A career as a flight attendant is highly competitive, and the hiring process includes a rigorous background investigation designed to ensure the safety of the flying public. For an individual with a felony conviction, this presents a complex challenge, making the path to employment significantly more difficult, though not automatically impossible. The outcome depends on a two-part screening process: the government’s mandatory security check and the individual airline’s discretionary hiring standards. Navigating these requirements demands a clear understanding of the specific federal mandates that govern airport access and the internal policies that vary between air carriers.
Federal Regulations: The Mandatory Disqualifiers
Every applicant for a flight attendant position must first clear a Security Threat Assessment (STA) conducted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). This assessment is mandatory because the role requires unescorted access to the Airport Identification Display Area (SIDA), a secured section of the airport. The TSA uses a list of specific felonies outlined in federal law (49 U.S. Code § 44936) that serve as absolute bars to employment in security-sensitive aviation positions.
These felonies are divided into two categories. “Permanently disqualifying” offenses, such as espionage, treason, murder, and certain terrorism-related crimes, result in immediate disqualification regardless of when the conviction occurred. The law also defines “interim disqualifying” felonies, which include crimes like robbery, certain types of assault, distribution of controlled substances, and various forms of fraud. For these interim offenses, a person is disqualified if the conviction occurred within the last seven years, or if the applicant was released from incarceration within the last five years. If a conviction falls into either of these categories, no airline can legally hire the individual for a position requiring SIDA access.
The Airline Background Check Scope
Once an applicant clears the mandatory federal security hurdles, they face the airline’s own comprehensive background investigation, which often goes much deeper than the government minimum. Airlines typically contract with third-party vendors to conduct exhaustive checks covering a 10-year period for criminal history, even when the federal lookback period is shorter. This process involves submitting fingerprints to the FBI for a national criminal history records check, which reveals all arrests and convictions, regardless of state-level expungement or sealing orders.
The airline’s due diligence also extends to verifying all previous employment and residential addresses for up to ten years to ensure there are no unaccounted-for gaps. This scrutiny assesses an applicant’s overall trustworthiness and reliability, not just security risk. While the federal check is a simple pass/fail based on a fixed list of crimes, the employer’s check provides a broader context for reviewing a candidate’s suitability for a public-facing, safety-focused role.
Assessing Eligibility: Time Elapsed and Type of Felony
After clearing the federal security checks, an applicant’s viability hinges on the airline’s internal discretion, which varies widely among carriers. Airlines closely evaluate the nature of the felony, weighing the offense’s relevance to the duties of a flight attendant. For example, a conviction for a financial crime, such as embezzlement, will likely be viewed as a greater risk for a position involving cash transactions and company assets than a non-violent offense.
The time elapsed since the conviction and release from supervision is a significant factor. The older the conviction, the stronger the argument for rehabilitation and the lower the perceived risk. Airlines also consider mitigating factors that demonstrate a fundamental change in character. Evidence of sustained employment, successful completion of probation or parole, character references, and participation in educational programs can all contribute to a favorable review.
Navigating the Application Process
Applicants with a felony history must approach the application process with complete and proactive honesty, as the federal background check will reveal the full record regardless of prior sealing or expungement. While some application forms may ask about convictions within a limited timeframe, it is prudent to be prepared to disclose and explain the circumstances, especially since an FBI fingerprint check is a mandatory part of the process. Attempting to conceal the record will result in immediate disqualification for lack of integrity, even if the underlying offense was not disqualifying.
During the interview, the goal should be to frame the past conviction as a defining moment of personal growth and accountability. Taking responsibility for the past actions, without making excuses, and providing a concise narrative of how life has changed since the event is important. Applicants should gather and organize relevant legal documentation, such as Certificates of Relief from Disability or court records showing successful completion of all sentencing requirements. Presenting this information professionally and calmly demonstrates preparedness and a mature understanding of the serious nature of the past offense.
Related Careers in Aviation and Customer Service
If a felony conviction permanently precludes an individual from obtaining the necessary SIDA clearance for a flight attendant role, there are still numerous rewarding career paths within the broader aviation and travel industries. Many positions do not require unescorted access to the secure airport perimeter, meaning they are not subject to the same stringent federal security mandates. These alternative roles often leverage the same customer service and operational skills sought in flight attendants.
Options include positions like Reservation Agent, who handles booking and ticketing from an off-site or non-secure office, or Corporate Customer Service Representative, who manages complex passenger issues away from the gate. Roles in ground operations that do not require access past the security checkpoint, such as certain administrative or back-office airport support functions, may also be viable. These careers provide an opportunity to work within the dynamic aviation environment without the high-level security clearance required for the cabin crew position.