EasyJet is launching a recruitment drive next month to hire hundreds of new flight attendants, with applications open to candidates who meet nine specific requirements. The budget airline has particularly encouraged older people to apply, building on an initiative first launched in 2022.
Since that initiative began, the number of easyJet cabin crew over the age of 50 has more than doubled, while the number of over-60s has almost quadrupled. However, applicants do not need to be older or have aviation experience to be considered.
Nine criteria for applicants
Candidates must be 18 or older, stand between 5’2” (157.5 cm) and 6’3” (190 cm) without shoes, and be fluent in written and spoken English as well as the language native to their base. A valid passport with unrestricted travel across the UK, the EEA, and the easyJet network is required, with no Skilled Worker visa sponsorship available.
Applicants must live within 90 minutes of their chosen base or be willing to relocate, have no visible tattoos on the head, face, or neck (all tattoos must be inoffensive), and be comfortable selling items from the airline’s CAFE.SHOP range, including alcohol, which contributes to commission earnings. They must also be able to swim 25 metres unaided, tread water, inflate a life jacket, and climb in and out of a life raft. Finally, they must pass a UK CAA or EASA Cabin Crew medical and fit securely into a jump seat.
Experience and qualities sought
EasyJet is particularly keen to hear from people with at least six months’ experience in a customer-facing or people-focused role. The airline also values candidates who communicate clearly, confidently, and kindly; stay calm under pressure and make safe, well-informed decisions; enjoy working as part of a diverse, energetic team; and take ownership, solve problems with empathy, and go the extra mile for customers.
EasyJet began its ‘Returnships’ initiative in 2024, offering free in-person and online cabin crew taster sessions for hundreds of interested career changers over 50. Francesca Hicks, aged 64 and a former secretary and nurse for those living with dementia, was part of that process. She attended a taster open day, submitted a formal application, and completed a series of interviews before joining her cabin crew training course. A year and a half on, she is now a fully trained cabin crew member and has taken to the skies over 250 times.
Testimonials and next steps
Francesca Hicks said: “When the opportunity to join easyJet as cabin crew came up, I jumped at the chance. I knew I already held all the skills required for the job, but it gave me another way to use my communication, organisation and interpersonal skills in a new and exciting setting.”
Michael Brown, director of cabin services at easyJet, said: “It’s been incredibly encouraging to see the numbers of cabin crew over 50 more than double since 2022 - evidence that many are increasingly viewing cabin crew as a fantastic career pivot regardless of age. We want more over 50s to apply as they not only bring their existing skills to excel in a career at easyJet, but also a wealth of life experience that is appreciated by our customers and colleagues alike, which is at the heart of the fantastic service our crew is known for.”
With hundreds of cabin crew roles set to be available across the UK, easyJet encourages more applications and looks forward to seeing this community grow further in the years to come. More information is available on the easyJet Cabin Crew website.
