Cabin crew salary in the UK starts low but can grow with experience, flight type, and airline. Some pay far more than others, and extras like commissions, allowances, and staff travel discounts can make a big difference to your monthly income.
TL;DR:
- New crew earn around £1,250–£2,083/month
- British Airways and Virgin can reach £2,000+ with allowances
- TUI and Jet2 offer £1,600–£2,000/month starting pay
- Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air pay £1,200–£2,000 + commission
- Long-haul flights = higher monthly income
How Much Do New Cabin Crew Earn?
As a new cabin crew in the UK, your annual salary is around £15,000–£25,000. Monthly, that means about £1,250–£2,083 before taxes. It’s not impressive, but most crew manage to cover living costs, especially outside expensive cities like London.
Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Wizz Air UK usually pay less to start—closer to £1,200–£2,000 monthly—but you make extra from onboard sales. Some crew can earn up to £200 more per month through commission. Schedules are often more stable, which some crew prefer.
Jet2 and TUI Airways offer slightly better pay than most low-cost carriers. Starting salaries are typically around £1,600–£2,000 per month, with yearly pay between £20,293–£24,000. Their seasonal operations can affect how much you earn across the year, but they’re seen as more generous than most short-haul carriers.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic sit near the top in terms of pay. New crew at BA usually start around £17,000–£28,000 per year, with long-haul flights and allowances boosting monthly income past £2,000 in many cases. Virgin Atlantic offers a similar deal, especially on international routes where overnight stays lead to extra pay.
Experienced Cabin Crew: What’s the Real Salary?
After about two or three years, your salary improves. Experienced cabin crew typically make £25,000–£45,000 per year. Monthly, expect around £2,000–£3,750. The highest earners are often based on long-haul fleets where travel allowances and time away from base increase take-home pay. Airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and TUI tend to reward experience and international flying more than others.
Do Travel Perks Make Cabin Crew Salary Worth It?
Cabin crew salary alone probably won’t make you rich, especially compared to other UK jobs needing similar people skills. But the job comes with real advantages like cheap flights, discounts on hotels, and flexible rosters. Many crew say these travel benefits are valuable enough to make up for lower pay.
Can You Actually Live on a Cabin Crew Salary?
Yes—but you need to be smart about it. Crew who earn around £1,400–£1,600 monthly usually rent affordable flats, share housing, or commute from cheaper areas. Experienced crew earning over £2,000 monthly have fewer worries, especially if based outside expensive cities.
If your main goal is high pay, cabin crew might disappoint you. But if you’re after a lifestyle with travel perks, variety, and a steady paycheck, the salary is usually enough to live comfortably—just don’t expect luxury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do cabin crew earn in the UK per month?
Most new cabin crew earn between £1,250 and £2,083 per month. With experience and long-haul flights, monthly income can reach £2,000 to £3,750.
Which airline pays cabin crew the most in the UK?
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic generally offer the highest cabin crew salaries, especially on long-haul routes with overnight allowances.
Is cabin crew a well-paid job in the UK?
Cabin crew salary in the UK is lower than many office jobs, but travel perks and allowances can make it worthwhile for some.
What is the starting salary for cabin crew at easyJet or Ryanair?
Starting salary at easyJet or Ryanair is around £1,200 to £2,000 per month, with extra commission from onboard sales.
Do TUI or Jet2 pay better than budget airlines?
Yes, TUI and Jet2 usually offer higher starting salaries, around £1,600 to £2,000 per month, with quicker progression for experienced crew.