How to Become a Flight Attendant for British Airways

Co-authored by Sophia Latorre

Last Updated: July 10, 2020 References Approved

Becoming a flight attendant for British Airways is a highly competitive endeavor, so be prepared to show your best self. You must meet several qualifications to become a flight attendant for British Airways, the first of which is to live and work in the United Kingdom. Your physical capabilities and appearance will also be considered. You can apply for open positions through the British Airways website.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Becoming Qualified

1
Live and work in the United Kingdom. British Airways cannot employ anyone who doesn’t have the legal rights to live and work in the U.K. Unfortunately, that means foreign citizens are not qualified to work for the airline. Ensure you have the proper paperwork, like a biometric residence permit, to provide to the company.^{[1]
X
Research source}
- If you don’t qualify to work for British Airways, become a flight attendant for a national airway, instead.
2
Obtain a passport. You’ll need a valid passport to travel as a flight attendant. This process can take several weeks, so plan to apply for a passport before you apply for a position as a flight attendant. Do an Internet search to find out the requirements and instructions for obtaining a passport in your area.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Meet the physical requirements. You must be in good health to become a flight attendant, and will be turned down if you have chronic health conditions. The position also requires constant lifting and pushing as well as standing for long periods. Get a physical from your doctor and obtain paperwork stating you are able to complete these physical tasks.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- You must be 18 to work as a flight attendant, however, the average age for a flight attendant is between 21 and 55.
4
Comply with the appearance requirements. To work for British Airways, your height must be between 1.575 m (5 ft 2 in) and 1.85 m (6 ft 1in). Due to the limit in aisle space, size is important and your weight must be in proportion to your height. No tattoos or body piercings are permitted to show through your uniform, which may consist of a short-sleeved or long-sleeved shirt paired with a skirt or pants.^{[4]
X
Research source}
- Female employees are required to wear heels, tights with their skirt, and a fully made-up face. Their hair may not be colored “unnaturally” and must be styled neatly.^{[5]
  X
  Research source}
5
Improve your customer service skills. Flight attendants will interact with diverse ethnicities, cultures, age groups, and races. You must remain professional and courteous at all times. Develop your communication skills by making eye contact with your audience, speaking clearly and eloquently, and listening carefully to others.^{[6]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Applying and Interviewing

1
Complete the online employment application form. Go to the “Careers” section of the British Airways website and click on “Cabin Crew.” Vacancies will be listed on the left-hand side of the page. Click on the one you want, read the description, then click the red “Apply Now” button on the left-hand side of the page to access the application. Fill out each section thoroughly to provide your contact information, education, work history, and experience.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- You may be asked to answer pre-application questions to determine if you are right for the position.
2
Book an assessment. If your application meets the criteria, British Airways will require you do an assessment. You can book the assessment and take it online at a time that works for your schedule. You may be required to complete three psychometric tests, including a situational judgement test, an ability test, and a personality questionnaire.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Situational judgement tests look at your ability to choose the correct course of action in a variety of scenarios. Ability tests test your numerical, verbal, and logical reasoning skills. Personality questionnaires look at your behavioral preferences.
- Do an Internet search to find more information about and practice questions for psychometric tests.
3
Interview with the company. Once you’ve passed you assessment, you’ll do an in-person interview with British Airways. Dress professionally, arrive on time, and bring any documentation you may need, such as your resume, referrals, or letters of recommendation.^{[9]
X
Research source}
4
Perform a presentation exercise. During your interview, you may be asked to do a presentation exercise. This exercise will be specific to the role you applied for, so expect the presentation to be centered around customer service. For example, you may be asked to demonstrate the safety gear or to serve refreshments. Typically, you will be given information about the exercise in advance so that you have time to prepare for it.^{[10]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Passing Pre-Employment Checks

1
Complete the required background check. If you are offered a position with British Airways, you’ll need to pass several pre-employment checks before beginning work. The first is a background and counter-terrorism check that covers up to 10 years of criminal and employment history.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- Employment offers will be withdrawn if applicants fail the background check. Employees may fail due to criminal history, such as felony charges on their record.
2
Get your European Aviation Safety Agency Cabin Crew Attestation. If you don’t already have it, you’ll need an EASA CCA before you can work as a flight attendant. Complete your safety training by an approved training organization and submit your documentation to your supervisor.^{[12]
X
Research source}
- Visit the EASA website to learn more and to find approved training organizations.
3
Participate in flight training. British Airways will provide flight training, including a safety and procedures course to learn about the features and safe operation of an aircraft.^{[13]
X
Research source} Another course you may be enrolled in will specialize in customer service. The course will focus on communicating effectively, listening skills, building relationships, and creating a good first impression.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- You will also be provided with policies regarding your uniform and appearance at this time.

Community Q&A

Question

Am I allowed to have visible tattoos and piercings?

Community Answer

No, they have a strict policy on not allowing anyone who has tattoos or piercings to work with the airline. Cover tattoos well with makeup, which will need to reapplied for every single work shift. Remove the piercings. Or, consider a different career.
Question

What is the qualification for an air hostess of British Airways?

Community Answer

Be presentable, ambitious, have a good personality, and be a people person. You need to have a good head for angry confrontations and for dealing with accident situations. Also, it's a flight attendant, the old term is sexist and outdated.
Question

Can I become a flight attendant if I wear contact lenses or glasses?

Community Answer

Yes, they will administer an eye test in your medical evaluation, and as long as you pass it with your contacts/glasses, you will be fine.