How to Get an Airline Job

Co-authored by Jonathan Soormaghen

Last Updated: December 12, 2024 Approved

Airlines typically require workers for a multitude of diverse positions, so it's very likely that you'll be able to find a job in this field. Because of the wide variety of jobs and airlines, the hiring process and job requirements will differ. There are, however, a few elements that will remain pretty consistent in your search for an airline job.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Meeting the Requirements

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1
Get the proper education. There are a huge number of jobs in the airline business, all of which require different education and training. The level of education you'll need will depend on which position you're looking for. Below are some of the common airline jobs and the level of education required.
- Flight attendant. Being a flight attendant typically only requires a high school diploma. If you didn't finish high school, a GED is also an acceptable level of education.
- Air traffic controller. This job requires either a bachelor's degree or at least 3 years of responsible work experience. Any work experience is typically applicable, as long as you can demonstrate that you performed competently. After that, you'll enter the FAA academy for education on air traffic controlling.^{[1]
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- Technicians. There are a variety of technicians who work for airlines, with different specialties. These jobs usually require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field, and might require further post-graduate work. You'll also have to pass a certification test to get a job with an airline.^{[2]
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- Pilots. Pilots need extensive education and training. You'll need at least a bachelor's degree to be eligible for the job. Of course, you'll need to know how to fly a plane, so it would help if you already have a pilot's license before starting college. They will also need to attend an FAA certified flight school for the proper training to fly commercially.^{[4]
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Meet the physical requirements. Some airline jobs have physical requirements. These are to ensure that planes are operated safely.
- Vision requirements. Pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers must have 20/20 vision, or have corrective eye wear that brings their vision to 20/20.
- Height and weight requirements. Flight attendants typically must be between 5' 0" and 6' 3", but this varies between airlines. There is no weight requirement, but they must be able to easily walk up and down the aisles of the aircraft.
- Strength requirements. Flight attendants will probably have to lift bags into overhead cabins. As such, some airlines set strength requirements. Being able to lift around 70 pounds is a typical requirement.^{[5]
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- Language requirements. Most airline positions require you to speak and read English proficiently.^{[6]
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- Citizenship. All airline jobs in the US require you to be able to show proof of being able to work in US.
- Medical requirements. Most airline jobs will require you to pass a medical exam to make sure you are healthy enough to perform your job.^{[7]
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  Federal Aviation Administration
  U.S. government agency responsible for monitoring and setting guidelines for civilian aviation
  
  Go to source} Pilots typically have to be examined every 6 months to ensure they are capable of operating a plane.
- Age requirements. Most airline jobs will require you to be at least 18. If your job requires you to attend the FAA Academy, you must enroll before you turn 31.
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Pass a security test. Like most employers, airlines will conduct a background check on applicants. This will typically be more extensive than a normal background check. There are a number of offenses that could cause concern for airlines.^{[8]
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- Click here for a complete list of offenses that the FAA will look for when performing a background check. Either have a clean record or be prepared to explain anything that may come up on your background check.

Part 2

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Finding and Applying for Jobs

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1
Browse job postings for airline jobs. You'll be able to locate all kinds of airline jobs on the internet. There are numerous ways you can find them.
- If you want to work for a particular airline, try checking that airline's website. There will usually be a "Job/Employment/Career Opportunities" tab. If you can't find anything on the homepage, try typing in the airline's name and "Jobs" into an internet search engine.
- Jobs are also posted on more general sites, so browse these sites as well.
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Contact airlines directly. If you aren't finding any jobs browsing the internet, you could try contacting airlines directly. Sometimes, there are job openings that aren't posted yet. If you're lucky, you might come across some of these by inquiring with airlines.
- Try either calling or emailing the human resources department of specific airlines and inquiring about job openings.
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Put your resume and cover letter together. Whenever you're applying for a job, you'll need a resume and cover letter. In many ways, preparing these documents for an airline position is just like preparing one for any other job. There are a few things you might want to emphasize, however, depending on the job you're looking for.
- Read Write a Cover Letter and Make a Resume for general tips on preparing your resume and cover letter.
- For a flight attendant position, you'll want to emphasize any customer service experience you've had. Flight attendants spend most of their time helping passengers, so any experience you have working with the general public will be valuable. Examples include working as a cashier or receptionist.
- For any kind of technical position, you'll want to emphasize jobs and internships you've had that required electrical or engineering skills.
- Always read job ads carefully, and put key words from the posting in your cover letter. For example, it's common for postings to look for "highly motivated" candidates. In this case, explain in your letter how you're highly motivated. This shows that you've taken the time to read the posting and put together a good cover letter. Basically, use phrases and words from the job posting to demonstrate why you're a good candidate.
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Prepare for the interview. If you've done a good job on your cover letter and resume, you'll progress to the interview stage of the job. The particular interview process will vary depending on which job you're going for. A flight attendant may get the job after only a quick meeting, while a pilot will probably require several interviews and tests. It is important to follow whatever process the airline uses to interview job candidates.
- Read Prepare for a Job Interview for tips on preparing for an interview.
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Conduct yourself appropriately during the interview. No matter what position you're applying for, you should always maintain a polite and professional demeanor during a job interview. Many positions in an airline -- like a pilot, technician, or air traffic controller -- are directly responsible for people's safety. Accordingly, interviewers will want to hire competent and serious individuals for jobs.^{[9]
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- Always remember to dress appropriately for the interview. Appropriate dress may vary depending on what job you're applying for. A good general rule is to dress a step up from what you would wear every day to work.^{[10]
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- Many airline positions, including flight attendants and pilots, will require you to interact with airline customers. As such, you should always maintain a friendly demeanor to demonstrate that you're the right candidate.
- There really is no way to anticipate the types of questions you'll get during an interview. Generally, you should be prepared to talk about your strengths and have a few stories ready to tell that demonstrate your competence and/or responsibility.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you make your letter of intent stand out?

Jonathan Soormaghen
Career Coach
Jonathan Soormaghen is a Career Coach and Founder of Resume Advisor, a career counseling firm that specializes in creating personalized products such as resumes, CVs, cover letters, and online branding tools to propel clients toward their next career milestone. Jonathan holds a BA in Political Economy from the University of California, Berkeley, where he was honored to serve as the Valedictory speaker of general commencement. Prior to founding Resume Advisor, he worked in management consulting and finance at companies including Accenture, Target, and Ernst & Young. Jonathan's clients have landed job offers from leading firms including Netflix, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Uber, Deloitte, KMPG, Accenture, and Merrill Lynch.

Jonathan Soormaghen

Career Coach

Expert Answer

The key with a cover letter/letter of intent is to convey why you are the perfect candidate for the role you are applying for. Additionally, try to include a personal example that conveys your personality and gives a glimpse to the reader on who you are. Use specific examples for each letter - make sure to switch it up!

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Can I apply for an airline job with a BSC in life science?

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You will need to check with the specific airline that you are applying to, and see which degree/requirements are necessary for the specific position that you wish to acquire within that airline. However, many airline jobs accept a large variety of degrees.

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Can I apply for an airline job if I am married?

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Of course you can. You can apply for any job whether you are married or not.

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Send a thank-you note to your interviewers after the interview. This may set you apart from other candidates.

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Read about license, certification or specialized training requirements before applying for airline jobs. Requirements vary by position and by country.

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Ask around to see if any airlines will let you do a job shadow so you can get an idea of what the job is like. Reach out to friends to see if anyone has any airline connections. Networking is an important tool when starting your career and trying to move up the ranks.
Many airline jobs have to pass a medical evaluation and be tested for height and vision requirements. Consult the airline directly to find out what the health requirements are for your position.

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