What Is a Cabin Crew Member?

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2 min read

Cabin crew (flight attendants) are responsible for passenger comfort, safety, and service onboard aircraft. Their duties include safety instructions, emergency management, and customer care.

Cabin Crew Salary in India – What to Expect

  • Freshers earn around ₹25,000–₹40,000/month.

  • Experienced, especially at major airlines like Air India, Vistara, Jet Airways, can earn ₹60,000–₹1,25,000+/month.

  • Senior roles (lead or purser) at international carriers often exceed ₹1,50,000/month, sometimes up to ₹2,00,000+.

Salary Snapshot by Airline & Experience

Airline Type / Role

Freshers

Mid-level

Senior

International

Domestic Carriers

₹25k–₹40k

₹50k–₹1L

₹1L–₹1.5L

Air India

₹30k–₹60k

₹70k–₹1L

₹1.5L+

Vistara

₹40k–₹50k

₹60k–₹90k

₹1L+

IndiGo, Go First, SpiceJet, AirAsia India

₹20k–₹40k

₹45k–₹70k

₹70k–₹80k+

International Airlines (Emirates, Qatar, Singapore)

₹60k–₹80k (fresh)

₹1L–₹1.5L

₹2L+

₹90k–₹2.5L+

Eligibility & Training

Basic Requirements:

  • Education: Minimum 12th pass

  • Age: 18–27 years (may vary)

  • Physical: Height ‑ Female ≥ 155 cm, Male ≥ 165–170 cm; good vision & fitness

  • Personality: Strong communication (English + local languages), pleasant demeanor, ability to handle stress

Training Paths:

  • Certificate courses: 3–6 months (₹50,000–₹1.5 L)

  • Diploma courses: 6–12 months (₹1–3 L)

  • Degree programs: 2–3 years (₹2–5 L)

  • In-house airline training (6–12 weeks) post-selection

Career Progression

  1. Entry-level → Trainee Cabin Crew

  2. Mid-level → Senior Cabin Crew (usually after 2–5 years)

  3. Leadership → Lead Crew / In-flight Supervisor (5–8 years)

  4. Senior → Purser / Cabin Crew Manager / Trainer (8+ years)

Additional Benefits

  • Free or discounted travel for self and family

  • Layover allowances, hotel stays, food

  • Health insurance

  • Annual bonuses and incentives

How to Get Hired as Cabin Crew

  1. Meet educational, age, and physical criteria

  2. Take a cabin crew/air hostess course to boost employability

  3. Apply via airline websites or attend walk-in drives

  4. Clear rounds: written exams, group discussions, personal interview

  5. Pass medical fitness tests

  6. Undergo airline-specific training before deployment

Final Takeaway

A cabin crew career in India starts with a modest salary (~₹25k–₹40k) but offers significant growth both in income and responsibilities. With experience, especially internationally, earnings can skyrocket to ₹1–2 lakhs/month, plus attractive perks and a dynamic lifestyle.

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