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?

The isles are narrow enough. It’s not discrimination.

@rosalie11

The isles are narrow enough. It’s not discrimination.

But she could get a job flying between mainland destinations.

(OK, I'll go back to pedants' corner.)

PS Still with the pedantry, it definitely IS discrimination!

This is what I asked ages ago
I suspect yes

No one who wants to be cabin crew would be unaware of the weight / height ratio

You need to be fit for that job.

It is discrimination in the sense of chosing/favouring one thing, quality/person over another. It's not unlawful discrimination.

She’s a size 18 and 5ft5 and she didn’t think that would be a problem for cabin crew? She must be delusional! Has she ever been on a plane?

Also remember that every pound of weight lifted costs fuel. I have a friend who is a senior manager in the industry....me and Simon said we'd help if she was stuck for staff...her reply was that if we were both stood on the same side of the plane it would fly in circles!

Sorry op. Use these comments as motivation to try to get a bit healthier 👍

You mean a bit thinner. You have no idea how 'healthy' she is 👍🏻

@LobotomisedIceSkatingFan ok dear.