If you’ve ever dreamed of wearing the uniform, greeting passengers with a smile, and traveling across the world, then becoming a cabin crew member might be your perfect career. But before applying, the first question most people ask is: What is the British Airways Cabin Crew salary?
Whether you’re curious about monthly pay, hourly rates, requirements, or even comparisons with Ryanair, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll also look at real insights, British Airways cabin crew benefits, and tips on how to land a job with the airline.
British Airways Cabin Crew Salary UK – An Overview
British Airways (BA) is one of the UK’s leading airlines, and naturally, its cabin crew pay is a big attraction for applicants. On average, the British Airways Cabin Crew salary in the UK ranges from £23,000 to £28,000 per year, depending on experience, role, and flight hours.
- Basic starting salary: Around £16,000–£18,000 annually.
- Allowances (overnight stays, long-haul flights, bonuses): £5,000–£10,000 extra.
- Total average salary: £23,000–£28,000.
- Senior crew or pursers: Can make £30,000+ per year.
British Airways Cabin Crew Salary per Month
For many job seekers, understanding monthly earnings helps with planning. Based on averages:
- New recruits: £1,400–£1,600 per month (basic).
- With allowances: £2,000–£2,300 per month.
- Experienced crew: Up to £2,500 per month.
This means cabin crew can enjoy a comfortable salary, especially when combined with travel perks and discounted tickets.
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British Airways Cabin Crew Salary per Hour
While salaries are often shared annually, it’s useful to break it down by hour. BA crew typically earn:
- Around £9–£12 per hour for basic pay.
- With flight pay and allowances, this can rise to £15–£18 per hour.
Of course, pay varies depending on routes—long-haul flights often bring better allowances than short-haul trips.
British Airways Cabin Crew Benefits
Salary is just one part of the package. Many applicants are attracted by the generous British Airways cabin crew benefits, which include:
- Discounted flights for crew and family members.
- Hotel and overnight allowances on international routes.
- Pension and healthcare schemes.
- Paid training program.
- Career progression opportunities (from cabin crew to senior crew, trainer, or management).
These perks add significant value, making BA one of the most attractive employers in the UK airline industry.
Which Airline Pays Cabin Crew the Most in the UK?
While British Airways cabin crew salary UK is competitive, many candidates wonder if other airlines pay more.
- Virgin Atlantic: Similar to BA, around £22,000–£28,000 annually with benefits.
- EasyJet: Lower than BA, around £18,000–£22,000.
- Ryanair: Entry-level salaries of £16,000–£20,000.
- Emirates & Qatar Airways (UK contracts): Can exceed £30,000 annually, plus housing allowances (tax-free if based in the Middle East).
So, while BA is among the top in the UK, Middle Eastern carriers often lead globally in terms of pay.
British Airways Cabin Crew Requirements
If you’re planning to apply, it’s important to meet the British Airways Cabin Crew requirements. These include:
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Height requirement: Ability to reach 208cm (on tiptoes).
- Right to live and work in the UK.
- Education: Generally secondary education (GCSE or equivalent).
- Language: Fluent in English; additional languages are a bonus.
- Skills: Excellent customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving.
British Airways Cabin Crew Application Process
Landing a cabin crew job is competitive. Here’s how the British Airways Cabin Crew application typically works:
- Online application – Fill in the form with details of your education, experience, and skills.
- Assessment day – Includes group exercises, role-plays, and communication tests.
- Interview – Personal interview focusing on customer service skills.
- Medical and background checks – To ensure fitness for the role.
- Training program – Paid training at BA facilities before flying.
Insights from British Airways Cabin Crew Salary Reddit Discussions
If you want unfiltered opinions, platforms like Reddit are a great place to explore. On r/cabincrew and other forums, many BA crew members share their experiences:
- Most agree that the pay is decent once allowances are added.
- Crew members often highlight the travel perks as the real benefit.
- Some mention that short-haul routes pay less than long-haul, but overall, BA is better than low-cost airlines.
These insights help candidates understand real-life expectations beyond official salary figures.
What Is Ryanair Cabin Crew Salary?
For comparison, let’s look at Ryanair. The Ryanair Cabin Crew salary in the UK is significantly lower:
- Starting pay: Around £16,000 annually.
- With allowances: Can reach £18,000–£20,000.
- Hourly rate: Around £7–£9.
While Ryanair is a great entry point for those who want to build flying experience, many cabin crew later move to BA or Virgin for higher pay and better perks.
Career Growth – Moving Beyond Basic Pay
One of the reasons British Airways is attractive is the career path. New joiners start as standard cabin crew, but over time, you can grow into:
- Senior Cabin Crew / Purser – Higher pay (£30,000+).
- Cabin Crew Trainer – Leading and training new recruits.
- Management roles – In-flight services or ground operations.
This progression means you’re not just stuck at a basic salary level—you can grow your career.
If you have a question about our hiring process or your current application, please refer to our Cabin Crew FAQs section for detailed answers.
British Airways Cabin Crew FAQs
1. What is the average British Airways Cabin Crew salary in the UK?
A new recruit at British Airways can expect to earn around £23,000–£28,000 annually, including allowances. The basic salary per month is about £1,400–£1,600, but with flight pay, bonuses, and overnight allowances, this can increase to £2,000–£2,500 per month. Senior cabin crew members earn even more.
2. Do I need a Cabin Crew Attestation before applying?
Not necessarily. If you already hold a valid UK CAA Cabin Crew Attestation, you can apply under the “with Attestation” campaign. If not, you can still apply as a new entrant. British Airways will provide you with full paid training and issue the attestation once you pass.
3. Can overseas residents apply for British Airways Cabin Crew jobs?
You must already have the legal right to live and work in the UK at the time of application. Unfortunately, British Airways does not currently sponsor work visas for cabin crew positions.
4. How long is the British Airways Cabin Crew training?
The New Entrant Training typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks and covers safety, service standards, and emergency procedures. Once you pass, you’ll receive your Cabin Crew Attestation, which is valid for five years.
5. What are the height and tattoo requirements for Cabin Crew?
- Height/reach: You must be able to reach 208cm vertically on tiptoes. This ensures you can open overhead lockers and manage safety equipment.
- Tattoos: Tattoos must not be visible while in uniform. Hand, face, and neck tattoos are not permitted.
6. Can I apply for more than one Cabin Crew position at the same time?
No. Applicants should only apply for one location (Heathrow, Gatwick, or London City). Multiple applications may delay or cancel your progress.
7. What routes and aircraft will I fly on?
British Airways Cabin Crew operate across a mixed fleet. Depending on your base, you may work on short-haul Airbus A320s or long-haul aircraft like the Boeing 777, 787, A350, or A380, covering destinations worldwide.
Conclusion
The British Airways Cabin Crew salary UK is one of the best in the industry, especially when combined with benefits like discounted flights, overnight allowances, and career progression opportunities. While low-cost airlines like Ryanair pay less, BA and Virgin Atlantic provide a stronger financial and lifestyle package.
If you’re planning to apply, make sure you meet the British Airways Cabin Crew requirements and prepare well for the assessment process. Remember, the job isn’t just about pay—it’s about building a rewarding career in the skies.
👉 Whether you’re looking for British Airways cabin crew salary per month, benefits, or application tips, the key takeaway is clear: BA remains one of the most attractive options for cabin crew in the UK.