Cabin Crew career change – is it for you?

Common worries

There are a few different things that might put people off from applying for a Cabin Crew career change. Let’s dispel some of those myths.

Will I manage the training?

Cabin Crew is a physical job. That being said, you don’t need to be a total gym bunny to fulfil the role requirements. Health and fitness is important for everyone, no matter your age. There are certain physical requirements Cabin Crew must adhere to. These include having a healthy BMI, adequate vision and decent swimming ability.

You will have to undergo a medical check before starting any Cabin Crew job so it’s worth checking this out beforehand so you know what to expect.

Will I fit in on the training course?

You might think that you’ll be the oldest person on the training course and you’ll struggle to fit in. But remember, you all have so much in common already! You’ll be in the same boat, learning new things and making connections. Cabin Crew training creates bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Being older and going through a career change gives you more experience – you may be more confident and adaptable. You’ve dealt with more unfamiliar challenges. Younger members of the group may look up to you, learn from you and lean on you for moral support, and you can help each other in your brand new work environment.

What if I still have children at home?

Some people believe that having a family and being Cabin Crew are mutually exclusive. This is not the case! Many people manage to have children and still work as Cabin Crew. Plus the airline perks of discounted travel mean you could provide an exciting eye-opening lifestyle for your kids! Read our guest post to find out how writer Kaylie Kay managed to do just that.

How will I cope with the hours?

A Cabin Crew roster can be difficult for anyone to get used to, irrespective of age! Irregular or anti-social hours and shift work including nights, bank holidays and weekends might be a concern for people who have spent their working life doing a standard 9 to 5.

But for many people considering a Cabin Crew career change, the hours might be more familiar. Have you worked in care or hospitality? These industries offer great customer service experience, and require you to work on a round-the-clock schedule.

If you want to apply to be Cabin Crew then you’ve already made a conscious choice to change your life! Will there be disruption? Yes, but you knew that – and you just need to make sure you’re prepared.

Having a Cabin Crew career means that you never know when you’ll be flying. In some ways this actually allows you more flexibility – on the days you don’t fly you could enjoy a quieter midweek shopping trip or being able to do the school run.

The longer you work as Cabin Crew, the more sway you’ll have over your roster and days off. Don’t let uncertainty put you off. It’s hard work getting a Cabin Crew job, but the reward is an amazing career and lifestyle that would make anyone jealous!

Do I have the right qualifications?

Experience is much more important than qualifications if you want to become Cabin Crew. You will need the equivalent of 3 GCSEs A* to C, but most airlines will be more interested in your experience and what you could bring to the role.

Even if you’ve worked at home, or stayed at home to raise children, you can always present your skills and experience well to demonstrate why you should be Cabin Crew. Emphasise things like your caring qualities, troubleshooting, risk management and organisational abilities. These are hugely relevant to a Cabin Crew career!

Try volunteering in a shop or working part-time in a restaurant for a while to gain customer service experience if that’s an area you’re lacking in.

It’s all about presenting your best self to recruiters so that they think you’d be a perfect fit for their airline. Our team at Cabin Crew Wings have years of experience in helping people land their dream Cabin Crew jobs – you can always get in touch with any questions!