Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Career Path, Skills, Eligibility, Salary, and Much More

In the world of aviation, the terms cabin crew and air hostess are often used, but they mean slightly different things. People often fail to comprehend the difference between cabin crew and air hostess. The cabin crew includes everyone on the plane who takes care of passengers. This team works together to keep everyone safe, comfortable, and happy during the flight. It includes both male and female members and has various roles like flight attendants, and stewards.

Now, an air hostess is a specific job within the cabin crew, usually referring to women on the team. In the past, the term was mostly used for women in the profession, focusing on the hospitality part of their job. But things have changed, and now both men and women can be air hostesses.

Even though both cabin crew members and air hostesses have similar tasks, like giving safety instructions, serving food, and helping passengers, air hostesses often pay extra attention to making the plane feel welcoming. They are the friendly face of the airline, making sure everyone has a good experience while flying.

Understanding the difference between cabin crew and air hostess helps us see the various jobs people do in aviation. The cabin crew includes the whole team taking care of passengers, while air hostesses focus more on making the flight a pleasant journey for everyone.

Are Cabin Crew and Air Hostess the Same?

Cabin crew and air hostesses are different, even though they both work in the aviation sector. Cabin crew is a broad term for all the staff on an airplane, like flight attendants and pursers. Air hostess is a specific term for female flight attendants in commercial airlines. The main difference is that cabin crew focuses on passenger safety, while air hostesses mainly look after customer service and passenger comfort.

Cabin crew undergo training for emergencies and safety, while air hostesses are trained in customer service, grooming, and taking care of passengers. Both roles need good communication skills and professionalism. But cabin crew has more responsibilities compared to air hostesses, who are often the friendly face of the airline.

Suggested Reading: Career as a Cabin Crew

Cabin Crew vs Air Hostess: Key Differences

There are both – visual and fundamental difference between the cabin crew and air hostess. In this section, we will talk about these differences over several parameters. This will help you recall the distinctions that you might be aware of subconsciously.

Aspect	Cabin Crew	Air Hostess
Gender	No restrictions	Generally, females
Job title	General term for all staff members on an aircraft	The specific term for female flight attendants on commercial airlines
Uniform	Professional attire that is gender-neutral	Stylish and glamorous uniforms that are feminine
Job opportunities	Opens up more job opportunities for both males and females	Limits the job opportunities for females

These were some of the basic differences between cabin crew and air hostess on several parameters. 

Cabin Crew VS Air Hostess: Which Job is Better?

Deciding between being a cabin crew member or an air hostess depends on personal preferences, goals, and expectations. However, there are certain parameters on which you can consider which job is better. Some of the factors that you must take in consideration are:

1. Job Title: If you like a broad term covering various roles in aviation, choose cabin crew. Air hostesses are specific to female flight attendants on commercial airlines.
2. Social Expectations: If you’re okay with stereotypes and appearance standards, an air hostess might be suitable. Cabin crew can have a wider range of appearances.
3. Recognition: If you want recognition for safety and comfort efforts, cabin crew is better, recognizing both genders. Air hostess emphasizes female crew for customer service.
4. Job Opportunities: For more career prospects, go for cabin crew. It offers a wider range of roles, while air hostess limits opportunities to a specific role in commercial airlines.

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Cabin Crew VS Air Hostess: Which has more value?

Deciding between being a cabin crew member and an air hostess comes down to personal choice. Cabin crew is a broader term with more job options, including both men and women, focusing on safety. On the other hand, an air hostess is a specific term for female flight attendants.  Air hostess highlights a more customer-focused and glamorous role. 

The value of each job depends on what someone is looking for – cabin crew for diverse opportunities and fairness, air hostess for a specific, stylish, and traditional customer service role. Ultimately, it’s about what someone wants from their career in the aviation industry.

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Differences Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess

Cabin crew and air hostess are two terms that are often used to describe the staff members who work on board an aircraft. However, there are some key differences between these two roles that you should know. 

In this section, we will compare and contrast cabin crew and air hostesses in terms of salary, career paths, skills and expertise, qualifications, responsibilities, tools and methodologies, and educational requirements.

Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Educational Requirement

• Cabin crew need to undergo a rigorous training program that covers topics such as aviation, safety, security, service, and communication. They also need to pass written and practical exams and obtain a certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). 
• Air hostesses need to complete the same training program as cabin crew, plus additional modules on grooming, etiquette, and personality development.

Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Qualifications

• Cabin crew need to have a minimum qualification of 10+2 or equivalent, and a valid passport. They also need to meet the physical and medical standards set by the airline, such as height, weight, vision, and health. 
• Air hostesses need to have the same qualifications as cabin crew, plus additional requirements such as fluency in English and other languages, and a pleasing personality.

Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Skills

• The cabin crew needs to have skills and expertise in safety procedures, first aid, emergency situations, customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. 
• Air hostesses need to have skills and expertise in customer service, communication, grooming, etiquette, passenger care, and sales.

Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Responsibilities

• Cabin crews are responsible for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers during flights. They are trained in emergency procedures, first aid, and customer service. They also assist with boarding, serving meals and beverages, and maintaining the cleanliness and security of the aircraft. 
• Air hostesses are primarily responsible for providing excellent customer service to passengers. They assist with boarding, serving meals and beverages, and attending to any passenger requests or needs during the flight. They also represent the airline’s image and brand.

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Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Tools and Methodologies

• Cabin crew use various tools and methodologies to perform their duties, such as safety equipment, intercom, PA system, inflight entertainment system, trolleys, trays, and manuals. 
• Air hostesses use the same tools and methodologies as cabin crew, plus additional ones such as cosmetics, accessories, magazines, and feedback forms.

Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Career Paths

• Cabin crew can advance to senior positions such as purser, cabin manager, or cabin crew instructor. They can also switch to other roles in the aviation industry, such as ground staff, customer service, or training. 
• Air hostesses can also progress to senior roles within the cabin crew, or pursue other opportunities in the hospitality, tourism, or media sectors.

Difference Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess: Salary

According to Payscale, the average salary for a cabin crew in India is ₹4,90,000 per year, while the average salary for an air hostess is ₹5,50,000 per year. However, the salary may vary depending on the airline, experience, location, and performance.

Similarities Between Cabin Crew and Air Hostess

There are several overlapping skills and responsibilities in cabin crew and air hostess. Both ensure passenger safety and comfort, undergo rigorous training, need excellent communication skills, and must meet specific educational and health standards.

The table given below gives a glimpse of the similarities between the two aviation jobs. 

Aspect	Cabin Crew	Air Hostess
Job Description	Ensure safety, and comfort, assist with boarding, serve meals, and maintain cleanliness and security.	Similar responsibilities focused on passenger well-being, safety, and customer service.
Training	Rigorous program covering aviation, safety, security, service, and communication. Pass written and practical exams. Certification from DGCA.	Intensive training covering the same topics with certification requirements from DGCA.
Skills	Excellent communication, professionalism, friendliness, and empathy. Deal with passengers from diverse backgrounds.	Emphasizes excellent communication, professionalism, friendliness, and empathy to handle diverse passengers.
Qualifications	Minimum 10+2 or equivalent, valid passport. Meet physical and medical standards (height, weight, vision, health).	Same minimum education, passport requirement, and adherence to physical and medical standards.

These were some of the fundamental differences between cabin crew and air hostess. If you need career advice from the experts, visit us at Career Counselling in Gurgaon and get your queries resolved in minutes.

That’s All for Now!

There are notable differences between cabin crew and air hostess. Cabin crew includes everyone working on a plane, taking care of passengers, and ensuring safety. Air hostess, a specific role within cabin crew, focuses more on providing excellent customer service and has a stylish image. 

Both require similar training and qualifications, but the choice between them depends on personal preferences. Whether one prefers a broader role with diverse opportunities as cabin crew or a more specific and stylish role as an air hostess, it’s essential to consider individual priorities in the exciting world of aviation.

We hope you got all your answers! If you still need help regarding your application process or any other assistance, reach out to iDreamCareer’s expert counselors. We have helped several young, confused minds in choosing the right college and course after the 12^th as well as after the undergraduate degree.

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