Airlines / Japan Airlines / Requirements
Japan Airlines cabin crew requirements
The hard filters Japan Airlines applies before a recruiter reads your CV — age, reach, tattoos, languages and documents, with how strict each one is compared to the rest of the industry.
Minimum age
18 years
Most carriers set 18; Gulf and US majors usually 21.
Height & reach
No published minimum
Reach matters more than height: you must access the emergency equipment overhead.
Tattoos
Nothing visible in uniform
No visible tattoos — enforced strictly, in line with Japanese corporate norms. Like most of the 59 airlines we index, nothing may show while you are in uniform.
Languages
English + Japanese
Business-level Japanese and English (TOEIC 600+ or equivalent guideline).
Education
Junior college, vocational school or university graduation required.
Also required
Medical, swimming & documents
Functional overhead reach tested at assessment, corrected vision to standard, swimming ability, and Japanese work authorization.
Do you meet these Japan Airlines requirements?
Check your answers against Japan Airlines and every other airline in the index — two minutes, no sign-up.
Stricter or softer than its rivals?
| Airline | Min age | Reach | Visible tattoos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Airlines | 18 | — | Not allowed |
| Singapore Airlines | 18 | 158 cm height | Not allowed |
| Cathay Pacific | 18 | 208 cm | Not allowed |
| ANA (All Nippon Airways) | 18 | — | Not allowed |
| Korean Air | 18 | 208 cm | Not allowed |
| EVA Air | 20 | 208 cm | Not allowed |
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum height for Japan Airlines cabin crew?
Japan Airlines publishes no fixed height minimum — the test is whether you can reach the emergency equipment in the overhead compartments.
Can you join Japan Airlines cabin crew with tattoos?
No visible tattoos — enforced strictly, in line with Japanese corporate norms. Covered tattoos are not a problem; anything showing in uniform is.
What age do you need to be to apply to Japan Airlines?
The minimum is 18. There is no published upper limit at most carriers, and experienced applicants in their 30s and 40s are hired regularly.
Requirements change without notice — tattoo and grooming rules in particular have been relaxed at several airlines since 2022. Always confirm on Japan Airlines's official careers page before ruling yourself out.