1. Introduction
Many people think “cabin crew” and “air hostess” mean the same thing, but they’re actually different. Let’s make it simple!
Cabin crew means all the staff who work in the airplane cabin – this includes flight attendants, pursers (senior staff), and sometimes even in-flight chefs. Air hostess is an older term that specifically means female flight attendants. Many people use these words interchangeably, but there are key differences you should know if you’re thinking about this career.
The main difference is that “cabin crew” is the modern, professional term used by airlines today, while “air hostess” is becoming less common. Also, cabin crew has more responsibilities than just serving passengers – they’re trained for emergencies too. Keep reading to understand all the differences clearly!
2. Cabin Crew vs. Air Hostess: Key Differences
What Do These Terms Really Mean?
Cabin crew refers to everyone working in the passenger cabin during a flight. This includes:
- Flight attendants (male and female)
- Senior staff called pursers
- Sometimes special staff like in-flight chefs or nannies
Air hostess is the old-fashioned term that only refers to female flight attendants. In the past, only women did this job, which is why the special name existed.
Are These Terms Still Used Today?
Most airlines around the world now use “cabin crew” or “flight attendant” because:
- It includes both men and women
- It sounds more professional
- It better describes all their safety duties
Some airlines in India and a few other countries still say “air hostess,” but this is becoming rare. Even when they use this term, the job is usually the same as cabin crew.
3. Roles & Responsibilities Compared
Here’s how their jobs compare:
| Job Aspect | Cabin Crew | Air Hostess (Traditional) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Focus | Passenger safety first, service second | Mainly passenger service |
| Training | 6-8 weeks including emergency drills | 4-6 weeks focusing on hospitality |
| Uniform Rules | Strict but practical | Often more stylish/feminine |
| Promotion Path | Can become purser or trainer | Usually stays as attendant |
Key Difference: Cabin crew are safety experts first, while traditional air hostesses were mainly service providers. Today, everyone gets full safety training.
4. Career Path & Growth
For Cabin Crew:
You can grow to:
- Purser (senior crew) in 2-3 years
- Inflight supervisor in 5-8 years
- Trainer or manager after 10 years
Salary increases with each promotion:
- Starting: ₹30,000/month
- After 5 years: ₹80,000/month
- Senior roles: ₹1,20,000+/month
For Air Hostess (Traditional):
Growth was more limited:
- Mostly stayed as attendants
- Few became chief hostesses
- Rarely moved to management
Today, even if called “air hostess,” you usually have the same growth chances as cabin crew.
5. Which Term Do Airlines Use Today?
Most International Airlines:
- Emirates: “Cabin Crew”
- Singapore Airlines: “Flight Steward/Stewardess”
- British Airways: “Cabin Crew Member”
Some Indian Airlines:
- Air India: Uses both terms
- IndiGo: “Cabin Crew”
- SpiceJet: “Air Hostess” (but same training as cabin crew)
The global trend is clearly toward “cabin crew” because:
- It’s gender neutral
- Emphasizes safety role
- Sounds more professional
Salary Comparison Table
| Position | Starting Salary (India) | International Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Crew | ₹25,000-₹40,000 | 1,500−1,500−2,500 (₹1.1-1.8 lakh) |
| Senior Cabin Crew | ₹50,000-₹80,000 | 2,500−2,500−4,000 (₹1.8-3 lakh) |
| Purser | ₹80,000-₹1,20,000 | 4,000−4,000−6,000 (₹3-4.5 lakh) |
All salaries are per month. International salaries are for airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways.
Is “air hostess” an outdated term?
Yes, “air hostess” is becoming outdated. Most international airlines stopped using this term years ago. They now prefer “cabin crew” or “flight attendant” because:
These terms include both men and women
They better describe the safety responsibilities
They sound more professional
Some airlines in India and a few other countries still use “air hostess,” especially in advertisements. But even there, the actual job is the same as cabin crew. The change started in the 1980s when more men joined the profession and airlines wanted equal treatment for all staff.
Can men be air hostesses?
No, men cannot be air hostesses. The word “hostess” means a woman who welcomes guests. The male version would be “steward,” but this term is also outdated now. Today, airlines use these terms:
For men: Flight attendant or cabin crew
For women: Flight attendant or cabin crew
For all: Cabin crew (most common)
Men have the exact same job as women in modern airlines. They go through the same training and have the same responsibilities. Some airlines did not hire men in the past, but this changed completely by the 2000s.
Which term should I use in my job application?
Always use “cabin crew” or “flight attendant” in your applications. Even if an airline advertisement says “air hostess,” they expect professional language in your resume. These tips will help:
Use “cabin crew” in your resume title
Say “flight attendant experience” not “air hostess experience”
Never use “stewardess” – this is very outdated
Remember, the job is the same no matter what term the airline uses. Your training and skills matter most!
Salary Comparison Table
Here’s what cabin crew/air hostesses earn in different airlines:
Position
Indian Airlines (Monthly)
International Airlines (Monthly)
New Crew
₹25,000 – ₹40,000
1
,
500
−1,500−2,500 (₹1.1-1.8 lakh)
2 Years Experience
₹40,000 – ₹60,000
2
,
500
−2,500−3,500 (₹1.8-2.6 lakh)
Senior Crew (5+ years)
₹60,000 – ₹1,00,000
3
,
500
−3,500−6,000 (₹2.6-4.5 lakh)
Benefits all crew get:
Free or cheap flight tickets
Layover allowances during trips
Health insurance
Uniform maintenance allowance
International salaries are for airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines. Indian salaries are for airlines like Air India, IndiGo, and Vistara.