Requirements in Terms of Physical Appearance
Age Limit
The age limit varies depending upon the country and the specific airline. While in countries like India, they entertain candidates within the age group of 19-27, certain European countries may hire aspirants till the age of 35. There is no age limit in the United States, however, it is natural for the employers to hire young and fresh faces who are more energetic and vibrant.
Height and Weight
The actual purpose of establishing the minimum height criteria, is to be able to comfortably reach the overhead bin of the flight. The height range usually begins from 5 feet 2 inches or 5 feet 3 inches. However, different airlines will have different requirements. Also, the weight should be proportionate with the height.
Beautiful Smile
Air hostesses have now become the face of the airline. They are the first ones to welcome the passengers aboard, with a pleasing smile. Therefore, another prerequisite for becoming an air hostess is to have a beautiful smile.
Normal Eyesight
It is imperative for the aspirant to have normal eyesight. Candidates who wear eyeglasses, contact lenses, or are color blind are not eligible to apply.
Pleasing Voice
Air hostesses are described as angels from heaven, and one important parameter to become one is to have a pleasant and sweet voice -- like that of an angel.
Medically Fit
Another very important physical aspect to be considered is that you should be medically fit. If you appear to be perfect but have medical conditions like HIV AIDS, heart problems, mental issues, or any other chronic illnesses, you will not be able to qualify. Airlines perform really thorough medical tests for the same, and are really strict when it comes to this.
Requirements in Terms of Skills and Characteristics
Excellent Communication Skills
The primary duties and responsibilities of an air hostess involves interacting with the passengers aboard. She is expected to inform them about the safety drills, emergency situations, and is responsible for catering to their needs during the flight. Therefore, excellent communication skills are extremely important.
Hardworking and Multitasking
As glamorous as the job of an air hostess may seem, it is in no way, an easy job. One needs to work round the clock, adapting to the need of the hour. The job description includes various tasks such as - catering to the passengers, writing reports, ensuring the availability of food and beverages, making sure that the necessary devices are working properly, etc. Therefore, the ability to manage time and multitask is necessary.
Hospitality
How many times have we come across an air hostess that is rude and impatient! Would you ever want to fly with the same airline again? On the contrary, when we come across an air hostess who seems to be kind, polite, and compassionate, we make sure to travel with the same airline again. That is what an ideal air hostess is! Qualities like patience, kindness, and compassion cannot be learned, they need to be the key characteristics of the person.
Flexibility and Adaptability
The working conditions in this career need you to be adaptive to your work schedule. Sudden changes in the working hours, the need to work overtime, the inability to spend some time with your family because you need to work during the holiday season, all this is the part and parcel of the game. You need to be extremely committed to this career.
Educational Requirements
Degrees
High school diploma is the minimum educational qualification. However, often, candidates who have completed their college degree are given first preference by reputed international airlines. A degree in mass communication, psychology, tourism, and so on, would be an added advantage. Proficiency in foreign languages, and, of course, English, would also help you be amongst the crème.
FAA Certification
Air hostess must have the Federal Aviation Academy (FAA) certification, which is mandatory for all. The training prepares them for dealing with situations like, terrorism, providing first aid, fire and water emergency, and knowing how to successfully operate the emergency equipment and guide the passengers.