cabin crew.
Official sources: USCIS – H-1B specialty occupations · USCIS – Employment-based green cards · USCIS – H-2B temporary non-agricultural workers
Canada
Canadian airlines generally hire people already authorised to work in Canada; working holiday visas may be an option for eligible nationalities.
Official sources: Canada.ca – Work in Canada · Canada.ca – Express Entry
Australia
Australian airlines generally require existing work rights; Working Holiday Maker visas may suit short-term roles for eligible nationalities.
Official sources: Home Affairs – Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) · Home Affairs – Skilled occupation list · Home Affairs – Skills assessment
United Arab Emirates
UAE airlines recruit cabin crew from around the world and sponsor the residence visa and work permit.
Official sources: u.ae – Jobs and work in the UAE · MOHRE – Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation · u.ae – Golden Visa
European Union
EU airlines usually require EU work rights; cabin crew must hold an EASA-compliant cabin crew attestation.
Official sources: EU Immigration Portal · EU Regulated Professions Database · Make it in Germany (example national portal)
This guide is general information, reviewed October 2026. Immigration rules and licensing change often — always confirm with the official sources above. Not legal advice.