You’ll need:

• customer service skills for working with passengers
• excellent verbal communication skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to enjoy working with other people
• knowledge of public safety and security
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• sensitivity and understanding for dealing with customers’ needs
• a desire to help people and a friendly manner
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You’ll need to:

• be over 18 years of age
• have a good level of fitness
• pass a medical check
• pass enhanced background checks

You’ll also be expected to:

• have a smart appearance
• have a valid passport with no restrictions for the countries the airline travels to
• live within 90 minutes of your base
• have good written and spoken English

Many airlines also ask that you’re able to swim up to 25 metres.

There are rules about height and weight – these vary between airlines. As a general guide, most look for people between 5ft 2in (157cm) and 6ft 2in (188cm) with weight in proportion to height.