So, if you’re starting as a BA steward, your first-year British Airways steward salary usually lands around £21,000–£30,000. Of course, it all depends on where you’re based—Heathrow, Gatwick/Euroflyer, or CityFlyer—how many hours you fly, and any extra allowances.
For example, Heathrow tends to pay the most. Euroflyer starts at about £17,500, with the total package reaching up to ~£25,000. Meanwhile, CityFlyer is usually £21,000–£27,000, thanks to London weighting.
Overall, people working in London report that total pay generally sits between £18k and £28k, with most landing somewhere in the mid-£20ks. That’s the real scoop on the British Airways steward salary for new starters.
What “Salary” Really Means at BA
When you hear the British Airways steward salary, it’s more than just the number on your contract. Basically, your pay comes in a few different pieces:
- Basic salary: This is your guaranteed pay—no surprises here.
- Flight duty pay: You get extra pay for the hours you spend in the air. The more flights you do, the more this adds up.
- Per diems/allowances: Tax-free money for meals, hotels, and travel. It’s not huge, but it really helps.
- Commission: On some routes, you can earn a little extra from onboard sales.
On top of that, the 2025 Unite three-year deal gave a solid pay boost for staff at Heathrow and Gatwick, plus potential profit-share. So, depending on your roster and how the airline does, your take-home can be even higher.
British Airways Steward Salary: Starting Pay by Base
Let’s break down what your British Airways steward salary could look like, depending on where you’re based:
- Heathrow (mainline): Most starters make around £20.5k–£30k, including flight pay and tax-free allowances. Of course, it can change a bit depending on your roster and how many flights you do.
- Gatwick / BA Euroflyer: Basic pay is about £17,500, but the total package can go up to ~£25,000 when you add duty pay and allowances. Short-haul routes make it pretty predictable.
- BA CityFlyer (London City): Packages usually sit around £21k–£27k, including basic pay, London weighting, flying pay, and sometimes a bit of commission.
In real life, London BA crew report total pay usually lands between £18k and £28k, depending on hours flown and sectors.
Monthly Take-Home: Build-Up Examples
To give you a better idea of your British Airways steward salary, let’s look at a few realistic scenarios. This shows what your pay could actually feel like month to month.
Heathrow junior long/short-haul mix
If you’re starting at Heathrow, flying both long-haul and short-haul, your basic salary combines with flight duty pay. Per diems, which are tax-free money for meals and hotels, also add to your total. Altogether, this usually brings total pay to the mid-£20k range. Flights with more sectors or longer hours can push your total even higher.
Euroflyer short-haul roster (home most nights)
Euroflyer starters usually earn £17,500 basic. Add duty pay, sector bonuses, and subsistence allowances to reach up to ~£25,000. Most flights are short-haul, so you’re home almost every night. This makes planning easier while still earning solid pay.
CityFlyer (London City) with London weighting & sales
At CityFlyer, your basic salary is higher thanks to London weighting. Extra flight pay and occasional sales commission can push total to £21k–£27k. This base has faster turns and business-heavy flights. Your schedule is busy, but the pay reflects that.
Remember: These examples are rough estimates. Your monthly take-home depends on hours flown, sectors, and extra allowances or bonuses.
2025 Pay Rises & Profit-Share: What Changed This Year?
In 2025, Unite secured a multi-year pay deal for BA staff at Heathrow and Gatwick. It also includes a potential profit-share, depending on airline performance. This gives a solid boost to your British Airways steward salary this year. Looking back, prior pay deals show the trend over time. For example, the 2023 agreement increased pay by around 13%. Overall, these steady rises show how BA staff earnings have grown steadily.
Heathrow vs Euroflyer vs CityFlyer — Which Base Pays Best?
So, if you’re wondering which base pays best, here’s a detailed breakdown:
Heathrow
Long-haul flights are more common, which means bigger per diems for meals, hotels, and travel costs. Plus, flight duty pay adds up quickly, especially with more sectors and longer routes. Starters can expect total packages around £20.5k–£30k, depending on roster, flight hours, and extra allowances. Additionally, Heathrow offers exposure to long-haul experience, which can help with future pay growth.
Euroflyer
Basic pay is lower at £17,500, but schedules are mostly short-haul and predictable. That said, total pay, including duty pay, sector bonuses, and allowances, can reach up to ~£25k. Most crewmembers enjoy being home almost every night, which helps with work-life balance. Also, Euroflyer is ideal if you prefer regular routines and less overnight travel.
CityFlyer (London City)
Packages usually sit around £21k–£27k, including London weighting. On top of that, extra flight pay and occasional onboard sales commission boost earnings further. Fast turns and business-heavy flights make schedules intense, but the pay reflects the workload. Plus, CityFlyer gives experience with quick, high-demand sectors, which can build valuable skills.
Overall, Heathrow pays the most, Euroflyer is steady, and CityFlyer offers decent pay with a busier, faster schedule.
Perks that Add Real Value (Not Just Cash)
Being a BA steward isn’t just about the money. You also get perks that make life easier and more fun.
- Staff travel: Jump on standby flights or grab discounted “Hotline” fares to travel more for less.
- Pension: BA helps you save for the future so you’re more secure later.
- Health benefits: Medical cover keeps you and your family protected without extra stress.
- Tech scheme: Discounts on phones, laptops, and gadgets make life cheaper and easier.
- Commuting perks: Parking deals and Heathrow Express discounts save time and money every day.
Basically, these perks aren’t just nice—they make working at BA more comfortable and convenient.
Market Benchmarks: What Are Other Sources Saying?
Let’s see what other sources say about British Airways steward salary:
- Glassdoor: Total pay usually sits between £18k–£28k, with an average base around £21k.
- Third-party guides: Heathrow starters can expect £20.5k–£30k, Euroflyer up to ~£25k, and CityFlyer around £21k–£27k.
Keep in mind: These numbers are just a rough guide, not exact contract figures. Your pay can change month to month depending on hours, flights, and allowances. They give a good idea of what most BA stewards make, so you can get a realistic picture of what to expect.
A little extra info: London weighting usually bumps up pay for CityFlyer and Heathrow roles. Heathrow long-haul flights often mean higher totals, while Euroflyer keeps things steady with predictable short-haul schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much do air stewards get paid in the UK?
- Most start around £18k–£28k total, depending on airline, base, and hours flown.
2. Can you make 100k as a flight attendant?
- It’s very rare. Only highly experienced long-haul crew with extra duties might reach it.
3. Do flight attendants work 40 hours a week?
- Not usually. Hours vary by roster, flights, and layovers, often fewer than standard office hours.
4. How much do senior BA Cabin Crew earn?
- Senior crew at BA can earn around £28k–£35k, plus allowances and possible profit-share.
5. How much does a BA air stewardess earn?
- Similar to male stewards: £18k–£28k for starters, depending on base and flying hours.
6. Which Cabin Crew has the highest salary?
- Long-haul Heathrow crew and senior staff usually earn the most, thanks to per diems and extra pay.
Final Thoughts
Here’s the real scoop on British Airways steward salary in 2025. Pay varies by base, roster, and hours. Heathrow usually pays the most, Euroflyer is steady, and CityFlyer balances decent pay with busy schedules.
Perks like staff travel, pensions, health cover, and London weighting make the role even more rewarding. Pay rises and profit-share in 2025 show BA is steadily increasing crew earnings.
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