Compare / EI vs FR
Aer Lingus vs Ryanair
Two very different offers for the same job. Here is what actually separates Aer Lingus and Ryanair for cabin crew — pay, roster, rules and who each one suits.
Aer Lingus
EI · Dublin
6.6
crew score
Ryanair
FR · Dublin (90+ bases)
6.4
crew score
Choose Aer Lingus if…
- ✓Starting pay is higher — about 36% more per month
- ✓Better layovers and lifestyle (7.3 vs 5.8)
- ✓Long-haul network with proper layovers instead of turnarounds
- ✓Visible tattoos may be accepted — a hard stop at the other airline
Choose Ryanair if…
- ✓Faster progression (career 7.4 vs 6.8)
- ✓Short-haul flying means you sleep at home most nights
- ✓Actively hiring right now
- ✓Bigger network: ~230 destinations vs ~95
Side by side
| Aer Lingus | Ryanair | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry pay / month | $2,200-$2,700 | $1,500-$2,100 |
| Senior pay / month | $3,200-$4,600 | $2,300-$3,200 |
| Tax-free | No | No |
| Housing | Not provided | Not provided |
| Base | Dublin | Dublin (90+ bases) |
| Type | Full-service | Low-cost |
| Fleet | ~60 | ~600 |
| Destinations | ~95 | ~230 |
| Alliance | None | None |
| Minimum age | 18 | 18 |
| Reach / height | 210 cm reach | 210 cm reach |
| Visible tattoos | Some allowed | Not allowed |
| Language beyond English | None required | None required |
Crew scores compared
Aer Lingus
Ryanair
Apply
Aer Lingus
Recruits annually for summer-season contracts, usually opening applications each autumn/winter; the 2026 seasonal campaign has closed, with the next window expected for summer 2027 crews.
Ryanair
Recruitment days run continuously across Europe via Ryanair and its partners Crewlink and Workforce International; new courses start almost every month as the 737 MAX fleet grows.
Still torn? Let the data decide.
Tax-free money or home every night? Fast promotion or a calm roster? Seven questions, ranked against pay, lifestyle, career and hiring data.
Frequently asked questions
Does Aer Lingus or Ryanair pay cabin crew more?
Aer Lingus pays more at entry level: about $2,200-$2,700 a month against $1,500-$2,100. Remember to weigh tax status and housing before comparing headline figures.
Which is easier to get into, Aer Lingus or Ryanair?
Aer Lingus is periodic intakes (Recruits annually for summer-season contracts, usually opening applications each autumn/winter; the 2026 seasonal campaign has closed, with the next window expected for summer 2027 crews.) while Ryanair is actively hiring (Recruitment days run continuously across Europe via Ryanair and its partners Crewlink and Workforce International; new courses start almost every month as the 737 MAX fleet grows.) Requirements differ too — check both requirement pages before deciding where to spend your effort.
Aer Lingus or Ryanair — which is better for a first cabin crew job?
Aer Lingus scores higher overall in our index (6.6 vs 6.4), but "better" depends on what you want: money, roster, promotion speed or where you live. The reasons listed above split it by priority.