Cabin crew is one of the prime roles within the aviation industry. A cabin crew usually comprises of a stewardess (female) and / or flight steward (male), who are liable for the comfort, welfare and safety of the passengers on board. According to the regulation, no member of the aircrew will fly for 72 hours during a month. This ensures work-life balance alongside attractive salaries. In India, a stewardess can earn between INR 16,000 and INR 45,000 in domestic airlines. In international flights, the amount tends to travel higher.
In order to be an air cabin crew in India, aspiring candidates must clear class 12th board exams with a minimum aggregate marks of 50%. They may have to clear AIAEE, NCHMCT, and AEEE. to get admission into colleges offering courses to become Air Cabin Crew. The average course fee for such courses is usually INR 50,000 – 2,00,000, however, it also depends on the institute offering the course.
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The Indian aviation industry is the third-largest in the world as reported by the International air transportation Association (IATA). This sector has witnessed tremendous growth over the previous couple of decades with the rising economic infrastructure of the country.
Table of Contents
- How to Become a Cabin Crew: Quick Facts
- Steps to Follow to become a Air Cabin Crew
- Types of Air Cabin Crew
3.1 Purser
3.2 Flight Attendant
3.3 Flight Medic
3.4 Load Master
6.1 Diploma in Cabin Crew Services & Hospitality Management
6.2 Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management
6.3 PG Diploma in Air Hostess Training
6.4 PG Diploma in Air Hostess Training
7.1 UK
7.2 USA
7.3 Canada
7.4 Australia
How to Become a Cabin Crew: Quick Facts
| Industry | Aviation |
| Eligibility | 10+2 education in any stream or an undergraduate degree in aviation |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 7 LPA – 10 LPA |
| Job Opportunity | Indian Airlines, Go Air, Air India, Delta Airlines, Jet Airways, Gulf Air, British Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Air, Lufthansa, etc. |
What does an Air Cabin Crew Do?
Due to expansion in new airlines within the aviation sector, the aviation industry is expanding. That’s why the work opportunities of the Cabin Attendants are growing at a very fast rate. The job profile of Cabin Crews is extremely exciting, they're going to visit a lot of different places in the world while earning a reasonably good salary at the same time.
- Cabin Crews Work in teams to make the passengers comfortable within the Flight and to see the safety of the passengers during the tough situations.
- They also confirm that first-aid kits and other emergency equipment are on board and work properly or not.
- They welcomes the passengers while they're boarding the plane, check their tickets & serve refreshments and food on their journey to the destination.
- They also guide all the passengers, the way to use the emergency equipment, supervise them within the seating arrangements and check the security belt arrangements.
- Keep a close eye on the cabin throughout the flight and follow all established regulations and procedures.
Steps to Become a Cabin Crew
Discussed below are some of the most essential steps that must be followed in order to become a Cabin Crew.
Decision Making
- The students who wish to become Air Cabin Crew should make up their mind right after 10+2. They should be very interested in aviation.
- The students who make up their mind at school level to take up cabin crew courses can successfully do so as the admissions are based on marks scored in class 12 and based on entrance exam. Doing this will give them plenty of time to prepare for the entrance exam.
- Also the students who have graduated in cabin crew or related courses can change their career path given they get an opportunity to do so.
Subject Choices
- Science stream taken in +2 will help students become Air Cabin Crew. It is required for Air Cabin Crew candidates to pass 10+2 with human resource subjects.
- The course Diploma in Cabin Crew Services & Hospitality Management or any other relevant field will help land in the position right away.
- There are no compulsory subjects to be taken up in their 10+2, however internships in hospitality etc will come in handy.
- The requirement for a graduation degree is not compulsion, however having one is definitely of great help.
Entrance Exam Preparation
- The candidates who want to become Air Cabin Crew should either be a 12th pass or hold a graduate degree in aviation hospitality or its likes for which entrance exams may or may not be held.
- BSc in Aviation is a good choice of subject and can be pursued after clearing entrance exams held either at national level.
- The Preparations for these exams should begin from class 11 itself.
- After graduation, the candidate shall have to prepare for his/her analytical skills because most of the airline companies screen candidates based on that.
Selecting Correct College
- The job opportunities will be directly affected by the college that attends. That is why one has to opt for the right college.
- The candidate shall first make a list of colleges they prefer to attend, post which they shall short-list the colleges.
- After this, they shall investigate the college, its placements, travelling to college daily, fees etc. All these will further help in short listing the list of colleges the candidate prefers.
- Finally the candidate has to register and apply for the colleges he wishes to attend from the short-listed ones.
After Qualifying Exam
- After the student qualifies in either of the entrance exams held, there are certain steps to follow in order to be allotted a seat for the course they wish to study.
- Generally the process is that the candidate after results wait for the counseling round, where all the documents submitted will be verified and other such steps will be done by the conducting authorities.
- After this few colleges may conduct a personal interview or even an group discussion round to admit students.
- After this, if the candidate is qualified, he will be allotted a seat in the college after which the classes shall commence.
Types of Air Cabin Crews
There are a few types of Air Cabin Crew like Purser, Flight attendant, flight medic and Load master.
Purser
The lead steward who is responsible for all the cabin crew is understood because the flight’s purser. She/he is primarily liable for the security and luxury of all the passengers. Pursers often need to make reports about the flight, ensure procedures and protocols are followed which a general sense of calm prevails. The purser oversees the flight attendants by ensuring airline passengers are safe and cozy. The average salary of a Purser in India is about INR 275 per hour of flight.
Flight Attendant
The Airline companies are required by the law to provide flight attendants for the safety and security of passengers. The main job role of flight attendants is to keep passengers safe, ensuring that everyone follows security regulations and that the flight deck is secure. Flight attendants also ensure that the flights are comfortable and stress free for passengers. The average salary of a Flight attendant in India is about INR 21,900 per month.
Flight Medic
A flight medic is a paramedic that works onboard various aircraft. For example, the flight paramedics main job is to operate out of jet aircraft, propeller aircraft, and/or helicopters. Flight paramedics also perform aero-medical emergency/evacuation missions for patients in difficult-to-reach locations.
The medical support patients receive stabilizes them while being transported to a close-by medical building. The average salary of a Flight medic in India ranges between INR 2.75 – 5 LPA.
Loadmaster
A loadmaster is a member of the aircrew on a civilian or military transport aircraft who is responsible for the safe loading, transport, and unloading of aerial cargo. Loadmasters serve in the militaries and civilian airlines of many nations. The loadmaster determines and plans cargo and passenger placement to keep the aircraft within permissible center of gravity limits throughout the flight. Loadmasters is responsible for the placement of on the aircraft in such a way as to prevent overloading sensitive sections of the airframe and cargo floor. The average salary of a Loadmaster in India ranges between INR 1.75 – 4 LPA.
How to Become an Air Cabin Crew in India?
To become an Air Cabin Crew in India, one has to develop an early interest in aviation in school days itself. The requirements like age limit, height, weight, marital status, eye sight should be met. Post which the following preparations are to be done.
School Level Preparation
The candidate can follow the below steps during the school level to prepare themselves to become an Air Cabin Crew after school.
- The candidate should have passed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in undergraduate degree with aviation background.
- The student should be interested in aviation. The student should have some knowledge about aviation and should be interested in the same.
- The student should have a strong inclination towards aviation and other relevant subjects. The students should clear exams with the eligible marks and exceed in the entrance exams (if any).
- The student should also be interested in hospitality and its likes which will be useful while actually pursuing the course.
How to become an Air Cabin Crew after 12th?
The candidate must follow the below steps after the 12th standard to prepare themselves to become a Air Cabin Crew.
UG Preparation
- The candidate should hold a bachelor’s degree in aviation, human resources, travel management or its likes.
- The candidate should have at least 50% marks from a recognized university.
- The candidates should have passed any of the various entrance exams held for hospitality courses and should have taken up aviation as their stream of study.
- Many specific courses are available which can help in getting a better employment opportunity.
PG Preparation
- There is no need for a PG degree in order to be an Air Cabin Crew.
- There are some masters/post-graduate courses available on aviation hospitality, hotel management etc. which will help get a job in the aviation industry.
- PG Diploma in Air Hostess is a great course for those who want to become an air hostess after the completion of their Post graduation.
- In order to pursue the PG course, the candidate should hold an relevant Under Graduation course with the minimum percentile required.
Course to Become a Air Cabin Crew
Diploma in Cabin Crew Services & Hospitality Management
This one year Diploma course is meant to rework life. This course is supposed for the people that wish to become an Airhostess and Care within the Air. Many children choose cabin crew as a full-time career option because of the high pay, exciting experience of flying and interacting with different types of people on board. The liberation of the Indian skies has thrown open tons of job opportunities during this field. The job entails performing safety and repair duties which make sure that air travelers are flying during a safe environment, whilst receiving excellent standards of friendly service.
Admission Process
The admissions to the course are strictly based on Interview followed by a round of group discussion.
- The procedure is as follows: Interested candidates can apply online/ offline with the required information.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to a personal interview based on their 10+2 results.
Eligibility
- Education Age Gender Height Weight
- 10 + 2 17-26 Years Male / Female 157 cm for Females, 170 cm for Males In proportion to height
- The students having unblemished complexion and a satisfying personality with a Customer Caring orientation are the foremost suitable candidates for this career.
Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management
Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management may be a 1-year full-time Diploma level Civil Aviation course. Within the Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management course, students can develop their knowledge and skills in Aviation, hospitality, and travel management. During this course, students find out how to style, production, operation, development, and maintenance of air aircraft.
Admission Process
The admission procedure for Diploma in Aviation Hospitality and Travel Management course may vary from one institute to a different one. To urge an admission to Government-based colleges and universities students need to attend counseling conducted by the universities . to urge an admission privately and deemed universities students need to attend entrance exams and private interviews conducted by the school . Other colleges may directly select students who supported the performances in their 10+2 examinations.
Eligibility Criteria
- Candidates should have cleared the secondary and senior secondary level of the exam with English as compulsory subject. Clearing English subjects is mandatory.
- The upper age limit for General & OBC candidates is 22 years of age as on 1st August 2023
PG Diploma in Air Hostess Training
PG Diploma in Air Hostess Training programme is a job-oriented postgraduate level training programme. Students who have completed a Bachelor's Degree are eligible to enrol in this course. The Advanced Diploma in Air Hostess Training is another name for this programme. Despite the fact that the course names differ slightly, the course content is the same.
Admission Process
- Register and fill application: Interested candidates can apply online/ offline with the required information.
- Personal Interview: Shortlisted candidates are invited to a personal interview based on their 10+2 results.
- Final Selection: The Candidates who are selected based on performance in Personal Interview.
- The Preference will be given to those candidates with relevant industry experience
Eligibility Criteria
- A completed Bachelor's Degree from a recognized College or University is the minimum educational qualification required.
Certificate Course in Air Hostess/Flight Purser
Certificate Course in Air Hostess/Flight Purser may be a Civil Aviation program. Air Hostess/Flight Purser also referred to as flight attendants or cabin crew, stewards/stewardesses, air hostess or cabin attendants). The duration of the course is eight months and it covers all the topics associated with the very field. it's career-oriented in nature that opens many career scopes after its successful passing/clearing.
Admission Process
The candidate should apply for the course by filling out the application form and uploading or enclosing the required documents. After which the candidates will be allotted seats based on merit.
Eligibility Criteria
- They should be 10+2 Standard with basic knowledge of English language from a recognized board of education.
- Age Limit should be between 17 to 24 years
- Height: 165 cm for Male & 155 cm for Female
- Weight: In proportion with the peak.
Online Cabin Crew courses
| Course Name | Course Provider | Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Industry | University of Maryland | INR 3632 |
| Certification in Aviation Management | Udemy | INR 4480 |
| How to be Cabin Crew | Udemy | INR 2560 |
| How to be Flight Attendant | Udemy | INR 3200 |
| Online Diploma in Becoming Cabin Crew | Udemy | INR 12800 |
How to become an Air Cabin Crew Abroad?
UK
- There are more than fifty flight schools which train candidates to become air cabin crew in the UK.
- The UK has always been one of the most desired places to study amongst international students.
- Some of the courses available in the UK to become a cabin crew are: Diploma in Airport Management, Commercial Pilot Training, Diploma in Ground Staff and Cabin Crew Training, Diploma in Airfare & Ticketing Management.
- There are plenty of airlines in the UK and the job opportunity is hence present at most of the times. The average salary for a cabin crew in the UK is about 15000 pounds.
Top Colleges
| Top Colleges | Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Greenwich | INR 20,10,000 |
| Oxford University | INR 46,20,000 |
| Teesside University | INR 12,90,000 |
| Coventry University | INR 24,90,000 |
| University of East London | INR 18,70,000 |
| University of Cambridge | INR 47,20,000 |
| University of Manchester | INR 33,30,000 |
| University of Hertfordshire | INR 19,70,000 |
| King’s College London | INR 34,60,000 |
| Imperial College London | INR 39,40,000 |
USA
- There are about 41 flight training schools in the US which train cabin crew members and make them employable.
- Because the United States is one of the most desired places to study and live, candidates may consider studying there .
- Some of the courses available are: Diploma in Airfare & Ticketing Management, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME),BBA in Business Management.
- The USA has more than 50 airlines operating hence creating job opportunities. The average salary ranges between 60,000 – 100,000 dollars.
Top College
| Top College | Fees |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | INR 59,80,000 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | INR 56,50,000 |
| Stanford University | INR 61,60,000 |
| University of Southern California | INR 57,40,000 |
| California State University | INR 28,60,000 |
| New York University | INR 52,80,000 |
| University of Texas at Dallas | INR 45,30,000 |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | INR 39,10,000 |
| University of California – Berkeley campus | INR 50,50,000 |
| University of California –Los Angeles campus | INR 49,00,000 |
Canada
- There are about 300 flight training schools in Canada which train cabin crew members and make them employable.
- Canada ranks 3rd for international students in the world. The country assures good quality education and employment.
- Some of the courses available are: Diploma in Airfare & Ticketing Management, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME),BBA in Business Management.
- Canada has a lot of airlines including many domestic ones. Hence the employment is good. The average salary ranges between 45,000 – 60,000 Canadian dollars.
Top College
| Top College | Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | INR 43,70,000 |
| University of British Columbia | INR 35,90,000 |
| University of Alberta | INR 24,20,000 |
| McGill University | INR 36,90,000 |
| University of Windsor | INR 23,10,000 |
| University of Waterloo | INR 44,60,000 |
| University of Victoria | INR 22,00,000 |
| University of Manitoba | INR 19,90,000 |
| University of Regina | INR 19,70,000 |
| Simon Fraser University | INR 21,40,000 |
Australia
- There are about 20 flight training schools in Australia which train cabin crew members and make them employable.
- Australia has the highest number of International students per capita. The country assures good quality education and employment.
- Some of the courses available are: Diploma in Airfare & Ticketing Management, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME),BBA in Business Management.
- Canada has a lot of airlines including many domestic ones. Hence the employment is good. The average salary is about 56,000 AUS dollars.
Top College
| Top College | Fees |
|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | INR 42,70,000 |
| The University of Sydney | INR 42,10,000 |
| Monash University | INR 31,00,000 |
| RMIT University | INR 21,10,000 |
| University of Queensland | INR 38,10,000 |
| University of New South Wales | INR 26,80,000 |
| Macquarie University Sydney | INR 32,00,000 |
| Deakin University Burwood | INR 26,90,000 |
| Curtin University Perth | INR 26,90,000 |
| Griffith University Gold Coast | INR 23,80,000 |
Benefits of Career as Air Cabin Crew
Every job comes with its own share of perks and benefits. Listed below are sone of the top benefits of becoming a Cabin Crew.
Salary
- One of the main benefits working as an Air Cabin Crew is the pay package. The salary offered to Air Cabin Crew in India ranges from INR 3,70,000 – 7,91,000 per annum. However if one gains enough experience, they can earn quite a lot. Also since candidate’s will be freelancing, it also depends on them as to how much work they do.
- The Salary provided to Air Cabin Crew abroad is also very attractive, hence attracting a lot of Indians annually.
Job Security
- The job is secure and there is not much competition. If they start working as an Air Cabin Crew there is a good chance that they will have job security through-out their career. Since candidates will be associated with an airline, job security also depends on their schedule and working decisions.
- Gaining enough experience also allows one to switch companies for a higher salary. All of this with the possibility of a stable job.
Positive Impact of Career
- Air Cabin Crew is a hospitality industry, those who are really interested in hospitality, they can live their best life since they get to do that with all the additional benefits like travelling across the globe for free of cost.
Unique Experience
- Every customer/client is unique; hence working on the requirements of different people is always unique.
- The responsibility on the shoulders of an Air Cabin Crew is huge because they have to satisfy the customer’s needs and likes which will make themselves proud and satisfied.
Skills Required for Air Cabin Crew
Candidates with suffiencient qualifications and experience are recruited for various job profiles of a Cabin Crew, however candidates with updated relevant skills are given a preference over the rest. Tabulated below are the list of skills that are essential to become a Cabin Crew.
| Excellent organizational skills | Judgment and Decision Making | Strong communication skills |
| Capability to manage multiple tasks at the same time | Professional demeanor | Great listening abilities |
Salary of Air Cabin Crew
The averagte salary of a Cabin Crew usually ranges between INR 6.13 LPA – 13 LPA. However, with gradual experience and expertise that salary of a Cabin Crew can go up to as much as INR 23 LPA. Tabulated below is the average salary of a Cabin Crew based on the different job profiles for your reference.
| Specialisation | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
|---|---|
| Air Hostess | 7 l – 12 L |
| Flight Medic | 8 L – 12 L |
| Co-Pilot | 12 L – 20 L |
| Pilot | 15 L – 30 L |
How to become a Cabin Crew: FAQs
Ques. What qualifications does one need for cabin crew/ air hostess?
Ans. To be hired as a cabin crew/ air hostess, one must be at least 17 years aged . alongside fulfilling the regulation criteria, aspirants got to be well-versed in English to be hired as cabin crew. Aside from this, fluency in the other language are going to be another advantage. The candidates are usually hired as cabin crew once they complete 10+2 level of education.
Ques. What does the cabin crew/ air hostess do?
Ans. Cabin crew or air steward/ stewardess are liable for ensuring the security and luxury of passengers flying with an airline.The Everyday duties of cabin crew members include greeting passengers, showing them to their seats, informing of air safety procedures, helping passengers who have special needs and greeting passengers as they de-plane.
Ques. What's the difference between a cabin crew and air hostess?
Ans. There's no difference between both the work profiles. they're simply two different words wont to define an equivalent job profile. An air hostess or cabin crew is tasked with taking care of passengers on an aircraft.
Ques. Is graduation necessary for cabin crew?
Ans. The minimum educational requirement to be hired as cabin crew is completing 10+2 level education in any stream. Candidates who have completed their graduation won't tend any special advantage. To become a cabin crew/ airhostess one doesn't got to be from a selected stream or have pursued a selected course. On the contrary, aspirants got to fulfill other eligibility criteria like weight, height, good communication skills, good vision, etc. to be hired as cabin crew.
Ques. Is the cabin crew a good job?
Ans. Cabin crew/ stewardess as a profession requires aspirants to possess a satisfying personality and fluency of language. Cabin crew job profile isn't easy and requires one to get on their toes, work irregular hours and have good communication skills. It is an under-rated job. Cabin crew members aren't there just to serve food and beverages to passengers but their primary job is to tackle emergency situations and ensure safety and security of passengers within the aircraft.
Ques. Is the pilot a part of the cabin crew?
Ans. Pilots are liable for flying the aircraft. Some members who are a part of the cabin crew are flight attendants, air hostess, pursers, onboard chefs and therefore the likes. Cabin crew members are liable for ensuring the well-being of passengers onboard a flight.
Ques. Do airlines hire married cabin crew?
Ans. Most airlines don't have any written rule regarding legal status . However, some airlines have clauses wherein only unmarried candidates with ‘no children’ are eligible to use for a cabin crew post.
Ques. Do stewardesses get holidays?
Ans. Flight stewards and air hostesses don't have a static work schedule or shift. Candidates in this job profile work weekends as well as holidays (depending on the schedule/ roster assigned to them). Once they are a confirmed employee, they are entitled to holidays and paid time off in accordance with industry standards.
Ques. Is swimming necessary for cabin crew?
Ans. When being recruited, no swimming test is completed . However, aspirants are required to find out swimming before they board their first flight. Also, at the time of cabin crew license training, one must prove that they're not scared of water and if the necessity so arises then they will swim also .
Ques. Do air hostesses get paid well?
Ans. Although it's considered a glamorous field, candidates in stewardess job profiles aren't paid too well within the first few years of joining the profession. However, as the flying hours of the employees increase their salaries also increase. The typical salary earned by air hostesses/ flight stewards in India is Rs 4,86,082.
Ques. What percentage hours can cabin crew work?
Ans. The utmost duty hours which will be undertaken by cabin crew is fixed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). the utmost shift is 22 hours in end of the day flights. According to the DGCA, cabin crew should not perform any "duty between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m. civil time for two consecutive nights, except once within a period of 168 hours/7 consecutive days.
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