Flight attendants are not models, but just like them, they follow a few unspoken rules about appearance in order to perform their profession. Here are the fashion criteria flight attendants must meet.
The profession of “flight attendant” appeared for the first time at the beginning of the twentieth century and they were all men. The first flight attendant was a 25-year-old nurse in 1930, and by 1936 women had almost completely replaced men in this field. The requirements for women became stricter every year, and they did not only apply to their physical form, but also to their appearance.
Strict rules from the last century
About 50-60 years ago, the requirements for flight attendants were stricter – they had to control their weight, have a certain body shape and follow a specific dress code with short, tight dresses in the 60s and 70s. A flight attendant who worked at the time said that they were forced to wear a special belt to create the necessary body shape. If a flight attendant gains weight, reaches the age of 32-35 or gets married, she is fired.
Today, airlines don’t police their employees’ personal lives or set crazy standards, but flight attendants still have to look a certain way. Here are some of those rules.
Height and weight
Despite popular misconception, flight attendants don’t have to look like models. Minimum height must be 157 cm, with an arm span of 15 to 22 cm. They must be able to reach the luggage racks. Weight is calculated using the body mass index, which should be between 18.5 and 24.9. Requirements may vary by airline.
Age matters, but even older women can be flight attendants
The minimum age is 18 to 21 years. The maximum is usually not described because it would be considered discrimination, but after 30-32 years women usually find work elsewhere. But that’s not always the case. American flight attendant Beth Nash was 81 years old and still flying and working.
Flight attendants must have clean skin
The flight attendant is the face of the company. Therefore, they should not have scars on the face or other parts of the body that are not covered by clothes. The same goes for acne, birthmarks, and tattoos. For most airlines, it’s okay to have a tattoo on your back or thigh, but even a small tattoo on your ankle, wrist, or neck means you can’t work as a flight attendant.
You must have perfect eyesight
Flight attendants must have perfect vision or wear contact lenses. Airlines also allow glasses if they meet the company’s image standards.
Hollywood star smile
Flight attendants always smile at passengers and smiles should be beautiful. You must have white, straight teeth. Some airlines allow braces and others are lenient in hiring people with braces. But crooked or missing teeth are definitely out of place in this profession. Even if it’s a temporary situation, that person probably won’t be allowed to work.
Gray hair is only allowed when you retire
Flight attendants must have hair long enough to touch their collar, but there are also some color requirements. You can only dye your hair in natural shades and never allow yourself to grow white roots. Also, if your hair is longer than shoulder length, you should always wear it in a bun.
No nail polish in trendy bright shades
Good looking nails are a must. The rules of each airline regulate the length of nails and their color. Usually the manicure is classic – body colors, French nails or red but short nails.
No heavy makeup with lots of contouring
Make-up is also required and should look natural, but extended eyelashes and bright lips are acceptable. Some airlines only allow red lips in certain shades. Other companies require their employees to use foundation, blush, eyeliner and eye shadow.
Only heels at the airport
Different airlines’ policies may vary, but most require flight attendants to wear heels in airport buildings. It looks beautiful, although it is not very comfortable. And during the flight, women can wear more practical, stable shoes.
Not much jewelry and always a watch
Only the minimum is allowed: 1 pair of small earrings without colored gemstones, no more than 2 rings, including an engagement ring. But they must always wear a watch. A flight attendant can’t work without one. Each crew member has a watch to keep track of time in the event of an emergency, as evacuation should not take more than 90 seconds.
