Cabin Crew interview process ended based on weight - discrimination?

[CityCommuter]

I feel sorry for a friend who has always wanted to be a flight attendant / part of cabin crew for as long as I can remember. She applied and got as far as the first interview phase having already submitted a detailed application form. The form states that 'weight must be in proportion to height'.

She believes that the interview panel judged her when she walked into the room by the way they looked at her (UK size 18, height 5'5"). Obviously weight wasn't mentioned but she didn't get approval for the next interview phase. She thinks it's discrimination on their part and that it shouldn't matter even if she was a size 24! She doesn't even look like a size 18 btw but more like a 14. I'd like to advise her to lose a few pounds but can't as she has always been very sensitive to any weight related conversation even if talking about someone else! What advise would you give her?

If she’s that committed to the role she will lose weight.

got told exactly the same when I tried to join the navy many many years ago.

So they didn’t say anything about her weight? She’s just paranoid and wants to feel like a victim?

Sorry but for this job I don't see it as discrimination.

Air stewards need to be quick on their feet in case of emergency, and able to squeeze past passengers if necessary. Being a size 18 would hamper the ability to do that.

And I say that as a v overweight person myself.

It’s not discrimination as weight isn’t a protected characteristic. However, they’re within their rights to not employ fat people - these aisles are very narrow! Maybe this will be the incentive she needs to lose weight.

I guess it could be argued you need to be in shape in the case of an evacuation.

As stated she could just lose the weight, but then she might find the weight wasn't the problem.

I suspect that at 5'5" a size 18 lady could find the safety aspects and responsibilities quite challenging, and the airline ultimately has responsibility for the safety of its passengers.

If she really is that committed she should loose some inches.

It's because cabin crew need to be able to squeeze past a trolley in the aisle if needed.

She should apply to a different airline. In any case it might have nothing whatsoever to do with her weight.

To be honest, and I say this as a bigger girl myself, there are reasons they are careful with people being overweight.

The level of health risk is bigger. Has she considered what it's going to feel like wearing heels, at that altitude, on her feet, up and down the aisle for flights?
The risks of DVTs increase quite substantially being bigger.

I'd maybe say, well if we can't change their view, we can change what you think they didn't like, how about you come to the gym with me?
Tell her to reapply in 6months when she's lost a few dress sizes if she really wants it.

You genuinely don’t think a size 24 cabin crew member could be an issue? Really?

Of course it's not discrimination

The form states that 'weight must be in proportion to height'.

Surely she knew hers wasn't in proportion.

It isn't discrimination.

Size 24 would seriously struggle doing that role. Not discrimination at all

Well yes, literally it is discrimination. But not all discrimination is bad. And in this case it isn't illegal either

@CareBear50

Sorry but for this job I don't see it as discrimination.

Air stewards need to be quick on their feet in case of emergency, and able to squeeze past passengers if necessary. Being a size 18 would hamper the ability to do that.

And I say that as a v overweight person myself.

^ this

It’s not discriminatory. It’s a role prerequisite.

I think they will claim health and safety.
But I'm a few inches taller, a few dress sizes smaller, and obese. She's not in proportion to height.

It's not discrimination because weight isn't a protected characteristic under the equality act.

It's called aesthetic labour, where organisations people to represent the brand. Just like hooters girls basically. It sucks that the job is seen more to be about image and lifestyle of passengers than safety but it's part of the brand and won't stop unless people stop flying with those airlines.

It’s very well known that cabin crew are always slim, they need to be able to move about the plane easily. If this was your friends dream surely she researched it ?

@Nicknacky

You genuinely don’t think a size 24 cabin crew member could be an issue? Really?

@Nicknacky the friend said that, not the OP.

It’s not discrimination and it’s necessary for the job role to be a proportionate weight.

She also is unlikely to still have a job if she has got through, if that’s any consolation to her.

@BashfulClam Ah I missed that, thanks.

I'm sorry your friend is missing out on her dream job. But she must understand what "height and weight in proportion " actually means. Cabin crew simply cannot be chubby, no matter how attractive and well-groomed they are.

@Peppallama

It's not discrimination because weight isn't a protected characteristic under the equality act.

It's called aesthetic labour, where organisations people to represent the brand. Just like hooters girls basically. It sucks that the job is seen more to be about image and lifestyle of passengers than safety but it's part of the brand and won't stop unless people stop flying with those airlines.

It’s not image and lifestyle, it’s ability to fit into small spaces and deal with emergencies. I’m that height and if I was a size 18 there’s no way I would be able to get past trolleys or squeeze past everything for emergencies.

I think it's honestly a health and safety/manoeuvre issue for cabin crew.

She must have known this?