Ryanair’s Global Reach and Operations
Ryanair, based in Dublin, Ireland, is among the top low-cost airlines globally. With a history stretching over four decades, the carrier is a pioneer in the ultra-budget air travel model.
It currently flies to more than 200 locations using a fleet of over 600 aircraft.
During its busiest periods, the airline operates more than 3,500 flights daily from over 90 bases spread across Europe and the UK. Its profitability is largely driven by no-frills services and rapid aircraft turnaround. Ryanair employs nearly 17,000 cabin crew to maintain this efficient operation.
Cabin Crew Role and Salary Details
Ryanair’s cabin crew are crucial to ensuring passenger safety during flights. Beyond safety, they handle customer service, onboard sales, and assist with quick turnarounds between flights by managing boarding and deboarding efficiently.
New cabin crew members start with a base salary of around £21,000 annually (about $27,000). Pay increases with flight experience, total flying hours, and rank. Those with higher seniority may take up cabin manager roles.
Crew members also receive additional payments based on layover locations and durations. Staff working in mainland Europe are paid in euros, converted from British pounds.
Extra Benefits for Ryanair Cabin Crew
Ryanair offers its cabin crew more than just a salary. Perks include:
- Free Training: All new hires receive comprehensive safety and customer service training at no cost.
- Sales Bonuses: Crew earn uncapped commissions from selling food and drinks during flights.
- Travel Discounts: Employees, along with their families and friends, get discounted tickets across the Ryanair network (no free standby tickets, unlike some other airlines).
- Work-Life Balance: Crews work five days straight, followed by three consecutive days off, usually returning to their home base.
- Relocation Options: With over 90 bases, Ryanair offers opportunities to move within its network based on operational needs.
- Career Development: Crew can become supervisors within a year and progress further into senior roles with experience.
Requirements to Join Ryanair as Cabin Crew
Candidates interested in joining Ryanair’s cabin crew team must meet several criteria:
- Must have the legal right to work and reside in the EU and be able to travel across the airline’s network.
- Height should be between 157 cm (5’2″) and 188 cm (6’2″).
- Ability to swim 25 meters unaided and assist others.
- A friendly, flexible, and hardworking personality is essential.
- Willingness to work on a shift basis.
- Strong customer service skills and a positive attitude.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken, and the ability to pass a language assessment.
- Passion for travel and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Ryanair’s Hiring Process
The recruitment steps for cabin crew roles include:
- Application: Candidates submit their CV and documents through the official Ryanair careers site.
- Online Assessment: Selected applicants complete an English test to evaluate communication skills.
- Interview: Successful candidates are interviewed online or in person, depending on their location.
- Training: Those who pass the interview undergo paid training, which includes safety procedures and service expectations for Ryanair’s Boeing 737 aircraft.
Common Questions About Ryanair Cabin Crew Jobs
- How much do Ryanair cabin crew earn?
Entry-level cabin crew start at £21,000 annually and can earn bonuses and commissions. More experienced staff earn higher pay. - Where are crew members based?
Although Ryanair’s main base is in Dublin, crew members work out of over 90 locations across Europe, the UK, and parts of Africa. - Is Ryanair currently hiring?
Yes. Current openings include bases in Berlin, Mallorca, Stockholm, Paphos, Marseille, Brussels, Frankfurt, Paris, Cork, Dublin, and others.