What Is a Cabin Crew Member?

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
Entry-level → Trainee Cabin Crew
Mid-level → Senior Cabin Crew (usually after 2–5 years)
Leadership → Lead Crew / In-flight Supervisor (5–8 years)
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
Meet educational, age, and physical criteria
Take a cabin crew/air hostess course to boost employability
Apply via airline websites or attend walk-in drives
Clear rounds: written exams, group discussions, personal interview
Pass medical fitness tests
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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