Cabin crew salary is one of the first things you may want to learn about if you plan to start a career in aviation. You might wonder what pay to expect in the UK, how it compares across airlines, or what perks come with the job. You might also want to know if cabin crew are considered well paid, or how wages differ in places like Canada, South Africa, or Dubai.
This article offers a detailed look at pay levels, common benefits, and ways cabin crew members earn money from different regions. You will also learn about travel perks, including standby tickets. By the end, you will have a solid overview that can help you think about your future options in the cabin crew field.
How much do cabin crew earn in the UK?
Many new cabin crew members in the UK start in a pay range of about £15,000 to £20,000 per year, often before allowances. After gaining some experience, pay may rise to around £20,000 to £30,000 per year, plus extras like flight allowances and overnight payments. Senior crew members may earn more, sometimes over £30,000 a year. These numbers may vary depending on the airline, your role, and how long you have been in the job.
Some airlines pay a base salary plus flying pay. Flying pay depends on how many hours you spend in the air. There may also be payments for short-notice flights or working on certain routes.
- New cabin crew: around £15,000–£20,000 base salary per year
- Experienced cabin crew: around £20,000–£30,000+ per year with allowances
- Senior roles: can go beyond £30,000 per year
Which airline pays cabin crew the most?
Airlines have different pay structures. Large and long-established airlines may pay a higher basic wage plus decent flying pay. Budget carriers may offer a lower basic salary but may provide performance bonuses.
What to expect:
- Flag carriers (like British Airways) may start around £17,000–£19,000 base and add flying hours, overseas pay, and other allowances.
- Low-cost airlines (like easyJet or Ryanair) might have a lower base but sometimes offer extra pay for extra duties and sales made onboard.
Are cabin crew paid well or underpaid?
Cabin crew pay varies. Many cabin crew do not choose the job only for the money. Some do it for the chance to travel widely, work in a team, and gain new skills. While pay may not match some office or technical roles, the overall package can feel fair to some. Others think wages could be better, especially at entry level.
In short, cabin crew pay can feel “okay” if you value travel perks and a changing work environment. If you are only looking at raw numbers, you might find it average compared to other jobs with similar requirements.
What travel perks and benefits do cabin crew get?
Travel benefits are a well-known perk. Cabin crew often receive staff travel discounts on their airline’s routes. They may get reduced airfares for themselves and sometimes family members. Some airlines also offer deals on hotels or partner services.
These benefits can let you visit places at lower cost. It is one reason many people stick with the role. It is not direct salary, but it can add value to your life over time.
Common travel perks:
- Discounted tickets on the airline’s routes
- Possible hotel and partner discounts
- Sometimes reduced fares for family and friends
How do standby tickets work for cabin crew?
Standby tickets let you fly if there is an empty seat on the aircraft. As cabin crew, you may get these tickets at a fraction of the normal cost. The main catch is that you must be flexible. If the flight is full, you may not get a seat.
For those who are patient and can handle last-minute changes, standby travel can let you go to popular spots at much lower prices.
Key points about standby tickets:
- Very low-cost travel option
- Only available if there are free seats
- Good for flexible personal trips
How much do cabin crew earn in Canada?
In Canada, cabin crew pay varies by airline and years of service. It often starts around CA$25,000 to CA$35,000 per year for those just starting. Over time, it can grow to around CA$40,000 to CA$60,000 or more for long-serving staff at larger carriers. Canadian airlines like Air Canada and WestJet offer pay structures that often include hourly rates plus per diems, and these perks can push earnings higher.
In summary:
- Entry-level: about CA$25,000–CA$35,000 per year
- Experienced: can reach CA$40,000–CA$60,000 or higher
How much do cabin crew earn in South Africa?
South African cabin crew often start with a monthly wage of about 8,000 to 12,000 ZAR (about £400–£600). With experience, earnings may rise, but wages remain lower than in the UK or Canada. More experienced crew might reach around 15,000 to 20,000 ZAR per month (£750–£1,000). International airlines flying out of South Africa might offer higher pay than domestic carriers.
Approximate ranges:
- New crew: 8,000–12,000 ZAR per month
- Experienced crew: 15,000–20,000+ ZAR per month
How much do cabin crew earn in Dubai?
Dubai-based airlines, like Emirates, can offer tax-free salaries plus housing and other perks. A cabin crew member at Emirates, for example, may earn around 9,000–11,000 AED per month (about £2,000–£2,500), plus free housing, transport, and healthcare. This can compare well with UK wages, especially since it may be tax-free.
Highlights:
- About 9,000–11,000 AED per month base (approx. £2,000–£2,500)
- Tax-free income plus housing and transport benefits
Which airlines pay cabin crew the best?
Some carriers are known for higher pay. Big Middle Eastern carriers, like Emirates and Qatar Airways, tend to offer good total packages. Large flag carriers in the UK and other European countries can pay decent wages once you climb the ranks.
Certain North American airlines, like American carriers, sometimes offer higher hourly pay rates after a number of years. It often takes a while to reach top pay levels, but long-serving senior crew may earn solid pay.
Examples of higher-paying airlines:
- Emirates and other Gulf carriers (tax-free income plus housing)
- British Airways long-haul crew (higher allowances for long flights)
- Major North American airlines with strong unions that improve wages over time
What factors affect cabin crew salary and benefits?
Cabin crew pay depends on factors like the airline’s size, its location, the type of routes it operates, and the local cost of living. Experience, language skills, and additional duties can also raise earnings.
Common factors:
- Size and type of airline (low-cost vs. full service)
- Seniority and years of service
- Extra language skills or specialised training
- Working on long-haul vs. short-haul routes
- Location of the airline’s main base and cost of living in that area
Does cabin crew experience affect pay?
Years in the role often lead to better pay. New hires start at a base rate. After a year or two, you may see an increase. After several years, you might step into senior crew roles, like a purser, which can raise your salary. At some airlines, every year of service adds a small bump in pay until you reach a top pay level.
Typical pattern:
- First year: entry-level pay
- After a few years: moderate raise
- Many years: top rates or leadership roles (like purser)
Is cabin crew pay fair for the job you do?
Cabin crew job involves long hours, often overnight shifts, and responsibility for safety. Many cabin crew members feel that while the pay is decent, it could be better for what the job demands. Yet, the non-pay perks – like flight discounts – often compensate for lower starting wages. As you gain experience, the pay may feel more balanced.
What extra perks do cabin crew get besides pay?
Beyond the monthly wage, cabin crew sometimes get extra allowances for meals during layovers, uniform cleaning, and transport. Some airlines offer bonuses for language skills or for meeting certain performance standards. These extra amounts can add up, making your monthly take-home more comfortable.
Common extras:
- Meal or overnight allowances when away from home base
- Transport allowances or free shuttles
- Pay bumps for language skills
- Discounts on travel-related services
How can cabin crew increase their salary?
If you want to raise your earnings, think about ways to move into senior roles. A purser or a senior cabin crew member may earn more. You can also seek airlines that pay higher rates or offer better perks. Learning another language can help, as some airlines pay extra if you speak a language they need onboard. Over time, choosing routes with higher allowances can also add more money to your pay.
Ideas for higher pay:
- Aim for senior cabin crew positions
- Seek carriers known for higher salaries
- Learn an extra language needed by your airline
- Bid for flights with higher allowances, like long-haul routes
Join the discussion, ask questions, and explore jobs
Now that you have a detailed look at cabin crew salaries and financial benefits in the UK and beyond, it’s time to share your thoughts. Comment below with your own questions or experiences. Head to our forum and start a new post. Experienced cabin crew members are ready to help answer questions about salaries, career moves, or benefits. If you are ready to take your next step, visit our cabin crew jobs page and apply for a role that matches your goals. Your input can help others find the right path, and your questions might guide someone else who is planning their future career in this field.