How to Become a Cabin Crew After 12th (India + International Airlines)

The aviation industry is growing at a record pace, and India is set to become the world’s third-largest aviation market. Airlines such as Air India, IndiGo, Vistara, Emirates and Qatar Airways are expanding fleets and hiring young aspirants. If you're wondering how to become cabin crew after 12th, the fastest route is a focused training program plus active applications to airline career pages.

Start training now — explore a practical placement-focused course: Air Hostess Course — Mumbai.

Why Cabin Crew Is a Great Career After 12th

• Attractive starting salary and flying allowances
• Free/discounted international travel and layovers
• Global lifestyle, cultural exposure and personal development
• Fast career progression with merit-based promotions

Also consider short specialist modules to boost employability: Aviation Certificates & Courses.

Eligibility — Requirements to Become a Cabin Crew After 12th

Educational Qualification

• Must have passed 12th standard from any recognized board.
• English-speaking skills are mandatory; additional languages are an advantage.

Age Limit

• Minimum: 18 years
• Maximum: typically 27 years (varies by airline)

Height Requirements

• Females: Minimum ~157 cm (varies)
• Males: Minimum ~170 cm (varies)

If you’re also considering ground roles, check eligibility for ground staff: How to Become Ground Staff in India.

BMI / Weight Standards

Weight must be proportionate to height; airlines use BMI charts during selection.

Vision & Medical Standards

Minimum 6/6 vision (corrective lenses often allowed). Clean medical and fitness reports are essential.

Grooming & Appearance

• No visible tattoos (policy varies), neat hair and clear skin
• Polished etiquette and formal posture

Swimming

Some international carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad) require basic swimming competence for overwater routes.

Skills Needed to Succeed as Cabin Crew

• Excellent English and customer communication
• Strong service orientation and emotional resilience
• Teamwork & crisis management
• Grooming, presentation and cultural sensitivity

Boost your skillset with short modules: Aviation Certificate & Courses.

How to Become a Cabin Crew After 12th — Step-by-Step (2025)

STEP 1: Complete Your 12th Grade

Any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) is accepted. Keep academic & ID documents ready.

STEP 2: Join a Professional Cabin Crew Training Program

Courses range from short certificates (4–12 weeks) to diplomas (6–12 months). Choose a placement-focused program — for example, our long diploma and practical modules at Best Aviation Academy — Hyderabad.

STEP 3: Prepare an Aviation-Standard Resume

• Include a passport-size and full-length photo
• List height, weight, BMI, language skills and certificates
• Mention passport availability for international roles

STEP 4: Apply to Airlines & Attend Walk-ins

Where to apply:

STEP 5: Clear the Airline Selection Process

1. Grooming & posture check
2. Group activity / group discussion (GD)
3. Personal interview (PI) — scenario & role-play
4. Medical fitness test and vision check
5. Background verification & documentation

Prepare with targeted interview workshops included in our practical courses: Air Hostess Course — Mumbai (interview prep).

STEP 6: Airline Induction & Onboard Training

Selected candidates undergo 2–12 weeks of airline training covering:

• Safety & emergency procedures (SOPs)
• Firefighting, first aid & CPR
• In-flight service and cultural protocols
• Evacuation & water survival drills

Short refresher certificates (first aid / safety) help during probation: Aviation Certificates.

Cabin Crew Salary (2025) — What to Expect

• Domestic Airlines: ₹35,000 – ₹60,000 / month (freshers, including allowances)
• International / Middle-East: ₹1,00,000 – ₹2,50,000+ / month (varies by carrier & role)

To maximise placement opportunities and package negotiation, consider our placement-focused diplomas: Atenas Hyderabad — Placements.

Career Progression

• Cabin Crew → Senior Cabin Crew → Cabin Supervisor
• Purser / Lead Crew → Crew Trainer → Cabin Crew Manager
• Transition opportunities into in-flight management, training & ground operations

Want to expand career options beyond cabin crew? Look at allied courses such as Travel & Tourism diplomas: Travel & Tourism — 2025 Guide.

Common Mistakes Students Must Avoid

• Applying without a polished aviation resume
• Skipping mock interview practice
• Poor grooming or incorrect passport-size photos
• Failing to check airline-specific height/BMI criteria
• No clear plan for medical & passport readiness for international roles

Why 2025 Is an Excellent Year to Start

• Air India and private carriers expanding fleets
• Regional connectivity boosting domestic flights
• International carriers increasing hiring from India

Ready to start? Explore course options and short certificates here: Aviation Certificate & Courses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)