Becoming a cabin crew member in the UK offers a unique opportunity to travel the world while working in the aviation industry. But one of the most common questions aspiring flight attendants ask is, “How much do cabin crew get paid in the UK?” Whether you’re considering joining a budget airline like Ryanair or easyJet, or aiming for a position at a full-service airline such as British Airways, understanding the pay structure is crucial.
In this article, we’ll break down the salaries for cabin crew in the UK across different airlines, highlight factors that can impact pay, and offer insights into the benefits and allowances that come with the job.
Base salaries: what you can expect to earn
The salary for cabin crew members in the UK can vary significantly depending on the airline, experience level, and whether you’re working for a budget airline or a full-service carrier. On average, cabin crew in the UK earn about £17,000 to £33,000 per year, but this range can fluctuate based on several factors.
For example:
- British Airways: Cabin crew salaries at British Airways start at around £17,308 and can rise to £56,000 with additional allowances and bonuses. Senior positions, such as in-flight managers, can earn even higher.[1]
- Virgin Atlantic: Starting salaries are typically around £17,000-£20,000 per year, with sector pay (additional payments for each flight segment) bringing in an extra £500 per month. This can bring the total annual earnings closer to £30,000.[2]
- easyJet: easyJet cabin crew earn a starting salary between £17,565 and £33,000 annually, depending on experience. They can also increase their earnings through sector pay and commissions.[3] Cabin managers can earn between £19,000 and £27,000 annually. Sector pay and commission on in-flight sales can further boost their earnings by £4,000-£36,000.[4]
The base salary is typically lower than other jobs, but it is important to factor in allowances, benefits, and other compensation (more on this below).
Budget airlines vs full-service airlines
One key factor in determining salary is whether you work for a budget airline or a full-service airline. Budget airlines, such as Ryanair and Wizz Air, tend to offer lower starting salaries but still provide plenty of benefits and career opportunities. For example:
- Ryanair: Starting salaries range from £7,900 to £20,176 per year, with the potential to earn up to £38,000 with experience.[5]
- Wizz Air: Cabin crew at Wizz Air earn around £23,450-£33,850 per year, which is competitive for a budget airline.[6]
In contrast, full-service airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and TUI offer slightly higher starting salaries, especially as crew members gain experience and seniority. These airlines often provide more extensive benefits and opportunities for career progression, making them attractive options for long-term careers.
Additional earnings: sector pay and commission
In addition to base salaries, cabin crew members often earn sector pay, which is a per-flight segment payment. This means the more flights you work, the more you earn. For example:
- At Virgin Atlantic, cabin crew earn around £50 per sector, which can add up to £500 per month.[7]
- easyJet also offers sector pay and a commission on in-flight sales, which allows crew members to boost their overall earnings.
Some airlines also offer commission on items sold onboard, such as duty-free products, which can add an extra layer of earnings, particularly on longer international flights.
Layover allowances and other benefits
In addition to base salary and sector pay, cabin crew members receive layover allowances when they spend nights away from home due to international flights. These allowances cover meals and incidental expenses, and they are often tax-free, which helps maximize your take-home pay.
For instance, crew members on international routes at airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic can expect to receive substantial layover allowances on top of their base salary. This can vary depending on the destination and duration of the layover, but it’s a valuable part of the compensation package.
Other benefits include:
- Discounted travel for family and friends
- Health insurance
- Pension contributions
- Paid annual leave, often 30 days or more
- Free training and opportunities for career advancement within the airline
These perks make the overall compensation package for cabin crew much more competitive, even if the base salary seems lower at first glance.
Factors that impact cabin crew salaries
Several factors can influence how much you earn as a cabin crew member in the UK:
- Experience: As with most jobs, experience plays a significant role in determining salary. Newer cabin crew members may start at the lower end of the pay scale, but with time, earnings can increase significantly. Senior cabin crew and in-flight managers often earn substantially more than entry-level positions.
- Location: Cabin crew based at London Heathrow or other major international hubs typically earn more than those based at smaller regional airports. This is due to the higher cost of living and the demand for long-haul international flights.
- Type of airline: Working for a full-service airline generally results in a higher salary compared to budget carriers, especially for long-haul international flights that come with more generous layover allowances and benefits.
Career progression and salary increases
One of the benefits of working as cabin crew is the opportunity for career progression. Over time, many crew members advance to senior positions, such as Cabin Managers or In-Flight Service Managers, which come with increased responsibilities and higher salaries.
For example:
- British Airways Cabin Managers can earn up to £66,000 per year.[8]
- Virgin Atlantic Cabin Supervisors make around £29,499 annually, with higher sector pay and additional allowances.[9]
As you gain more experience, you’ll also have the opportunity to work on more lucrative international routes, which can significantly boost your earnings through layover allowances and sector pay.
Ready to join the cabin crew? Share your thoughts below!
If you’re considering a career as a cabin crew member in the UK, the pay is just one of the factors to think about. The benefits, opportunities for travel, and the excitement of the role make it a rewarding career. Have any questions or insights about cabin crew pay in the UK? We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments below or join our cabin crew forum, where experienced flight attendants share their knowledge and tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much do cabin crew members earn in the UK?
Cabin crew members in the UK typically earn between £17,000 and £33,000 per year. This range can vary based on the airline, experience, and additional allowances.
2. Do salaries differ between budget and full-service airlines?
Yes, full-service airlines like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic often offer higher starting salaries and more extensive benefits compared to budget airlines like Ryanair and easyJet.
3. What is the starting salary at British Airways?
At British Airways, starting salaries are around £17,000 per year. With experience and additional allowances, earnings can increase significantly.
4. How do cabin crew members earn additional income?
They can earn extra through sector pay (payments for each flight segment worked) and commissions from in-flight sales, which boost overall earnings.
5. What are layover allowances?
Layover allowances are payments received when crew members stay overnight away from home due to flight schedules. These cover meals and incidental expenses and are often tax-free.
6. What benefits do cabin crew members receive besides salary?
Benefits may include discounted travel for family and friends, health insurance, pension contributions, paid annual leave, and career advancement opportunities.
7. How does experience impact cabin crew salaries?
Experience can lead to higher salaries and promotions to senior positions like Cabin Manager or In-Flight Service Manager, which come with increased responsibilities and pay.
8. Does location affect cabin crew salaries in the UK?
Yes, crew members based at major hubs like London Heathrow may earn more due to higher living costs and demand for international flights.
9. Is there room for career progression?
Absolutely. Cabin crew can advance to senior roles and work on more lucrative international routes, increasing their earnings.
10. Do cabin crew members receive additional perks?
Yes, perks often include discounted or free flights for themselves and sometimes for family and friends, along with other travel-related benefits.
References:
1. Indeed. (2024, September 5). “Flight Attendant yearly salaries in the United Kingdom at British Airways.” Indeed Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
2. Glassdoor. (2024, September 5). “Virgin Atlantic Cabin Crew Salaries.” Glassdoor Website. Retrieved September 15, 2024.
3. Indeed. (2024, August 13). “Flight Attendant yearly salaries in the United Kingdom at easyJet.” Indeed Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
4. Glassdoor. (2024, September 11). “easyJet Cabin Manager Salaries.” Glassdoor Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
5. Indeed. (2024, September 3). “Flight Attendant yearly salaries in the United Kingdom at Ryanair.” Indeed Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
6. WIZZ Air. “Cabin Crew Jobs.” WIZZ Air Careers Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
7. Aviation Insider. (2023, April 23). “Cabin Crew pay for UK Major airlines?” Aviation Insider Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
8. Glassdoor. (2024, July 31). “British Airways Manager Salaries.” Glassdoor Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.
9. Glassdoor. (2024, September 12). “Virgin Atlantic Cabin Service Supervisor Salaries.” Glassdoor Website. Retrieved September 16, 2024.