Ever wondered what Cabin Crew pay is for UK Major airlines?

Cabin crew members play a critical role in ensuring a safe and comfortable flight for passengers. But how much do these professionals earn for their work? Cabin crew pay can vary widely depending on factors such as the airline, the type of aircraft, the seniority of the crew member, and the region of the world in which they work. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at cabin crew pay and explore some of the factors that can impact salaries for these aviation professionals.

British Airways: According to our reports, British Airways cabin crew can earn a starting salary of around £18,169 per year for flight attendants which can increase up to £28,000 duty pay. IFL (second in command) BA is reported to be £22,089 and  IFM £31,729 basic salary.

Virgin Atlantic: Based on reports, the salaries for various cabin crew positions at Virgin Atlantic are as follows: Flight Service Manager (FSM) £36,804, Cabin Service Supervisor (CSS) £29,499, and Cabin Crew (CC) £20,155. In addition to these base salaries, there are sector pay rates for each position: CC receives £50 per sector (approximately £500 per month), CSS receives £60, and FSM receives £70. Furthermore, all ranks receive approximately £8,000 worth of tax-free down route allowances on a card.

Emirates: Emirates is not a UK-based airline, but they have a strong presence in the UK and hire cabin crew from the UK. According to reports, Emirates cabin crew can earn a starting salary of around £28,000 per year, which can increase up to £56,000 with experience.

Etihad Airways: Etihad Airways is another non-UK-based airline that hires cabin crew from the UK. According to reports, the starting salary for cabin crew at Etihad Airways is around £24,000 to £28,000 per year, which can increase up to £48,000 with experience.

Ryanair: According to reports, the starting salary for cabin crew at Ryanair is around £14,000 to £16,000 per year, with the potential to earn up to £25,000 with experience. However, it’s worth noting that Ryanair has a reputation for offering lower pay and less favorable working conditions than some other airlines.

easyJet: The starting salary for cabin crew at easyJet is reported to be around £15,175 to £28,000 per year with sector pay, there is a large difference as some newer cabin crew start on seasonal contracts and work 10 months of the year. Cabin managers however are reported to earn between £35k – £37k. Cabin Managers have been selected with some crew only being at the company for as little as 1 year.

Jet2.com: According to reports, the starting salary for cabin crew at Jet2.com is around £21,075  base pay per year, £2.43 duty pay, £4.84 per sector, then 3% commission, with the potential to earn higher with promotions and experience.

TUI: The average salary for a TUI Airways Cabin Crew Member in the UK is around £16,000 – £18,000 per year. Cabin Managers can earn from £28,000 – £30,000 per year. 

It’s important to note that these figures are based on reports and may vary depending on the source of information and individual circumstances. Additionally, these figures may not include benefits and allowances, such as free flights and accommodations.

Cabin crew pay can be a complex and multi-faceted issue, with many factors contributing to salary levels for these professionals. While entry-level pay may be relatively low, there are often opportunities for advancement and additional earnings through seniority, promotions, and sector pay. Additionally, some airlines offer additional benefits such as down-route allowances and health insurance. Ultimately, for those with a passion for aviation and a commitment to delivering excellent customer service, a career as a cabin crew can be both fulfilling and rewarding.

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If you are thinking of applying to Virgin, Aer Lingus, Ryanair, BA and easyJet check out our interview preparation guides.

This article is fact-checked as of April 2023.