Are Short Statured Individuals Eligible for Airline Jobs?

Many individuals with shorter statures find themselves questioning their eligibility for airline positions such as flight attendants. This article addresses the viability of short individuals pursuing careers in the aviation industry, highlighting key information from various airlines and historical context.

Understanding Height Requirements for Airlines

While many people might assume that there are strict minimum height requirements for airline jobs, it is possible for someone who is below 52 inches (4 feet 4 inches) to find employment opportunities in the aviation industry. Various airlines have either flexible height policies or do not specify strict height requirements at all.

Examples of Airlines with Lenient Height Requirements

Southwest Airlines: Though they have a preferred height range, they often examine candidates on a case-by-case basis, making it possible for shorter individuals to be considered. JetBlue Airways: Known for an inclusive hiring process, JetBlue may not have strict height requirements, offering a more lenient approach. Alaska Airlines: They prioritize the overall capabilities of the candidate rather than enforcing stringent height restrictions.

However, it is crucial to always check the specific requirements of each airline, as policies can change and may vary by location. Additionally, contacting the airline's recruitment team can provide clear guidance on their height policies.

Narratives and Real-Life Examples

The aviation industry was once strict about height requirements. For instance, in the early 1970s, 5 feet 4 inches was the minimum height for many jobs, including police and civil service positions. Luckily, this is no longer an issue. Despite the stringent height requirements of the past, many individuals with shorter statures successfully find work in the aviation field, such as working in the airport's check-in counter.

Historical Context

For those like myself, who were too short to work in certain roles such as airport check-in, it's important to recognize that there were once stricter height requirements. In the early 1970s, a minimum height of 5 feet 4 inches was common for many jobs, including police work and civil service. However, it's worth noting that in the UK, EasyJet has a height requirement of 5’1, while you, at 5’3, were definitely not the smallest individual to work there. Many short individuals still manage to find roles in the aviation industry, albeit with some limitations. For instance, reaching the overhead bins on aircraft can be a challenge.

United Airlines' Minimum Requirements

While some airlines offer less strict height policies, certain roles have specific requirements. Here are United Airlines' minimum requirements for flight attendants:

21 years or older Height: 5’0” to 6’3” (without shoes) Proportionate height and weight Vison test (20/40 or better corrected for both far and near vision) Normal middle ear function Hearing test (no loss on audiometry in the better ear greater than 40 dB when losses at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz are averaged) High school diploma or equivalent Basic computer literacy and math competency At least two years of direct customer service experience Read, write, speak, and understand English and Cantonese Maintain excellent attendance Capable of handling weighty objects and equipment, including beverage carts and emergency window exits Valid United States passport or foreign passport with applicable visas and eligibility to work in the United States Pass the FAA-required ten-year work history review, criminal background check, DOT fingerprinting physical exam, drug screening, and random drug and alcohol testing Pass a pre-employment examination revealing no physical or mental limitations Rigorous six-week training program Eligible to travel freely within the United States and all countries United serves. Note that some countries have entry restrictions for foreign visitors, such as Canada, which prohibits entry to people with certain criminal convictions.

Conclusion

If you are a short statured individual looking to enter the aviation industry, it is possible to find suitable jobs, such as flight attendants, although there are specific requirements that need to be met. Embracing your unique stature and focusing on your skills and capabilities can lead to a successful career in the aviation industry.