INTRODUCTION
Air hostesses (also called flight attendants or cabin crew) ensure passenger safety, demonstrate emergency procedures, serve meals, and help travelers feel comfortable. They work in challenging environments at 30,000 feet and need excellent communication skills, patience, and physical fitness. This career offers free world travel, cultural experiences, and flexible schedules with 10-15 days off monthly 214.
💰 Importance of knowing salary before joining
Understanding potential earnings helps plan finances since starting salaries (₹25,000–₹40,000/month) are lower than many corporate jobs. However, salaries grow significantly with experience and promotions. Knowing airline pay differences also helps choose employers wisely – international airlines pay 3-4× more than Indian ones 21114.
🧮 What is the Monthly Salary of Air Hostess in India?
📊 Average Monthly Salary (Entry-Level to Experienced)
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|
| Freshers (0-1 year) | 25,000 – 40,000 |
| Junior (1-3 years) | 35,000 – 50,000 |
| Mid-Level (4-6 years) | 50,000 – 70,000 |
| Senior (7-10+ years) | 70,000 – 1,50,000 |
| *Senior crew at airlines like Air India or Vistara earn up to ₹1,00,000+* 51214. |
🌍 Salary Range in Domestic vs International Airlines
- Indian Airlines (Indigo, SpiceJet): ₹25,000–₹80,000/month 715
- International Airlines (Emirates, Qatar): ₹1,50,000–₹3,50,000/month (tax-free + free housing) 211
International flights pay more due to longer hours, language requirements, and complex passenger needs 1014.
✈️ Monthly Salary of Air Hostess in Top Indian Airlines
Air India 512
| Role | Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|
| Trainee | 25,000 – 30,000 |
| Junior Crew | 53,000 |
| Senior Crew | 64,000 |
| Executive Crew | 78,000 |
| *Post-Tata takeover, crew get ₹25,000 annual bonus + flight allowances (₹375–₹1,050/hour)* 312. |
IndiGo 211
| Role | Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|
| Fresher | 30,000 – 35,000 |
| Mid-Level | 50,000 – 60,000 |
| Senior | 60,000+ |
SpiceJet 215
- Freshers: ₹28,000–₹35,000
- Seniors: ₹55,000–₹70,000
Vistara 211
- Starting: ₹35,000–₹45,000
- Senior: ₹60,000–₹70,000+
Go First (GoAir) 15
- Uniform pay: ₹25,000–₹35,000 for freshers
Akasa Air 15
- Entry-level: ₹30,000–₹40,000
⚖️ Factors That Affect the Monthly Salary of Air Hostess in India
📈 Experience Level
Salaries jump 40–60% after 3 years. A senior crew at Air India earns 2.5× more than a trainee 51215.
🏢 Airline Type (Government vs Private)
- Government (Air India): Higher base pay (₹53,000+), pensions, lifetime travel benefits 512.
- Private (Indigo/SpiceJet): Performance bonuses + faster promotions 211.
🏙️ Job Location (Metro vs Non-Metro Cities)
Mumbai/Delhi-based crew earn 15–20% more due to higher flight volumes and living costs 213.
🌐 International Flights vs Domestic Flights
International routes pay 50–70% more. Example:
- Domestic allowance: ₹300–₹700/hour
- International allowance: ₹800–₹2,000/hour 21015.
🎁 Perks and Allowances Along with Air Hostess Salary
🛩️ Free Travel Benefits
- Free flights for crew + 90% discount for family on home airline 214.
- 2–4 free international tickets yearly on partner airlines (e.g., Air India crew fly free on United/Lufthansa) 511.
🏨 Layover Allowances
- Domestic: ₹1,600–₹2,200/night for hotels/meals 12.
- International: $50–$100/day (₹4,000–₹8,000) in cities like Dubai/Singapore 1014.
⚕️ Medical Insurance and Bonuses
- Health/life insurance for crew + parents/spouse 1014.
- Annual bonuses: ₹25,000–₹1,80,000 based on airline profits 312.
👗 Uniform and Grooming Allowance
- Yearly ₹8,000–₹15,000 for makeup/shoes/uniform upkeep 1114.
📈 How to Increase Your Salary as an Air Hostess in India
⬆️ Get Experience and Promotions
- Become Senior Crew (5+ years): Salary doubles to ₹70,000–₹1,00,000 515.
- Shift to Trainer/Manager roles: ₹1,20,000/month (ground jobs) 210.
✈️ Work with International Airlines
- Emirates/Qatar hire Indians with 2+ years experience. Packages include:
- Tax-free salary: ₹2–₹3.5 lakh/month
- Free housing + transport 211.
🎓 Take Additional Certifications or Courses
- Language courses (Japanese/Arabic): Add ₹10,000–₹20,000/month at airlines like ANA/Emirates 1114.
- Safety/aviation diplomas: Increase promotion chances 1013.
↔️ Salary Comparison: Air Hostess vs Cabin Crew vs Ground Staff
| Role | Key Responsibilities | Avg. Monthly Salary (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| Air Hostess | In-flight safety, passenger service | 35,000 – 1,50,000 |
| Cabin Crew | Same as air hostess (gender-neutral term) | 30,000 – 1,50,000 |
| Ground Staff | Check-in, baggage, boarding | 20,000 – 45,000 |
| Ground staff earn 30–40% less but work fixed hours 101315. |
📖 Real-Life Salary Examples from Air Hostesses in India
🆕 Fresher’s Story
*”I joined SpiceJet at ₹28,000/month. With 80 flight hours/month + layover allowances, I made ₹37,000. After 18 months, I moved to Air India for ₹50,000.”*
– Annual income: ₹4.5–₹6 lakh 715.
👩✈️ Experienced Staff Earnings
*”As a Vistara senior crew (6 years), I earn ₹68,000/month. With international flights, bonuses, and travel perks, my total yearly income crosses ₹11 lakh.”*
– Key perks: Free London/Bangkok trips (4× yearly), family insurance 511.
What is the monthly salary of an air hostess in India for freshers?
A fresher air hostess in India usually earns between ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month. The exact amount depends on the airline. Big airlines like Air India or IndiGo may pay more, while smaller airlines might offer less. The salary also includes allowances for travel and uniforms. With experience, the salary increases.
Which airline pays the highest salary to air hostesses in India?
International airlines like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad usually pay the highest salaries in India. They can offer between ₹80,000 to ₹1,50,000 per month. Among Indian airlines, Air India and Vistara are known for better pay. The salary depends on flying hours and experience.
Do air hostesses get paid during training?
Yes, but not all airlines pay during training. Some airlines provide a small stipend, while others may offer full salary after completing training. The training period usually lasts 3 to 6 months. It is best to check with the airline before joining.