Finnair (AY) is Finland’s flag carrier and one of the oldest airlines in Europe, with roots going back nearly 100 years. Headquartered in Vantaa (just outside Helsinki), it connects Finland to Asia, Europe, and North America. Known for Nordic design, punctuality, and efficient operations, Finnair blends tradition and modernity.
The airline is publicly traded, part of the Oneworld alliance, and has a reputation for high safety standards and excellent in-flight service. It operates a mixed fleet of narrow- and wide-body aircraft, and its cabin crew are central to its premium-leaning product, especially on long-haul routes to Asia.
Finnair’s cabin crew strength isn’t exactly known, although they are all based largely in Helsinki, working on a mix of domestic, intra-Europe, and intercontinental flights, and are governed by collective labour agreements. Here is how much they earn, what benefits they receive, what’s required to join them, and how the hiring process works.
Photo: FinnairFinnair Cabin Crew Salary
Cabin crew salaries at Finnair vary depending on experience, type of operation, and additional allowances. In 2025, entry-level attendants typically start with a base pay of around €1,700 per month (US$1,800).
As they gain more experience and take on greater responsibilities, monthly salaries can rise towards €2,800 (US$3,000), particularly for those regularly rostered on long-haul or premium flights.
This places the annual base salary range between roughly €20,000 and €24,000 (US$21,000–26,000) for newer staff, with senior crew progressing further over time.
What makes the role more financially rewarding is the range of add-ons and premiums that crew receive on top of their base. These include extra pay for night duties, Sunday shifts, holiday flying, and other premium hours, which can raise monthly income by a noticeable margin.
Daily allowances for layovers and per diems on long-haul flights also contribute to overall earnings. For this reason, while the base salary itself may appear modest, total annual compensation is often considerably higher once all extras are factored in.
Part-time cabin crew are paid on a pro-rata basis, with their salaries adjusted according to contracted hours.
Photo: FinnairBenefits Enjoyed by Finnair Cabin Crew
Alongside salaries, Finnair provides its cabin crew with a range of benefits that are designed to support both their working life and personal wellbeing.
- Allowances and premiums – Crew are entitled to additional pay for Sundays, nights, and public holidays, with these premiums sometimes adding a sizeable boost to monthly income.
- Daily and layover allowances – Overnight stops abroad come with per diems to cover meals and incidental expenses, while accommodation and transport are arranged by the airline.
- Healthcare and wellbeing – Employees are covered by comprehensive medical insurance and also have access to wellness schemes, including gym facilities and fitness support.
- Overtime and performance pay – Flying hours beyond the standard roster are compensated, and crew may also receive extra pay linked to performance or operational needs.
- Travel perks – Staff and their families benefit from heavily discounted leisure travel on Finnair’s network, as well as reduced fares on partner airlines.
- Career development – Finnair supports internal growth, offering pathways into senior cabin crew roles and eventually into supervisory or training positions. Regular refresher training ensures skills remain current and staff can adapt to industry changes.
- Work-life balance – Rest periods and clear scheduling are protected, giving crew predictable downtime despite the irregular nature of aviation. For those who prefer less flying, part-time contracts are available with proportionate benefits.
Photo: FinnairRequirements to Become Cabin Crew at Finnair
Finnair expects cabin crew candidates to meet the following requirements:
- Minimum age (typically 18), completion of secondary education (upper secondary/vocational school)
- Fluency in English, as well as Finnish or Swedish, is advantageous
- Good physical health, normal hearing, and eyesight (vision corrected is allowed)
- Clean, professional appearance; visible piercings beyond earrings generally disallowed during duty; appearance must align with uniform presentation
- Ability to fulfil role demands: may involve frequent travel, night flights, irregular schedules, and flexibility in base shifts.
Photo: FinnairRecruitment Process for Cabin Crew
The selection process at Finnair is thorough and designed to find individuals who can handle both the technical and personal demands of the role.
- Online application – Candidates begin by submitting their CV, a recent photograph, and supporting documents through the airline’s careers portal.
- Screening – Applications are reviewed, and only those meeting the minimum requirements are invited to the next stage.
- Assessment day – Shortlisted applicants attend a day of evaluations, including group activities, problem-solving exercises, and role-playing tasks to demonstrate teamwork and customer service skills.
- Interview – Those who succeed at the assessment stage are invited to an individual interview, where their motivation, communication style, and professional appearance are assessed more closely.
- Conditional offer – Successful candidates are offered positions on the condition that they pass medical tests, security checks, and background verification.
- Training – Recruits then attend a training programme at Finnair’s facilities, which usually lasts several weeks. It covers safety, emergency procedures, first aid, and customer service. Only after completing the training are candidates officially welcomed as cabin crew.
Photo: FinnairBottom Line
Working as cabin crew for Finnair offers more than just flying. It is a job that offers stability, decent pay, and a strong benefits package supported by Finnish labour protection.
Though the base salary for newcomers isn’t high compared to some global carriers, the increments, allowances, and premium payments add real value.
FAQs
Finnair cabin crew typically earn between €1,700 and €2,800 per month (US$1,800–3,000) depending on experience, with annual earnings for new staff averaging €20,000–24,000 (US$21,000–26,000). Total income rises with allowances and premiums.
Most cabin crew are based in Helsinki, though some part-time or seasonal positions may involve different arrangements depending on operational needs.
Benefits include discounted staff travel, comprehensive healthcare, overtime and performance pay, layover allowances, and clear career progression paths.
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