How Much Do Flight Attendants Make?

Explore flight attendant salaries in the UK, training routes, career levels, perks, and top airlines to work for in the aviation industry.

How Much Do Flight Attendants Make? Salary, Training & Career Guide

Flight attendants—also known as cabin crew—are the face of the airline, responsible for passenger safety and service in the air. It's a fast-paced job that combines customer service, travel, and emergency preparedness. While the lifestyle has its glam, it's also demanding—and pay can vary widely depending on the airline.

Here’s what you need to know about becoming a flight attendant in the UK, including training, earnings, progression, and where to work.

Job Description: What Do Flight Attendants Do?

Flight attendants ensure the safety, comfort, and wellbeing of passengers on board. They are trained to deal with emergencies, provide excellent customer service, and enforce aviation regulations.

Key responsibilities:

  • Conducting safety demonstrations and checks

  • Assisting passengers during boarding and disembarking

  • Serving food, drinks and duty-free goods

  • Responding to in-flight emergencies and first aid needs

  • Ensuring compliance with aviation safety procedures

  • Calming nervous passengers or managing conflicts

  • Completing reports after each flight

How Hard Is It to Become a Flight Attendant?

It’s not academically difficult, but it's highly competitive. Airlines look for confident, customer-facing individuals who can handle pressure, work unsociable hours, and maintain a professional appearance.

You must complete training and pass security checks. It can be physically and mentally demanding, especially with jet lag, time away from home, and back-to-back shifts.

Traits and Characteristics You Need

  • Excellent customer service and communication skills

  • Calm under pressure, especially during emergencies

  • Professional appearance and conduct

  • Physically fit—long hours on your feet

  • Flexible and adaptable—different routes and schedules

  • Multilingual ability is a bonus

  • Empathy and patience for passengers of all backgrounds

Do You Need Qualifications?

You don’t need a degree, but there are essential requirements.

Typical requirements:

  • Age: 18+ (some airlines require 21+)

  • Height: Often a minimum (e.g. 5’2” to 6’3”), must reach overhead lockers

  • Pass a medical exam and background checks

  • GCSEs (Maths and English preferred)

  • Fluent in spoken and written English

  • Right to work in the UK

Airlines provide initial training (3–6 weeks) covering:

  • Safety & emergency procedures

  • First aid

  • Aviation security

  • Fire fighting

  • Evacuation drills

Upon completion, you receive an Attestation of Cabin Crew, certified by the CAA.

What Are the Levels and Specialisations?

Cabin Crew Career Ladder:

  • Cabin Crew / Flight Attendant

  • Senior Cabin Crew / Purser

  • Cabin Manager / In-Flight Manager

  • Training Officer – teaches new recruits

  • Recruitment Assessor

  • Ground-based roles – Operations, scheduling, VIP handling

Airline Types:

  • Short-haul – frequent flights, lower pay but home more

  • Long-haul – fewer flights, higher pay, travel perks

  • Low-cost carriers – faster-paced, sales-focused

  • Luxury/VIP charter crew – private jets, premium clients

What Experience Do You Need?

Entry-level roles don't require prior cabin crew experience. However, airlines prefer candidates with:

  • Customer service experience (retail, hospitality, etc.)

  • Travel/tourism training

  • Languages or first aid training

Experience working with the public is a strong plus.

Benefits of Being a Flight Attendant

  • Travel opportunities – see the world, free or discounted flights

  • Flexible shifts – work several days on, several days off

  • Meeting people from all backgrounds

  • Strong team culture

  • In-house training and progression

  • Allowances (per diems, hotel stays, food expenses)

  • Pension, insurance, and staff perks with major airlines

Drawbacks and Negatives

  • Irregular hours, jet lag, and overnight stays

  • Time away from home/family

  • Physically tiring, especially on back-to-back flights

  • Pay can be low at entry level

  • Pressure to upsell on some carriers

  • Passengers may be difficult, demanding, or disruptive

Flight Attendant Salary Levels in the UK

Earnings typically include base salary + flight pay + overnight allowances. Many roles are part-time or flexible.

  • Entry-Level (Short-Haul): £20,000 – £25,000

  • Long-Haul Cabin Crew: £25,000 – £35,000

  • Senior Cabin Crew: £35,000 – £45,000

  • Purser / Cabin Manager: £45,000 – £60,000+

Tax Example:

A cabin crew member earning £28,000/year would pay:

  • Income Tax: ~£2,786

  • National Insurance: ~£2,000

  • Take-home pay: ~£23,200/year or £445/week

Expenses such as uniforms, meals, or transport may be offset if self-employed or part-time.

What Factors Affect Salary?

  • Airline – premium and long-haul airlines pay more

  • Route type – long-haul offers higher per diem and flight pay

  • Commission and onboard sales – some earn bonuses

  • Experience and rank – seniority increases basic pay

  • Hours flown – monthly roster determines earnings

  • Base location – major hubs (London, Manchester) offer better terms

What’s the Future for This Role?

Demand is recovering strongly post-pandemic, especially:

  • Long-haul flights and leisure travel

  • Budget airlines expanding short-haul capacity

  • New cabin crew recruitment drives across UK airports

  • VIP and private jet services growing for luxury travellers

  • Sustainability initiatives are reshaping crew responsibilities

Technology won’t replace the human side of cabin crew—empathy, safety, and service remain irreplaceable.

Best Airlines to Work for as Cabin Crew (UK)

  • British Airways: Long-haul perks, training, brand reputation

  • Virgin Atlantic: Long-haul, upbeat culture, US routes

  • easyJet: Solid short-haul starter, multiple bases

  • Ryanair: Fast-paced, low-cost, commission-focused

  • TUI Airways: Package holidays, seasonal contracts

  • Jet2: UK-focused, strong regional bases

  • Emirates / Qatar / Etihad: Tax-free income, global routes (if based abroad)

Final Thought

Flight attending is more than just travel—it’s safety, service and stamina rolled into one. While entry-level pay can be modest, the perks, flexibility and travel benefits often make up for it. With training, experience and a strong attitude, it’s a career that can take you far—literally and financially.