Flying high in the skies, interacting with passengers from around the world, and traveling to exotic destinations—being an air hostess may seem like a dream job. But have you ever wondered how much an air hostess earns?
The answer might shock you! Salaries in this profession vary based on experience, airline, and location, but the earning potential is much higher than most people think. In this article, we break down air hostess salaries in India and internationally, explore benefits, career growth, and answer common questions about the profession.
Half of India Has No Idea How Much Air Hostesses Earn
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Salary | ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 per month (India) |
| Average Salary (Domestic Airlines) | ₹6 lakh – ₹9 lakh per annum |
| Average Salary (International Airlines) | ₹12 lakh – ₹16 lakh per annum |
| Top-Paying Airlines | Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air India |
| Experience-Based Growth | Senior air hostesses can earn ₹12 – ₹15 lakh per year |
| Additional Perks | Free travel, accommodation, health insurance |
| Career Progression | Promotion to senior cabin crew, trainer, or ground staff roles |
| Reference | DGCA India |
Being an air hostess is a lucrative and rewarding career, offering excellent salaries, travel perks, and career growth opportunities. While salaries vary based on experience, airline, and location, high-paying jobs are available both in India and abroad. If you are passionate about aviation, love traveling, and have great customer service skills, this could be the perfect career for you!
What is the Salary of an Air Hostess in India?
Entry-Level Salaries
A fresh graduate or entry-level air hostess in domestic airlines like IndiGo, SpiceJet, or Air India can expect to earn between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month. This includes base pay, flying allowances, and layover allowances.
Mid-Level Salaries
With 3–5 years of experience, salaries increase significantly. Air hostesses working for established airlines like Vistara and GoAir earn an average annual salary of ₹6 lakh – ₹9 lakh.
Senior-Level Salaries
For experienced professionals (8+ years), salaries reach ₹12 lakh – ₹15 lakh per year. These professionals may take on leadership roles such as cabin crew supervisor or trainer, increasing their earning potential.
Air Hostess Salaries in International Airlines
If you are selected by an international airline like Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Singapore Airlines, your salary and benefits package will be significantly higher.
| Airline | Average Annual Salary |
| Emirates | ₹15 lakh – ₹18 lakh |
| Qatar Airways | ₹14 lakh – ₹16 lakh |
| Singapore Airlines | ₹13 lakh – ₹15 lakh |
| British Airways | ₹12 lakh – ₹14 lakh |
| Etihad Airways | ₹12 lakh – ₹14 lakh |
International airlines offer additional benefits such as higher layover allowances, free accommodation, and tax-free salaries in some countries.
Factors Affecting an Air Hostess’s Salary
1. Type of Airline
- Domestic airlines in India generally pay less compared to international airlines.
- Full-service carriers (like Air India and Vistara) offer higher salaries than low-cost carriers (like IndiGo and SpiceJet).
2. Experience and Seniority
- A new hire earns significantly less than a senior cabin crew member.
- Cabin managers and trainers earn the highest salaries.
3. Location and Base City
- Cabin crew based in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore earn more than those based in smaller cities.
- International bases in Dubai, London, or Singapore offer higher salaries.
4. Additional Perks and Benefits
Many airlines provide additional perks like:
- Free or discounted flights for employees and their families.
- Accommodation and transportation (especially for international airlines).
- Health insurance and retirement benefits.
How to Become an Air Hostess? A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Meet the Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Age: 18 – 27 years (varies by airline)
- Height: Minimum 155 cm (female), 170 cm (male)
- Education: 12th pass (minimum), but a diploma/degree in aviation, hospitality, or tourism is preferred.
- Communication: Fluency in English and Hindi (knowledge of foreign languages is a plus!)
- Medical Fitness: Good eyesight, no visible tattoos, and overall fitness are required.
Step 2: Enroll in a Cabin Crew Training Program
Many institutes offer aviation training programs, such as:
- Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training
- Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics
- Aptech Aviation Academy
Step 3: Apply for Airline Job Openings
- Check airline career pages (e.g., IndiGo Careers, Air India Careers).
- Attend walk-in interviews.
Step 4: Clear the Selection Process
Most airlines have a 3-stage selection process:
- Initial Screening & GD (Group Discussion)
- Personal Interview
- Medical Test & Background Verification
Once selected, candidates undergo 3-6 months of training before joining as a junior cabin crew member.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I become an air hostess after 12th grade?
Yes, you can apply after completing 12th grade, but having a diploma/degree in aviation or hospitality gives you an advantage.
2. Which airline pays the highest salary?
Among Indian airlines, Air India and Vistara pay the highest. Among international airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines offer the best salaries.
3. What are the working hours for an air hostess?
Air hostesses work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Flight schedules depend on domestic or international routes.
4. Can males become cabin crew?
Yes! Many airlines hire male cabin crew, often referred to as flight stewards or male cabin crew members.
5. Do air hostesses get free flights?
Yes! Most airlines provide free or heavily discounted tickets for employees and their families.
