BA Air Hostess Requirements: What You Must Know Before Applying

Thinking about joining British Airways as a cabin crew member? First, you need to meet all the BA air hostess requirements. You must be at least 18, have the right to work in the UK, and speak English well enough to chat and keep passengers safe. Then, you’ll need to pass some basic health checks, show a clean five-year background, and meet certain height and reach rules. Also, BA is pretty strict about how you look in uniform—no visible tattoos, neat hair, and simple makeup. 

Finally, you’ll go through their 4–6 week training program and get your UK CAA Cabin Crew Attestation before you start flying. So, let’s break these down and talk about them in more detail.

BA Air Hostess Requirements at a Glance

• Age: First things first—you need to be 18 or older when you go for your assessment. That’s the minimum to start your cabin crew journey.
• Right to Work: Next, make sure you already have the right to live and work in the UK. BA doesn’t sponsor visas, so you need your papers sorted before applying.
• English: You also have to be confident in English. You’ll be chatting with passengers, giving safety instructions, and making sure everyone feels comfortable on board.
• Training: Finally, BA gives all new crew 4–6 weeks of training. You’ll learn safety, service, and emergency stuff, and at the end, you’ll get your UK CAA Cabin Crew Attestation so you’re ready to fly.

Height & Reach: What You Really Need

Let’s talk about height and reach. BA checks this to make sure you can reach safety equipment and handle slides if needed.

Basically, your reach has to be at least 2.01 m, and your height can’t be taller than that. Most people will need to be around 1.575 m (5’2″) or taller to reach comfortably.

They also do a diagonal reach test—this just makes sure you can safely use the emergency slides. So don’t worry; it’s not scary, but it’s just something to make sure you’re ready for the job.

Right to Work, Passport & Travel Ready

Before you apply, make sure you can legally live and work in the UK. BA doesn’t sponsor visas, so you need to have this sorted.

You’ll also need a valid passport because, yep, you’ll be flying all over the world! Don’t stress about visas or ESTA—BA takes care of all that during training.

Also, if you’ve lived abroad recently, have your addresses and documents from the last five years ready—they check this during background screening. And heads up: your schedule can be a bit crazy at first, with early mornings and long trips, but that’s part of the adventure!

Background, Medical & Substance Checks

Before you start with BA, they need to make sure that everything’s in order. First, they’ll check your past five years—this includes jobs, school, or any breaks longer than a month. They also do a criminal record check, just to make sure everyone on board is reliable and safe. Basically, they want to know you’re responsible and trustworthy before you get anywhere near a plane.

Next, you’ll have a medical check to confirm you’re fit for flying and physical tasks. There’s also a test for substances to ensure you’re clear. Being honest makes the process smoother.

Tattoos, Piercings & Grooming (Uniform Rules)

BA is strict about tattoos. They must be completely hidden when wearing your uniform. No tattoos on hands, face, or head. For piercings, you can wear one small stud per ear, no bigger than 10 mm. Other piercings must be removed or covered. Hair and makeup should look neat and natural. Long hair needs to be tied back during flights.

Swimming & Safety Drills (Water Confidence)

Before you start training, you’ll do a Wet Drill with BA’s partner. It’s basically practice for staying safe in water. You’ll need to swim about 50 m and tread water for 3 minutes. They’ll also check how calmly you enter the water and use a life jacket. Don’t worry, it’s not scary—just making sure you’re confident in water. 

Tip: Practice swimming and treading water a bit beforehand; it makes the drill much easier.

Training & Your UK CAA Attestation

If you don’t have a Cabin Crew Attestation yet, don’t worry. BA will train you from the beginning. Training takes 4–6 weeks. You will learn safety drills, how to handle emergencies, and how to take care of passengers. At the end, you get your UK CAA Cabin Crew Attestation, which lets you start flying.

If you already have an Attestation, it must be a UK CAA. BA does not accept any other kind. It can feel like a lot at first, but take your time, ask questions, and practice. Finishing training feels great, and the Attestation is your pass to start your new job in the sky.

Where You’ll Be Based & What You’ll Fly

Most BA crew work from Heathrow and Gatwick. There’s also BA Cityflyer in London City and BA Euroflyer in Gatwick. Your base decides which flights and planes you usually take.

Short flights usually use A320 planes. Long flights use 777, 787, A350, or A380 planes. Each plane is a bit different, but training helps you get used to them.

Your schedule will mix short and long flights. Once you’re cleared, you can choose patterns that suit you.

2025 Policy Notes You Should Know

BA has some new rules for social media. Crew can’t post selfies or share exact locations while on layovers. This is just to keep everyone safe and protect the privacy of both staff and passengers. Basically, enjoy your time off, but be careful what you share online.

BA vs Other UK Airlines: Cabin Crew Rules

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is little bit easier when it comes to tattoos. You can show some tattoos, just not on your face or hands, and they should look appropriate. Otherwise, the same rules apply: be 18+, speak English, and have the right to work. Honestly, if you love showing tattoos, Virgin might feel more relaxed than BA.

easyJet

easyJet wants you to be 18+, speak English well, and swim 25 m. Height usually needs to be between 5’2″ and 6’3″. They even do pool training to help you feel confident in water. It’s fun, but be ready to get a little wet!

TUI

TUI asks for 18+, the ability to reach up to 6’2″, swim 25 m on your own, a valid passport, and to live about 90 minutes from the base. It sounds like a lot, but if you meet these, you’re ready for adventure.

Ryanair (UK bases)

Ryanair wants height between 5’2″ and 6’2′, good English, swimming skills, and the right to work in the UK or EU. They move fast, so being flexible helps a lot.

Jet2.com

Rules can change depending on the job, but usually no visible tattoos in uniform. You also need a practical height and reach—some posts say under 6’3″, and functional reach is still checked. Basically, Jet2 wants you to be safe, able to reach overhead lockers, and look professional.

How BA is Different

BA is stricter—you cannot have any visible tattoos in uniform. They check vertical reach (around 201 cm) and set a max height of 2.01 m. You also need the right to work in the UK since BA doesn’t sponsor visas. It might feel strict, but it’s all about safety and keeping everyone professional.

How Applying to BA Works

Becoming a BA cabin crew member is exciting, but it takes a few clear steps. Don’t worry—it sounds longer than it feels!

• Apply on the BA Careers website.
• Do the online test.
• Go to the assessment day.
• Get your job offer and contract.
• Complete background checks, medical tests, and substance tests.
• Do the Wet Drill to practice water safety.
• Finish BA training (4–6 weeks).
• Get your UK CAA Cabin Crew Attestation—then you’re ready to fly!

It can feel exciting and a little bit scary at first, but go step by step. When you get your Attestation, it feels amazing—your flying adventure begins!

Assessment Day Prep

• Bring your passport and right-to-work papers.
• Dress smart but simple—nothing fancy, just neat and clean.
• Be ready to give clear, friendly answers about safety, teamwork, and helping passengers.

Just be yourself, stay calm, and show you’re confident and friendly—it goes a long way!

Three Extra, Super-Useful Tips

Documents & Dates

• Keep your 5-year history ready with your referees’ contacts.
• Do all background checks; if you lived abroad 6+ months, get an overseas check too.
• Book your substance test as soon as BA sends the link.

Quick Water Plan (2 Weeks)

• Day 1–3: Swim 25 m easy 4 times, tread water 1 min.
• Day 4–7: Swim 50 m steady 2 times, tread 2 min.
• Day 8–14: Swim 50 m firmly once, tread 3 min, practice calm water entries.

Tip: Take it slow and stay calm. Feeling confident is more important than speed.

Uniform & Grooming Tips

• Cover tattoos that show in uniform.
• Wear one small ear stud per ear; no nose or tongue piercings.
• Keep hair neat and natural, and bring spare ties and a lint roller.

Tip: Looking tidy and professional gives a great first impression.

FAQs About BA Air Hostess Requirements

Qualifications for a BA air hostess?

• 18+, right to work in the UK, fluent in English, meets height/reach, passes checks, and completes training.

BA air hostess pay?

• Around £1,800–£2,200/month for new crew; more with experience and long-haul flights.

Height for BA cabin crew?

• Between 1.575 m (5’2″) and 2.01 m (6’7″), enough to reach overhead lockers.

Qualifications to be an air hostess?

• Same as BA: age 18+, work rights, English, medical/CRB checks, height/reach, training.

Is 40 too old?

• No, age isn’t a strict limit if you meet the requirements.

Free flights for air hostesses?

• Yes, usually discounted or free standby flights.

Conclusion

Becoming a BA cabin crew member is exciting, but it takes preparation, patience, and practice. From meeting the BA air hostess requirements to completing training, every step brings you closer to your dream job in the skies.

If you want to get a head start and learn everything you need to succeed, check out our Air Cabin Crew Online Diploma Course at the School of Health Care. This course will help you understand and meet all the BA air hostess requirements while building the skills and confidence to shine as a cabin crew member.

Start your journey today and take off toward your dream career!