Podgy Cabin Crew
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Manchester, UK
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Podgy Cabin Crew
Have any of you ever seen an overweight crew or even someone at interview? The reason I ask is I really want to apply for some cabin crew vacancies I have seen. I have never done it before but I think it would be the job of my dreams. Problem is, i'm overweight but I do carry it well. I am on a diet but can't wait til I reach my goal as i'm desperate for a job now and although it will be hard to get taken on with zero experience, I really want to be applying now.
I've got it in my head that if I get selected for an interview, everyone will be thin and glamorous and I will stick out like a sore thumb. I fly regularly and fit in the standard seats no problem but really I don't want to go for an interview and my weight be a problem.
Thanks for reading and any advice you might give
I've got it in my head that if I get selected for an interview, everyone will be thin and glamorous and I will stick out like a sore thumb. I fly regularly and fit in the standard seats no problem but really I don't want to go for an interview and my weight be a problem.
Thanks for reading and any advice you might give
Join Date: Jul 2006
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Weight and Hight
Ok, in truth you will not make it pass the interview. I do not know of any UK airline that will take on new crew that carry excess weight. If you are say half a stone over your "ideal" weight, then some may be Ok. But as a general rule no, Sorry. Once your on the in then - well each airline has it own rules re weight gain.../managment. best of luck ...
Join Date: Jun 2006
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I flew Easyjet the other day and one of the girls working onboard was huge. I was surprised as she was so large she had real trouble manouvering around the aircraft.
I suppose it depends what airline you want to fly with?
I suppose it depends what airline you want to fly with?
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Here at BA we have many overweight boys and girls but as said they all started at the desired weight. Just aim to get to your ideal weight that much quicker by applying now. If it is your dream job then I am sure you will be a success. Do not delay apply on line today too as many airlines as you can.
Join Date: Jul 2007
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Weight
MHM go for it. I work for Virgin and I'm not exactly what you would call skinny! Any good airline will look past this and see your personality and base their decision on how well you perform at an interview. I flew with a girl a few weeks ago who was quite a big girl and she had only been with the company a month so clearly she hadn't 'piled it on' in such a short time.
Good luck and don't worry about your weight. I would also avoid any airline that ask for your weight on the application form. How very dare they
I'm sure the EU has now made it discrimitory to do this!
Good luck and don't worry about your weight. I would also avoid any airline that ask for your weight on the application form. How very dare they
I'm sure the EU has now made it discrimitory to do this!
Join Date: Mar 2007
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At BA the weight restriction is that you are able to strap into a jumpseat - they make you do this at the interview. There are loads of overweight crew so go for it. I was overweight when I started last year and got in ok - have lost weight since I have been flying though which is good!
Join Date: Apr 2005
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That is total rubbish, Gone are the days when at an interview you are asked to stand on the scales before you even get an interview. Being crew is very different from even 10 years ago. I have been with my current airline for 3 years and not once have I been weighed nor do I know anyone who has been pulled up for their weight. Personality is the key that is what people look for these days. Don't be disheartend by mindless comments, it's the same as any job, you can only try and see how you go... Best of luck
Join Date: Mar 2007
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I would completely ignore sfbdolly and listen to the other advice given.
You don't say how overweight you are or think you are but there are plenty of overweight cabin crew around so go for it.
Perhaps if you really are overweight you may want to consider the health aspect rather than the aesthetic
You don't say how overweight you are or think you are but there are plenty of overweight cabin crew around so go for it.
Perhaps if you really are overweight you may want to consider the health aspect rather than the aesthetic
Join Date: Jan 2007
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Following on from the posts, many airlines now look to the personality and experience rather than weight. The airline I work for are looking for people who are able to handle the situations, ability to work under pressure and are adaptable.
As for weight, we use the phrase 'height to weight ratio'. This means that you should be able to carry your weight for your height. The only test they will do if they think that you may be too large is to ask you to sit on a crew seat and fasten the belts. You have to by CAA regulations sit in a crew seat and fasten the belts without any problems.
If the job is the one you want, then this should be an incentive to be of a weight that you would be happy with and for your own health...you don't have to be thin or glamarous for this job, a smile and determination will get you further.
Good luck.
As for weight, we use the phrase 'height to weight ratio'. This means that you should be able to carry your weight for your height. The only test they will do if they think that you may be too large is to ask you to sit on a crew seat and fasten the belts. You have to by CAA regulations sit in a crew seat and fasten the belts without any problems.
If the job is the one you want, then this should be an incentive to be of a weight that you would be happy with and for your own health...you don't have to be thin or glamarous for this job, a smile and determination will get you further.
Good luck.
Join Date: Nov 2006
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As someone who's been involved in Cabin Crew recruitment for a number of years, I can honestly say that it's the whole package that matters to an employer, with a good personality at the top of the list of requirements. A good appearance is also important, however, I'm sure any airline will know you don't have to be a size 10 to look professional in a uniform.
If you have nice hair and make-up and you're dressed appropriately you'll stand just as good a chance at an interview as the next person.
The airline I work for has quite a few Cabin Crew who were recruited at a size 16 and provided they don't put on weight (to the extent that we felt it was affecting their health or their ability to carry out their duties safely) then we don't see any problem.
Good luck with your career.
If you have nice hair and make-up and you're dressed appropriately you'll stand just as good a chance at an interview as the next person.
The airline I work for has quite a few Cabin Crew who were recruited at a size 16 and provided they don't put on weight (to the extent that we felt it was affecting their health or their ability to carry out their duties safely) then we don't see any problem.
Good luck with your career.
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if you could prove that an airline was not willing to employ you on the basis of weight that would be discriminatory and would be liable to a law suit.....i know that it is still practised by middle eastern airlines who are not governed by the same rules and regs as here, but in this country legally companies cannot get away with it.
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But also remember that it is not just your weight that you need to be watching, your general fitness is very important too. Flying is rather a tough job physically and your initial training will test that. With more and more airlines scheduling their crew to their maximum hours and sectors the job is only going to get more demanding on the body and not to mention your immune system which takes a punch this time of year every year (more so than most jobs).
Unfortunately a lot of people in the job start to neglect their health after a few years of drinking loads downroute, eating rich foods (not to mention crew meals) and just generally being idle outside of work. This has resulted in a lot of problems (particularly at BA where I work) such as crew with high blood pressure, poor circulation, heart problems etc. We even have what we call the "Curse of flying" whereby a lot of crew with these symptoms dont seem to live long after retirement as the body just cannot cope with the change.
If you are starving yourself to diet may I suggest a slight change in tact and instead of starving yourself, just eat more sensibly (good healthy foods with sustainable portions...eg...not over filling the plate) and exercise every day with a long walk or short jog, or perhaps even join a gym and do lots of cardio work. Not only will the pounds fall off you but you will also feel great. And hell, If you dont get the job at least you will feel great all the same and you will be able to reapply elsewhere!!!!
Unfortunately a lot of people in the job start to neglect their health after a few years of drinking loads downroute, eating rich foods (not to mention crew meals) and just generally being idle outside of work. This has resulted in a lot of problems (particularly at BA where I work) such as crew with high blood pressure, poor circulation, heart problems etc. We even have what we call the "Curse of flying" whereby a lot of crew with these symptoms dont seem to live long after retirement as the body just cannot cope with the change.
If you are starving yourself to diet may I suggest a slight change in tact and instead of starving yourself, just eat more sensibly (good healthy foods with sustainable portions...eg...not over filling the plate) and exercise every day with a long walk or short jog, or perhaps even join a gym and do lots of cardio work. Not only will the pounds fall off you but you will also feel great. And hell, If you dont get the job at least you will feel great all the same and you will be able to reapply elsewhere!!!!
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As a frequent flyer have seen many overweight flight attendants, it is how they interact with the passengers that is important, not their size, so go for it and hope you get your dream job.On a recent flight with AA one of the flight attendants virtually went down the aisle sideways she was so large but she had a great personality, and on my last flight with BA the purser was also quite large but again had the personality for the job. I hope the days of size discrimination are long gone.
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What an utterly vacuous thread with a nasty undertone!!
Weight is the least of the problems some cabin crew have if one judges this by the utterly pointless and tedious conversations one has to listen to on the staff bus engaged upon by SOME cabin crew.
Most of you guys do a great job - I'd prefer to see staff judged on their ability to provide good service rather than a bit of excess baggage!!
Arrrgggghhhh...!!!
Weight is the least of the problems some cabin crew have if one judges this by the utterly pointless and tedious conversations one has to listen to on the staff bus engaged upon by SOME cabin crew.
Most of you guys do a great job - I'd prefer to see staff judged on their ability to provide good service rather than a bit of excess baggage!!
Arrrgggghhhh...!!!
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HEY I AGREE
I want to be a pilot - i have the upmost respect for cabin crew, may I spacificly mention first choice since thats who i fly with alot - ps the pilots have great sense of humour too.
Personally im built like a rugby player - i played rugby, ice hockey and american football - so you have an idea of my figure - i feel this should be a good thing as a visual deterant in the air too surely thats all good in this day in age
I want to be a pilot - i have the upmost respect for cabin crew, may I spacificly mention first choice since thats who i fly with alot - ps the pilots have great sense of humour too.
Personally im built like a rugby player - i played rugby, ice hockey and american football - so you have an idea of my figure - i feel this should be a good thing as a visual deterant in the air too surely thats all good in this day in age