There's generally no legal maximum age to be a flight attendant, and many airlines, especially in the US and Europe, hire experienced older candidates, but some Asian and Middle Eastern carriers prefer younger staff with limits often around 40-50 for new hires, while retirement ages vary, aligning with national laws (e.g., 65-67 in US/Europe) but can be earlier with some regional airlines.
There is no age limitation for becoming a flight attendant. In fact, airlines appreciate older applicants because they have an extensive proven work history with professional references and the maturity to handle stressful day-to-day flight operations.
Many carriers have ditched recruitment upper age limits and are actively encouraging mature applicants looking for a career change. EasyJet are one such airline. Their current oldest cabin crew member 'Nana Pam' is 73 years old. She is now the ambassador for their recruitment drive aimed at those over 45.
“I know people become flight attendants in their late 60s. There's not an age limit. There's no retirement age for [flight attendants].”
If you have the right skills, experience, and training, you can become a cabin crew even after 30 or 35. Many international airlines, private jets, and luxury airlines are open to hiring experienced professionals.
The 35/7 rule for flight attendants limits Reserve Flight Attendants to a maximum of 35 flight hours in any seven consecutive days, primarily for scheduling purposes to manage fatigue and ensure safety, although actual operations can sometimes exceed this if waivers are used and regulations are met. While Lineholders often work to a 30/7 (30 hours in 7 days) limit, they can also complete trips exceeding 35 hours if they waive the rule. This rule, alongside recent FAA mandates for longer rest periods (like 10 hours after 14-hour shifts), aims to provide adequate recovery for cabin crews.
The median flight attendant salary is approximately $67,130 per year, though this varies by airline and location.
PERMANENT DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Treason or conspiracy to commit treason. A federal crime of terrorism as defined in 18 U.S.C. 2332b(g), or comparable State law, or conspiracy to commit such crime. A crime involving a TSI (transportation security incident).
Southwest Airlines' response did quench my curiosity about thinking I could be too old: “There is not a federal regulation on upper age limit for commercial flight attendants like there is for pilots,” read the company's email back to me. Most experienced flight attendants told me it's a hard job.
The oldest flight attendant is Bette Burke-Nash (USA, b. 31 December 1935), at the age of 86 years and 4 days, as of 4 January 2022.
Air Hostess Salary in India (2025 Overview)
As of 2025, the air hostess salary in India is between ₹35,000 to ₹80,000 for fresher's. But international air hostesses can earn ₹1.5 to ₹3 lakh per month, depending on the airline, flight routes and experience.
Marriage and Flight Attendant Career
Basically, Flight attendants are allowed to marry. Some airlines may have certain regulations regarding the marital status of their flight attendants, but most do not prohibit flight attendants from getting married.
As long as you are in good physical shape, you will never be too old to be a flight attendant. Airlines hire flight attendants in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70+ years of age. Many flight attendants start after retirement as a second career.
Background to Age vs Flight Training
The reality is that you only become too old to start flight training when you can no longer hold a class one medical. However, if you are starting your training over the age of around forty, what you are looking to achieve takes some serious consideration.
Medical & Fitness Issues
Airlines require good eyesight (with or without correction) and normal hearing. Must have stable blood pressure and no major health issues. Ability to handle long flights, jet lag, and irregular schedules. Conditions like severe asthma, skin allergies, or heart issues can be disqualifying.
Great Process, they screen people very well. You have to go to at least 3 rounds before the make a decision. Just need to be patient with the process. Interview is not easy they asked you a lot of scenarios questions and people skills matter alot.
He was part of the original Tuskegee Airmen and fought in three wars, but never flew as a pilot in the Air Force. The oldest person to obtain a pilot's licence is James Collins Warren (b. 16 August 1923, USA) at the age of 87 years old, in Vacaville, California, USA, in September 2010.
In Europe and America, flight attendants can be as old as 60 years and even older depending on the airline. Experience is more important than fine face. It's about service and not about looks.
There is no maximum age to start flight training. Many students begin in their 40s, 50s, and even 60s. At Ideal Aviation, we have helped adults of all ages learn to fly. The FAA does require a medical exam for most pilot certificates.
The Competition is High. The flight attendant job market is highly competitive due to the attractive benefits, travel opportunities, and unique lifestyle the profession offers.
The airline doesn't publicly publish specific height or weight requirements, but they have published information on uniform sizes and generally look for candidates whose height and weight is proportionate.
9/11 flight attendants' last words included Betty Ann Ong's "Pray for us" and Madeline Sweeney's "Oh my God, we're flying way too low," relayed during their final calls from American Airlines Flight 11, providing crucial info to ground crews before the plane hit the North Tower; CeeCee Lyles on Flight 93 left a message saying, "I love you," before passengers fought back.
Working Hours
A flight attendant can expect to work 30–40 hours a week, but they can do more or fewer hours depending on the airline, the length of the flights they work on, e.g. short, medium or long haul and whether any problems arise. There are typically more regular hours on short-haul flights.
This is not a healthy mindset. It is possible to live on this minimum wage pay, but it requires discipline, and awareness. It's not always fun, but if you are able to find a balance for yourself between spending, and saving, living independently on what a flight attendant makes, you will give yourself a gift.
Despite the extra year, Southwest flight attendants earn the highest hourly rate in the industry by the end of the pay scale.