Requirement No. 1: Minimum Age
First in a long list of flight attendant requirements is the minimum age. All flight attendants must be at least 18 years of age, but the minimum age can be higher depending on the airline – but never higher than 21 years. For example: at United Airlines, you must be 19. Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines expect you to be 20. At Frontier, you’ll need to be 21.
Why is the minimum age requirement 18 to 21 years?
There are two primary reasons: Firstly, there’s a very high probability you’ll be serving alcohol at some point. Secondly, the nature of the role demands a certain level of leadership and maturity; the safety of passengers is a key part of your role, and you’ll be working in a high pressure role.
Can I be too old?
Unless you’re ready for retirement, there’s no reason why you couldn’t apply for a position as a flight attendant even if you’re having a mid-life crisis career change. On the basis you’re fit and healthy, and meet the basic physical flight attendant requirements – you should definitely feel confident in applying for a position.