Height requirement

Most airlines have a height or reach requirement for cabin crew. Let me explain to you what they mean.

Height requirement:
Most airlines set height requirements to correspond with the size of the aircraft they operate. Sometimes a height minimum is specified on the posting; sometimes a height range is specified rather, usually between 5′2″ and 5′9″ tall. Why a height requirement? Too tall, and you’re bumping your head on the ceiling. Too short, you may not be able to reach the overhead compartments where the safety and emergency equipment is located, which are typically between 6′ and 6′10″ inches high.

Some airlines allow their tall flight attendants to avoid aircrafts that have lower ceilings. However, smaller airlines with limited types of aircrafts cannot offer this option to their flight attendants.

To give you an idea what airlines look for in terms of height, here are the height requirements of some United States airlines:
AirTran Airways - 82″ reach; maximum 6′3″
Alaska Airlines - 80″ reach; no height req.
American Airlines - 5′1 1/2″ - 6′
American Eagle - 5′ - 5′10″
America West Airlines - 5′ - 6′3″
ATA - 5′2″ - 6′1″
Comair - 77″ reach; 5′10″ maximum
Continental Airlines - 5′ - 6′2″
Delta Air Lines - 5′1″ - 6′3″
JetBlue - 5′1″ - 6′3″
PSA - 6′ maximum
SkyWest - 5′ - 5′8″
Northwest Airlines - 5′2″ (no maximum)
Southwest Airlines - 72″ reach (no maximum)
United Airlines - 82″ reach; maximum 6′
USAirways - no height requirement

Reach requirement:
Some airlines have no minimum height requirement, but do require you to pass a reach test. A reach test is becoming more popular than a height requirement. The reach test is a demonstration of your ability to reach a certain height in bare feet, toes tipped. Some airlines ask you to reach a mark on the wall. You can stretch yourself as much as you want and touch the mark with your middle finger. Other airlines ask you to retrieve a piece of equipment in a mock overhead bin.

You can perform a reach test on your own. Simply grab a tape measure, measure out a distance of 6′10″ from the floor, and mark it on the wall. If you can reach the mark in bare feet, chances are you will pass any airline’s reach test.

If you find you do not meet the minimum height requirement for any of the major airlines, do not let this discourage you. You can always apply to be a flight attendant for a commuter airline; commuter aircraft are much smaller, making height less critical.

Conversely, if you are a little on the tall side, most major airlines’ maximum height requirement is right around 6’2″. If you are taller than 6′2″, keep in mind that you will be working in small galleys and may find it difficult to work 8-hour days in such a cramped environment!

Related articles:
Applying for a flight attendant position - cover letter
Applying for a flight attendant position – choosing the right airline
Resume for a flight attendant position - part I