TL;DR
- Typical earnings are £22,000–£28,000 per year, including flight pay and allowances. Base pay starts at £16,849.
- Benefits include discounted flights, private healthcare, pension, and life insurance—plus hotel stays on layovers.
- You’ll cover your own housing, with rent near Heathrow/Gatwick averaging £700–£1,200 per month.
- Minimum requirements: 18+, fluent in English, 1 year of customer service, no visible tattoos, and able to reach 208 cm.
- The hiring process is selective, with online tests, group tasks, interviews, and 4–6 weeks of training if you make it through.
British Airways Cabin Crew Salary: How Much Can You Earn?
British Airways says the starting salary is £16,849 per year, but that’s just the base pay. Crew earn extra through flight pay and allowances. Most new crew make £22,000 to £28,000 per year.
Flight pay is £2 to £4 per hour while you’re in the air. If you fly more hours, you make more money. Layovers on long-haul flights come with extra pay, but they’re not guaranteed. Some months, you’ll earn more than others.
Compared to airlines like Emirates, Qatar, or Virgin Atlantic, British Airways pays less. But it offers a home base, fewer long-haul flights, and better personal travel perks.
What about costs? BA does not provide free housing, so you’ll need to pay for rent, transport, and food. Living near Heathrow or Gatwick can cost £700–£1,200 per month.
British Airways Cabin Crew Benefits: Travel Perks & Discounts
British Airways gives crew discounted flights, including unlimited standby tickets and reduced fares for family and friends. There are also premium standby tickets, which give you a higher chance of getting a seat.
Crew get private healthcare, a pension plan, and life insurance. There are also discounts on tech purchases, airport meals, and Heathrow Express travel.
BA does not provide free accommodation—only hotels during layovers.
British Airways Cabin Crew Requirements
To apply, you must be at least 18 years old and fluent in English. You need at least one year of customer service experience in a job where you worked with people.
You must have a valid passport with at least 12 months left and be able to get a US visa. BA will check your criminal record for any country where you’ve lived for six months or more.
Tattoos and piercings cannot be visible in uniform. Covering them with makeup or plasters is not allowed.
Shifts are 24/7, including weekends and holidays. Schedules change often, and new crew are put on reserve, meaning last-minute shifts with little notice.
Many applicants fail before they even reach the interview. The online psychometric test is the first big challenge—if you fail, you’re out. Video interviews are another elimination point. BA often rejects people for lack of confidence, unclear speech, or weak answers.
How to Get Hired: British Airways Recruitment Process
Step 1: Online Application & Assessment
First, you submit your CV and complete a psychometric test. This test checks how you think, how you handle stress, and how well you work with others. Many applicants fail this step.
Step 2: Assessment Day at Heathrow
If you pass the test, you’ll be invited to an assessment day at BA’s headquarters. This includes:
- Group exercises to see how well you work with others.
- Roleplay scenarios to test your customer service skills.
- A height and reach test (you must reach 208 cm on tiptoes).
- Document checks and uniform fitting.
Recruiters watch you the whole time—not just during the exercises. They notice how you act before the tests begin.
Step 3: Final Interview
If you pass the assessment, you’ll have a one-on-one interview. They will ask about:
- Why you want to work for BA.
- How you’ve handled difficult customers before.
- What you would do in tricky situations, like a flight delay or an angry passenger.
Many people fail this part because they give basic answers instead of real examples.
Step 4: Background Checks & Training
If you pass, BA will check your criminal record, medical history, and uniform size. Once that’s done, you move on to training. Only 5–10% of applicants make it this far.
British Airways Cabin Crew Training: What to Expect
Training lasts four to six weeks at BA’s Heathrow training centre. You’ll learn about safety, first aid, customer service, and handling emergencies.
Some people fail training. BA cuts those who struggle with first aid, emergency drills, or don’t show the right attitude.
British Airways Cabin Crew Job: What’s Life Like?
New crew start with a mix of short-haul and long-haul flights. Short-haul flights mean multiple flights per day, while long-haul flights have overnight layovers that last 24–72 hours.
New hires are often put on reserve, meaning you wait for last-minute shifts with no set schedule. Some months, you fly all the time; others, you barely get hours.
Not all flights are easy. Some routes, like New York and Dubai, have business travellers who expect high service. Others, like Ibiza and Tenerife, have partygoers, which means dealing with drunk passengers.
For some, the travel perks make the job worth it. Others leave within a year because of the long hours, standby shifts, and low starting pay.
Is a British Airways Cabin Crew Job Worth It?
If you want a well-known airline on your CV, great travel perks, and a home-based job, British Airways is a solid choice. The pay isn’t the highest, and the schedule can be tough, but it works for those who love travel and don’t mind unpredictable hours.
The hiring process is competitive. Most people fail the online tests or assessment day. If you want the job, prepare in advance. Practice for the psychometric test, have real examples for the interview, and show confidence.
If salary is your top priority, BA isn’t the best choice. But if you want to work for a respected airline and enjoy the benefits, it’s worth applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the height requirements for British Airways cabin crew?
British Airways does not have a strict height requirement, but you must pass the reach test – you need to reach at least 208 cm on tiptoes.
Do British Airways cabin crew need previous experience?
Yes, you need at least 12 months of customer service experience in a role involving direct interaction with customers.
How much do British Airways cabin crew earn per month?
The starting salary is around £16,849 per year, but with flight pay and allowances, total earnings can be £22,000–£28,000 annually (~£1,200–£1,500 per month).
Does British Airways provide accommodation for cabin crew?
Accommodation is not provided, except during long-haul layovers. If relocating, you’ll need to arrange housing near your base.
How long is British Airways cabin crew training?
Training lasts 4–6 weeks at British Airways’ training centre near Heathrow Airport.
Can you have tattoos as British Airways cabin crew?
Yes, but they must not be visible when wearing the uniform. Covering tattoos with plasters or makeup is not allowed.
Do British Airways cabin crew get free flights?
Crew members get heavily discounted standby flights for themselves, family, and friends. Premium standby fares are also available.