Air Canada Flight Attendant Salary In 2025 What To Expect

Air Canada (AC), the national flag carrier of Canada, has cemented its position as one of North America’s leading airlines, boasting numerous accolades, including five Skytrax awards in 2024. These awards highlight the airline’s excellence in onboard service and its robust hard products. Along with such achievements, the airline earned recognition as the best airline in North America, surpassing major competitors like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. However, despite its acclaim, Air Canada faces controversy over its compensation structure for cabin crew, particularly in terms of hourly pay and employee satisfaction.

In this article, we’ll explore the compensation package for Air Canada’s flight attendants, the benefits they enjoy, and the path to joining the prestigious cabin crew team at this award-winning airline. If you’re considering a career with Air Canada, keep reading to learn more about the salary expectations and benefits that come with being part of their team.

Air Canada Flight Attendant Salary for 2025: What to Expect

Air Canada’s flight attendant salary structure has long been a subject of debate. While the airline is highly profitable, it’s known for offering lower pay compared to other full-service competitors in North America. The company’s pay model is based on flight block hours, meaning that attendants are compensated for the actual hours spent in the air, rather than receiving a fixed monthly salary. This system creates variability in earnings from month to month, depending on how much flight time an attendant accumulates.

According to the most recent information posted on Air Canada’s career website, flight attendants can expect to work approximately 65 hours per month, earning a starting hourly wage of CA$30.02 (about US$21). While pay rates are subject to annual increases based on performance, a new flight attendant’s starting rate may vary depending on their individual qualifications and experience.

Annual earnings for Air Canada’s flight attendants typically range between CA$21,000 and CA$43,000 (US$14,600 to US$30,000), with the specific salary depending on factors such as seniority, role (e.g., purser, premium cabin crew), and the types of routes (short-haul vs. long-haul) they work. Senior employees working long-haul international flights tend to earn more due to the higher time commitment and responsibilities involved.

Comprehensive Benefits for Air Canada’s Flight Attendants

While Air Canada’s hourly wages may not be the highest in the industry, the airline compensates its flight attendants with a range of additional benefits that help enhance the overall compensation package. These benefits include:

Financial Benefits

Flight attendants at Air Canada are eligible for several financial perks, including participation in the company’s pension program after a certain length of service. Additionally, employees are enrolled in the Employee Share Ownership Plan (ESOP), allowing them to buy company stock. Air Canada also provides an annual bonus program, which adds further financial incentives for good performance.

Health and Insurance Coverage

Air Canada’s flight attendants receive comprehensive health insurance coverage, which includes medical, dental, and vision care benefits. These policies cover the flight attendants while they are on the job, but also extend to their families, ensuring their well-being. The airline also offers life insurance coverage, providing financial security in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

Recognition and Career Growth Opportunities

The airline has a recognition program called “Shine,” which highlights the exceptional contributions of its employees. This program serves as an additional motivator for cabin crew members to perform at their best, knowing that their hard work will be recognized. As part of the program, standout employees may receive promotions and gain a stronger reputation within the industry, helping them in their career advancement.

Staff Travel and Discounts

Air Canada offers generous staff travel benefits to its flight attendants after 28 weeks of service. Employees can travel for free on standby, which opens up opportunities for personal travel. They also receive discounts on Air Canada Vacations packages, which include all-inclusive holiday packages. Furthermore, flight attendants enjoy discounts with various travel and hotel partners, which can make traveling more affordable and enjoyable.

Allowances and Perks

Air Canada’s flight attendants also benefit from layover allowances to cover meal costs during extended stays at destinations. The airline covers transportation to and from airports, ensuring that its cabin crew has a smooth experience on the ground as well as in the air.

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How to Become a Flight Attendant at Air Canada

If you’re considering applying to become a flight attendant at Air Canada, there are specific requirements and qualifications that you must meet:

Minimum Qualifications:

A minimum age of 18 years old.
A valid Canadian passport that allows travel to all countries served by Air Canada.
A willingness to relocate to one of Air Canada’s in-flight bases (Vancouver, Toronto, or Calgary).
Completion of an 8-week, full-time training program in Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver.
A clean criminal background check, as required by Transport Canada.
Ability to meet Air Canada’s medical standards, including a drug and alcohol test.
Fluency in English, with preference given to candidates who are also fluent in French, Punjabi, Greek, Japanese, German, Tagalog, Thai, Arabic, Italian, Hebrew, and Hindi.

The Hiring Process

Air Canada follows a multi-step hiring process for its flight attendants:

Application: Candidates submit their resume and relevant documents through Air Canada’s careers page.
Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview to assess their qualifications and skills. In some cases, an online assessment may also be conducted.
Conditional Offer: Successful candidates will receive a conditional job offer, which is subject to the completion of background checks, medical tests, and an 8-week training program.
Confirmation: Once candidates have passed all necessary evaluations, they will be confirmed as Air Canada employees.

Air Canada Flight Attendant FAQs

How Much Do Air Canada Flight Attendants Make?

Air Canada’s flight attendants earn a starting rate of CA$30.02 per hour, with annual earnings ranging from CA$21,000 to CA$43,000, depending on experience, seniority, and flight assignments.

Where Are Air Canada’s Flight Attendants Based?

Air Canada flight attendants are based in one of the airline’s four operating bases: Calgary, Toronto, or Vancouver.

Is Air Canada Currently Hiring Flight Attendants?

Currently, Air Canada is not actively hiring flight attendants. However, they are inviting applications for future openings, which can be submitted via their careers portal.

Final Thoughts

While Air Canada’s hourly pay may not be the highest compared to other major North American airlines, the overall compensation package, including benefits like insurance, travel perks, and pension plans, makes it an appealing choice for many flight attendants. Additionally, the airline’s reputation as one of the best in the world, along with its recognition programs and career growth opportunities, can make it an excellent stepping stone for those looking to start or further their career in the aviation industry.