Does anybody know how long they go back on a background check when you are trying to get hired at an airline?

 

It should be 10 years

 

They usually ask for a ten year history of employers and residences, but the questions regarding criminal activity generally do not have a time limit.

There is a list of federally disqualifying serious crimes, which IIRC applies only as far back as ten years, but airlines typically want to know if there was ANY criminal history at all.

If it was minor, a long time ago, and you were young and stupid you will probably have a chance to explain it. DO NOT LIE...they WILL find out, usually halfway through training at which point you will be pulled out of class never to return...happens ALL the time. There is no leeway for "I forgot to put it down", "I didn't think you needed it that far back", etc...DO NOT LIE.

If you have some concerns about your past, go to the web sites of several regional and maybe major airlines and take a look at their application processes and required paperwork...that should give you some insight into the info they will need from you.