Have you been thinking about ditching your current career to become a flight attendant? But you’re worried it’s too late?
Well, stop worrying because it is never too late to become a flight attendant, at least not if you are willing to work for airlines based in the US, UK, or Canada.
Due to laws against age-based discrimination, in these countries you can technically become a flight attendant at any age.
The sky is the limit, so let’s explore how age may, or may not, affect your chances of starting a new career in aviation.
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Am I Too Old to Become a Flight Attendant at 30/40/50?
The short answer is no.
When I was in training, I was delighted to see how much age diversity there was in my training class. I was in my early twenties at the time, but a number of my classmates were in their forties and fifties.
Many of my colleagues have had full professional careers prior to becoming flight attendants, some had been teachers, lawyers, college professors, nurses, one had even been a cardiovascular surgical technician before becoming a flight attendant, and let me tell you, it was great to have him around during an on-board medical emergency.
Airlines often view prior life experiences positively since they know it means you bring unique experiences and skills to the crews you will be a part of.
What is the Average Age to Become a Flight Attendant?
Most people become flight attendants in their early-to-mid-twenties.
That said the current median age of working flight attendants is 44.
So, if you are starting your career later in life, you certainly won’t be without peers in your age group!
We also gathered the age of over 300 flight attendants working for a US airline, here’s the data shown on a graph:
A Note on US Airlines and 9/11
After 9/11 there was a 10-15 year hiring freeze at most of the major airlines in the US.
This meant a whole generation of would-be flight attendants did not have the opportunity to pursue their dreams and instead had to settle for other careers or passions.
If you are a member of that generation and you’re thinking about trying again. Go for it! No matter how old you are!
Recruiters will be especially sympathetic if you tell them your reasons for coming to the profession later in life.
What is the Maximum Age to Become a Flight Attendant?
There is no “maximum” age to become a flight attendant.
There are however a few age-based factors that could sway a recruiter’s decision.
Physical Requirements
Physical discrimination on the basis of height and weight are illegal in the US, UK, and Canada.
But being a flight attendant is physically demanding and if you can’t keep up with the demands it could put your safety, and the safety of others, into jeopardy.
Therefore, airlines are allowed to make hiring decisions based on your ability to satisfy a few physical requirements.
These include:
- Being able to lift your own suitcase into the overhead bin.
- Be able to push around the heavy beverage carts.
- Be able to lift fully-stocked cart inserts (the little drawers full of cans and food that go into the carts).
- Be able to stand for long periods of time.
- Be able to open the airplane doors in an event of an emergency. *
* Most airplanes have an automatic pneumonic system that opens the main exit doors after you have operated the lever. The 737 does not. This means, in an emergency you need to be able to throw the door open. The door weights between 150-200 pounds (68-90 kg).
On other aircrafts you have to be able to lift the whole over-wing exit door into the aircraft and place it onto a row of seats, these doors weigh about 45 pounds (20 kg).
If you are in great shape, these requirements will not hold you back but if you have any age-related conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis, you may want to do some weight training exercises to help you satisfy these requirements, they will test you on these at training.
Family Planning
Discrimination based on family planning is also illegal in the US, but people will sometimes still act on these old-fashioned, sexist prejudices, especially for women applying in their 30s and 40s.
⚠️ Just keep in mind, even if you are visibly pregnant at your interview, recruiters cannot ask you how being a parent will affect your job performance. They simply aren’t allowed, and you can politely decline or offer a diplomatic non-answer.
“I’m sorry that is a very personal question but suffice it to say that I believe my motherly instincts make me a great candidate because I will care for and protect my passengers with the strength of any excellent mother.”
Why Are There Age Requirements for Flight Attendants?
Some countries do have age requirements for flight attendants.
Almost all countries require flight attendants to be at least 18-21.
And some countries will stop hiring between 28-32.
The reasons for these requirements vary, but image, physical ability, and company-longevity remain the most common reasons for age restriction in the airline industry.
Before anti-discrimination laws were put in place, US-based airlines would actually force young women to quit once they turned 26-30 because they expected women to put their careers on the back-burners in order to prioritize their families. Thankfully, the US has come a long way since then!
Is it Too Late to Become a Flight Attendant?
It’s really never too late to become a flight attendant.
That said, it costs a lot to train flight attendants so airlines do tend to prefer candidates that will work for them for at least 10-20 years.
Generally speaking, if you are applying in your 30s or 40s, or even 50s, this won’t be a huge problem since you can reasonably expect to work until you are in your mid-60s.
However, if you are applying in your 60s, recruiters may be a little more hesitant to hire you, simply because they probably won’t receive a return on their investment before you are ready to retire.
We would still encourage you to give it a shot. You never know what could happen.
How to Prepare for a Flight Attendant Interview as an “Older” Applicant
If you are in your 30s/40s/50s and you are preparing for your flight attendant interview here are a few things, you can do to make sure you shine amongst the youngsters.
➡️ Emphasize your prior professional experiences and the interpersonal skills you have gained from working in your current industry.
For example: My friend who worked as a paramedic emphasized the fact that she has experience dealing with people in emergency situations and has learned how to quickly establish personal connections with her patients to help comfort them. She also has plenty of practice managing high-stress situations. These would be great things to mention at an interview.
➡️ Casually mention the fact that you plan on working for the airline until you reach a ripe retirement age.
For example:
“Before I answer your question, I want to thank you so much for the opportunity to apply I look forward to learning more about this amazing company that I hope to retire from…” (And then answer whatever question they asked you.)
➡️ Practice the physical tests they may run you through prior to arriving at the interview to make sure you can complete them with ease.
For example: You can practice doing 25–50-pound deadlifts and overhead presses. You can also practice safe lifting strategies to help protect yourself from injuries when lifting things into the overhead bins.
Conclusion
It is never too late to become a flight attendant!
Many airlines in the US, UK, and Canada are willing to hire excellent candidates of any and all ages (over 21), as long as they can fulfill the physical requirements necessary to provide excellent service and safety on-board.
I hope this article has encouraged you to put aside your age-based reservations and pursue your dream of becoming a flight attendant!
My father was a pilot and my mother was a control tower operator . I have always wanted to be a flight attendant however I became pregnant at an early age and was turned down for the job due to the children. The children are adults now and I’m retired from a dental job that I had for 30 years. I was the office manager. I would love to be accepted doing anything for the airlines. It is my dream. I am retired but I need to stay busy.
Words of encouragement. I just finished my second interview with a major USA airline. It is never too old to dream and go for it. I am 77! Fit, smart, great customer service experience and willing to listen an learn.
Greetings Marcia!
I’ve been an Aesthetician and Salon Owner for the past 30 Years! Not to mention, doing all this as a Single Parent! I had a New Client this Evening that is a Flight Attendant. She said, “You know, You would be a great Flight Attendant! The Airlines would LOVE Someone with the Passion and Care You have for Your Customers!” But I’m 55?!! She told Me the Airlines are not discriminating about age, like in the Past! She said, “Apply!” I would be Proud to have You use Me as a Reference”. Really?!… I thought to Myself! I would LOVE to do this Tyoe of Customer Service Oriented Work! How Fun! And I’m at the Time in My Life with Nothing holding Me Back! What a Blessing it would be, to be given the Freedom and Opportunity to enrich People’s lives as they Travel! Some for the very first times in their life!
I’m going to try! Why not?! 🤗 I think it would be absolutely Wonderful!
Where do I Begin?! 😃 I’m going to Start as Soon as My Feet touch the Ground!! So Excited for the Possibilities!!!
Let me know how it goes.
I’m 69 and, fingers crossed, will get hired.
You are encouraging me. Such a brave woman to go for it.
Hi Marcia, I’m Katie. I’m 52 years old and I too have dreamed of working for the airlines, specially as a flight attendant. If you ever want to share more, here is my email address: [email protected]
Me as well I’m getting divorced have know kids I’m in my 59 thin healthy I would love to be a flight attendant..
Kimbra
kimbra4skinenergy@Gmail .com
Hi my is Dolores, I’m 56 yrs old & all You guys are giving me the motivation I need Ty …….. now I need the courage to go for it ?!!
I have a FB friend who joined Southwest at 55. I am a young looking 61! Ok. So I don’t look 30, but everyone say I don’t look my age! I am a Delta person. Lived in Atlanta over a decade, had many friends who worked for them…..I would think they’d rather have someone who wants to “retire” from their OLD JOB, but looking for something to be passionate about, have no young kids, reasonably attractive, no drama…… can ANYONE get me an interview? Lol!
Greetings ladies,
My absolute dream is to work as a Cabin Crew for an Airline Company in Middle-East, like Emirates.
I’m turning 40 in few days.
I’m very upset because I read everywhere that chances are low to be hired after 35 years by Emirates, Qatar or Etihad. (unless you are exceptional)
However, I’m glad to see it’s different in the USA, where there is no maximum age to hire flight attendants.
I don’t know if my English is good enough to submit an application for an American Airline Company?
I am 54, well educated to degree level and have diplomas in hospitality and customer service as well as experience in many aspects of customer services. I was a single parent and now I would love to do what I would love to do the most, combining my love of my work with my love of travel.
Where do I begin to apply to airlines to find success at my age. I am based in Great Britain. Sincerely
hannah
Hey Hannah, I’m 53 and jus applying to BA. Go for it . With kids grown up we have nothing to hold us back.
I’m 50 and start training with Jet2 in UK next month. Never been crew before so all new to me. Lots of life experiences to bring with me. Go for it and apply
I’m 62 and my husband has been deceased for nearly a year. I’ve been thinking a lot about my ‘third act.’ My first act as a post-college student was getting into my career, getting married and raising my family. I was laid off from my ‘career job’ in the recession of 2008 and decided to call it a ‘retirement,’ get a commercial driver’s license and have been driving a school bus for the past 13 years (which I LOVE!). I love having a school schedule and was a caregiver for my husband until he had to move to a nursing facility in 2020, just before Covid hit big time. Since he died I decided to look into becoming a flight attendant so I can travel, serve others and still have a flexible schedule. I registered with the talent pools of five airlines, thinking it would take a while to hear back from them. I have heard from three of them and have in-person interviews with two of them already – in the space of one month! I know I can do the work, what I worry about is the toll it takes on a 62 year old body and I’m doing my research to find out! I think the most important thing to keep in mind is a positive attitude. You know what you are capable of doing! So if you want to do it, do your best to try to do it! Good luck everybody!
You’re never too old to be a flight attendant, but once over the age of 50 it does get extremely tiring. I think the perfect age to be a flight attendant is between 25 and 45 because you’ve got life experience and stamina. Mind you, some Qantas cabin crew are in their 70s and have more energy than the younger ones…
I’m 56 very fit and think I’d be perfect for the job. How do you apply
Absolutely! I don’t think it’ll be a problem if you can showcase the skills that airlines are looking for.
You’ll find here a list of airlines that are hiring flight attendants.
Best of luck Diane! 🤞
You don’t mention anything about base assignments which can be a huge hurdle because commuting or even moving to your base can prove to be difficult when you are older.
Hi Brad,
You’ve raised a valid point about base assignments, and I appreciate your insight. While the article focused on age-related concerns, the challenges of commuting or relocating, especially for older individuals, are indeed essential factors to consider.
Hi l am so excited when I read that there is no age discrimination if you want to be come a flight attendant. Am 51 and that is my biggest, and my number one dream since I was twenty years old but you know life and it’s ups and downs. Today am good and ok in life and l wish my dream to be come a flight attendant true. How do l apply please .
Hi! It’s great to see your enthusiasm for becoming a flight attendant at 51! To begin, simply apply on airline websites under their careers section. Your life experience is a valuable asset in this field. Best of luck in achieving your dream! ✈️
I am 55 years old Canadian male based in Toronto Canada and interested to be a flight attendant. It is my long time dream to become a FA way back in my home country. I am a nurse with 20 years of nursing experience in the Middle East. I am a Canadian certified Personal Support Worker in a Long term Care facility here in Canada as my present job. A Canadian certified Medical Laboratory Technician. How to apply?
Hello Lloyd!
It’s great to hear about your dream of becoming a flight attendant! Your diverse background in nursing and healthcare will certainly be an asset in this role.
To start your journey, I recommend looking into the career pages of airlines based in Canada. They often list current job openings and the specific requirements for flight attendants.
Don’t hesitate to leverage your unique skills and experience in your application.
Best of luck in fulfilling your dream! 🤞
I am 38 and will try my luck next month with Qatar Airways. Will let ypu lmow how it goes, fingers crossed!