Ever wondered about the salary for british airways cabin crew —beyond the glamour, jet lag, and perfectly poured tea? The average starting salary for British Airways cabin crew is about £16,800 a year.
Let’s break it down without sugar-coating it (except for the in-flight biscuits). Spoiler: The starting pay is low, but the extras can make a big difference.
What Is the Basic Salary for British Airways Cabin Crew in 2025?
The starting salary for British Airways cabin crew in 2025 is about £16,800 a year. That’s the basic pay. But with flying hours, allowances, and bonuses, most new crew can make between £21,000 and £25,000 in their first year.
If you stick around and fly long-haul, you could earn up to £50,000 a year. That’s a big jump once you gain experience and work longer trips.
British Airways Cabin Crew Salary vs the Dream
Let’s be honest. A lot of people join British Airways to travel the world and wear the uniform. But the reality can hit hard when you see your first few paychecks.
- You’ll work weekends and holidays.
- Your starting pay might feel low.
- But you’ll get perks like staff travel and a tight crew team.
So no, it won’t make you rich right away. But it gives you a fun job with cool benefits and chances to grow.
What Makes Up Cabin Crew Pay in 2025?
Here’s what you actually get paid for:
1. Basic Pay
- £16,800 a year to start
- Paid monthly
2. Flying Pay
- Extra cash for each hour in the air
- Long flights pay more than short ones
3. Allowances
- Tax-free money for food, hotels, and transport
- Depends on how long and far you fly
4. Extra Hours
- You get paid more if you fly extra shifts.
5. Bonuses
- Profit bonuses if the company does well (2025 minimum: £1,000)
6. Travel and Perks
- Free or cheap flights for you and your family
- Extras like hotel discounts and pension options
2025 Pay Boost and New Deal
Crew got some good news at the end of 2024. A new deal added a 4.5% pay increase, plus more bumps of 3% in 2026 and 2027.
This deal also gave a guaranteed bonus of at least £1,000 for 2025. It came after long talks with unions and was seen as a win by most crew.
Quick look:
- Pay went up by 4.5% in December 2024
- More increases are locked in for 2026 and 2027
- Bonus added to your payslip
- Staff travel and allowances stay the same
Dealing with the High Cost of Living in 2025
Prices are going up in 2025, especially in London. Rent, food, and travel all cost more now.
Here’s how crew manage:
- Living in shared flats or crew houses
- Commuting from cheaper towns
- Saving money during layovers with free food and hotels
Some crew also do extra shifts or small side jobs. Others use travel perks for cheap holidays. It takes planning, but it’s doable.
Salary for British Airways Cabin Crew: How It Stacks Up
EasyJet
- Starts at £22,000
- Goes up to £26,000 by mid-2025
- 10% commission on sales
- Good flight perks
Virgin Atlantic
- Starts between £18,000 and £21,000
- Senior crew earn over £30,000
- Strong travel benefits and pension
Ryanair
- Starts at £21,000
- Bonus pay for sales and overnight stops
- Fewer benefits outside of pay
Wizz Air UK
- £23,450 (junior) to £33,850 (senior)
- Fixed rate based on flight count
BA’s basic pay is a bit lower, but the full package for long-haul and experienced crew holds up well.
Can You Live on This Salary?
If you live near Heathrow or Gatwick, costs can be high. Rent and travel eat into your budget fast. That’s why many new crew share flats or commute from cheaper areas.
You can stretch your pay by using your perks. Free flights mean you don’t need to pay for holidays. Overnight stops come with hotel stays and meal money, which saves cash. Plus, you’ll get discounts on things like gym memberships, rent deals, and even shopping.
So yes, it’s possible to live on this salary, but it takes a bit of planning, budgeting, and a few smart crew tricks.
A Day in the Life: What You’re Paid For
Your workday usually starts with signing in and going to a briefing. You don’t get paid for that part. Then you board and start flying—and that’s when your pay kicks in.
If you’re staying overnight, you’ll get extra money for meals and transport. When you fly back, you earn more flight pay. If there are delays or extra hours, that can lead to overtime pay too.
On busy months with lots of flying, some crew make more than £2,000—even with the base pay starting at £16,800.
Flying Pay Explained
You get paid for every hour you’re flying. On top of your base pay:
- Five short flights a week = 20+ paid hours
- Add money for food and hotel stays
- Bonuses for good performance or on-time flights
Longer flights usually mean more pay and better layover perks.
Do You Get Paid During Training?
Training is full-time and unpaid. But your travel might be covered. Once you pass, you start earning right away.
Training is full-on. You’ll learn safety, service, and how to deal with any situation in the sky.
Moving Up = More Pay
Want to earn more? Aim for promotion.
- Cabin Crew: Entry role
- World Class Cabin Crew: For top-performing crew
- Cabin Manager: Leads the onboard team
- Inflight Manager / FSM: Heads up long-haul flights
Each level comes with more pay and better perks. Senior crew on long trips can make over £50,000 a year.
Travel Perks: The Hidden Gold
This is one of the best bits of the job.
- Fly anywhere BA goes for free (on standby)
- Bring friends or family
- Get big discounts on partner airlines
If there’s space, you might even sit in business class for free.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Looking for a big paycheck on day one? This isn’t it. But if you want a job that lets you travel, meet people, and do something different every day, this is a great option.
The pay gets better with time. And the perks? You can’t find them in most other jobs.
Go in prepared. Plan your money. Enjoy the ride. And always smile—tea service waits for no one.
Want to become a cabin crew pro? Check out our Cabin Crew Training Course at Unified Course. Get insider tips, expert guidance, and prep for your dream airline job.
