Why Airlines Prefer Female Flight Attendants: Legal?

While the role of a flight attendant is often associated with women, men can also be flight attendants. In fact, the first flight attendant, hired by Delag Airline in 1912, was a man named Heinrich Kubis. Today, men make up around 25% of the cabin crew workforce, and this number is projected to grow. While the requirements to become a flight attendant are mostly the same for men and women, there are some differences in appearance standards, such as specific hair and piercing requirements. Additionally, there may be advantages to being a male applicant due to the push for diversity in hiring. However, it is important to note that flight attendant jobs are in high demand, with intense competition, and the hiring process can take up to six months.

Male flight attendants are in demand

Although the aviation industry has historically been dominated by female flight attendants, the presence of men in this profession is increasing. Male flight attendants are in demand, and while they still make up a relatively small percentage of the overall flight attendants in the workforce, their numbers are growing.

In the US, the gender ratio of flight attendants is estimated to be around 55/45 or 60/40, with more women than men. However, the demand for male flight attendants is rising, and they are becoming an integral part of the aviation industry. Male flight attendants face barriers, such as the assumption that they are pilots rather than flight attendants, but their dedication and hard work are invaluable assets to any airline.

To break into the industry, male flight attendants need to demonstrate patience and focus on networking. They should ensure they have the proper safety and culinary training, join relevant organizations, attend networking events, and seize opportunities to make connections. The road to becoming a male flight attendant may be challenging, but perseverance and a strong work ethic can lead to success.

Male flight attendants bring a unique perspective and skill set to the role. They can offer a different dynamic and experience for passengers, contributing to a diverse and inclusive flight crew. Airlines recognize the value of diversity and are increasingly embracing gender balance in their hiring practices. This shift towards inclusivity not only benefits the airlines but also enhances the overall flight experience for passengers.

While the industry has traditionally been female-dominated, male flight attendants are now an essential part of the aviation landscape. Their presence adds to the richness and diversity of the profession, and their demand is expected to continue to grow as the industry embraces gender equality and recognizes the unique skills and perspectives that male flight attendants bring to the role.

Appearance standards and uniform requirements

Regarding piercings, policies vary based on gender. Female flight attendants are often limited to a single earlobe piercing per ear, while their male counterparts are typically not allowed to have any visible piercings. This includes restrictions on nose, lip, and tongue piercings, as well as piercings in other parts of the ear, face, or body, when the cabin crew uniform is worn.

Airlines also tend to have age requirements for their flight attendants, with a minimum age of 18 being the most common. However, some airlines may have different age criteria.

It is worth noting that while these appearance standards and uniform requirements are generally consistent across the industry, they are not absolute, and specific airlines may have unique policies or exceptions. Therefore, it is always advisable to refer to the specific guidelines provided by individual airlines.

Criminal background checks

It is a common misconception that airlines only hire women as flight attendants. In reality, airlines hire both men and women for these roles, and gender is not a factor in the hiring process. One crucial aspect of the hiring process for all genders, however, is the criminal background check.

Aviation background checks are conducted to minimize risks and prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from compromising the safety and security of air travel. These checks are designed to identify potential threats, criminal activity, or any other factors that could pose a risk to aviation operations. They are an important part of maintaining the integrity and trustworthiness of the aviation workforce.

The background check process also includes verifying an individual’s employment and education history. Employers may contact previous employers or educational institutions to confirm dates of employment or attendance and gather additional information about the candidate’s performance. This helps ensure that the person’s claimed experience and qualifications align with provable facts.

Most background checks for flight attendants will delve into an individual's history for the 10 years preceding employment. This check will include but is not limited to FBI fingerprints, background on work history, driving record, drug usage, and even credit checks. A felony on a candidate's record will likely disqualify them from being hired.

Drug tests

Drug testing is a common practice in the hiring process, especially in certain industries. While most employers are not legally required to drug test candidates, it is within their rights to do so, and they may refuse to hire an applicant based on a test result that indicates illegal drug use.

In the case of airlines, drug testing is a standard procedure, as the industry falls under transportation, which is subject to specific regulations. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has established the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, which requires certain federal contractors and recipients of federal funds to implement a drug-free workplace policy. This includes the aviation industry, where employees in safety-sensitive roles, such as pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers, are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing.

The DOT's procedures for drug testing are outlined in "Part 40", which specifies the specimens collected, the entities that perform the tests, the testing procedures, and the mandatory return-to-duty requirements for employees returning to safety-sensitive roles after a violation. Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) takes the refusal to undergo a required DOT drug test very seriously. Such a refusal can result in the denial of applications for certificates, ratings, or authorizations under the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) for up to a year, and the FAA may even seek to suspend or revoke existing certificates.

It is important to note that employers must comply with certain requirements when conducting drug testing. They must disclose their intent to conduct a drug test and receive written permission from the candidate. Additionally, they are prohibited from asking about an applicant's history of drug or alcohol rehabilitation before making a conditional job offer. An employer who decides not to hire a candidate based on a positive drug test result must follow the adverse action process, and they are required to maintain the confidentiality of the test results without the candidate's written consent.

Height and weight requirements

While there are no legal restrictions on hiring male flight attendants, specific physical requirements must be met, such as height and weight. These requirements vary slightly between airlines, but generally, a flight attendant must be tall enough to reach overhead compartments, and their weight should be proportional to their height. This ensures they can move easily through the narrow aisles of the plane and fit in the jump seat without causing discomfort or safety issues.

The height requirement for flight attendants is typically between 5'2" and 6'3", ensuring they can perform their duties without difficulty. For example, they should be able to reach items in overhead compartments without assistance and bend or stoop without hitting their heads on low ceilings or aircraft structures. This height range is designed to accommodate the majority of applicants and ensure they can work safely and efficiently in the confined spaces of an aircraft.

Weight requirements are often given as a range or a maximum weight limit, usually between 100 and 200 pounds. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety and comfort of both the flight attendants and the passengers. A flight attendant who is too heavy may struggle to move through the narrow aisles of the plane or fit in the jump seat, which could cause delays in emergency situations. Additionally, a proportional weight helps maintain a professional appearance, as the uniform may not fit well on individuals who fall outside the recommended weight range.

It is important to note that these requirements are not always strictly enforced, and exceptions may be made for applicants who possess other desirable skills or qualities. Some airlines may also have slightly different requirements, so it is always best to check with the specific airline for their exact height and weight expectations. Overall, while height and weight are considered, they are just two factors among many that contribute to an applicant's suitability for the role of flight attendant.

Frequently asked questions