1. Introduction
Being an air hostess is one of the most exciting jobs in India! Many young people dream of this career because:
- You get to travel across the world
- Meet new people every day
- Wear a smart uniform
- Earn good money
But salaries can be very different depending on:
- Which airline you work for (big or small)
- How much experience you have
- Whether you fly domestic or international routes
- Your special skills (like speaking foreign languages)
Knowing about salaries helps you:
- Choose the right airline to apply for
- Plan your career growth
- Understand what training you might need
2. Air Hostess Salary: Domestic Airlines (2024)
Starting Salary (0-2 Years Experience)
New air hostesses in Indian airlines typically earn:
- IndiGo: ₹35,000 – ₹40,000 per month
- SpiceJet: ₹32,000 – ₹38,000
- Air India Express: ₹38,000 – ₹45,000
This includes:
- Basic salary: ₹20,000-25,000
- Flying allowance: ₹500-800 per flight hour
- Layover money: ₹1,000-2,000 per night away
Tip: Budget airlines often pay less but give more flying hours.
Mid-Career Salary (3-5 Years)
After 3 years, you can become Senior Cabin Crew and earn:
- ₹50,000 – ₹65,000 per month
- Extra ₹5,000-10,000 for training new staff
- Better flight schedules
Senior Level (5+ Years)
Experienced crew can get:
- In-flight Supervisor: ₹70,000 – ₹90,000
- Trainer jobs: ₹80,000 – ₹1,00,000
- Management roles: ₹1,00,000+
3. International Airlines Salary
Gulf Carriers (Emirates, Qatar, Etihad)
These airlines pay very well:
- Starting: ₹1,20,000 – ₹1,50,000 per month
- Tax-free (you keep all the money)
- Free housing or housing allowance
- Transport to/from airport
Other International (Singapore Airlines, Cathay)
- Salary: ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,30,000
- Paid in dollars/Singapore dollars (more value in India)
- ₹5,000-10,000 per layover in foreign cities
4. Salary Comparison Table
| Airline Type | Starting Salary | After 5 Years | Best Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (IndiGo) | ₹35,000-45,000 | ₹60,000-75,000 | Many flight hours |
| Full-Service (Air India) | ₹45,000-60,000 | ₹80,000-1L | International trips |
| Gulf (Emirates) | ₹1.2L+ | ₹1.8L+ | Free housing |
5. Allowances & Benefits
All airlines give extra money:
- Flying allowance: ₹500-800 per hour in air
- Layover pay: ₹1,000-5,000 when staying overnight
- Free flights: 4-8 free tickets per year for family
- Health insurance: For you and parents in some airlines
6. Highest Paying Airlines in India (2024)
- Air India (now with Vistara): ₹50,000-65,000 starting
- Akasa Air: ₹45,000-60,000 with good growth
- Vistara: Now merged but still good pay scales
7. How to Increase Your Salary
Want to earn more? Try these:
- Learn Arabic: Gets you ₹10,000+ extra in Gulf airlines
- Take safety courses: IATA certificates help promotions
- Go international: Gulf airlines pay 3x more
- Become trainer: Earn while teaching new students
Salary Details Table
| Position | Domestic (Monthly) | International (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresher | ₹35,000-45,000 | ₹1,00,000-1,50,000 |
| 3 Years Exp | ₹50,000-65,000 | ₹1,50,000-1,80,000 |
| Senior | ₹70,000-1L+ | ₹2L+ |
Do air hostesses get PF?
Yes! Indian airlines provide Provident Fund (PF) to their cabin crew. Here’s how it works:
PF Deduction: Around 12% of your basic salary goes into your PF account every month.
Employer Contribution: The airline adds another 12% to your PF.
Withdrawal Rules: You can withdraw PF money when you leave the job or retire.
Note:
✔ Indian airlines (IndiGo, Air India, Vistara) give PF.
✖ Gulf/international airlines usually don’t offer PF but pay higher tax-free salaries.
Which airline pays most for freshers?
Air India currently offers the highest starting salary for new air hostesses in 2024:
Starting Pay: ₹50,000–₹65,000 per month
Why? After privatization, Air India increased salaries to attract talent.
Other good-paying airlines for freshers:
Vistara (now merged with Air India) – ₹45,000–₹60,000
Akasa Air – ₹40,000–₹55,000
IndiGo – ₹35,000–₹45,000
Is salary same across India?
No! Salaries change based on your base city:
Mumbai/Delhi/Bangalore: Higher salaries (₹5,000–₹10,000 extra) because living costs are high.
Smaller cities (Goa/Kochi): Slightly lower pay but cheaper living.
Example:
✔ A Delhi-based IndiGo air hostess may earn ₹40,000/month.
✔ The same role in Kochi might pay ₹35,000/month.
Can air hostesses earn extra money?
Yes! Besides salary, you can make extra cash from:
Overtime flights (₹1,000–₹2,000 extra per trip)
Foreign layovers (spend less, save more in Gulf countries)
Part-time training jobs (teach new cabin crew for ₹10,000–₹20,000 extra)