Compare / KL vs AF
KLM vs Air France
Two very different offers for the same job. Here is what actually separates KLM and Air France for cabin crew — pay, roster, rules and who each one suits.
KLM
KL · Amsterdam Schiphol
7.1
crew score
Air France
AF · Paris CDG
7.2
crew score
Choose KLM if…
- The two are closely matched on the measures we track.
Choose Air France if…
- ✓Starting pay is higher — about 9% more per month
- ✓Visible tattoos may be accepted — a hard stop at the other airline
Side by side
| KLM | Air France | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry pay / month | $2,100-$2,600 | $2,200-$2,900 |
| Senior pay / month | $3,400-$4,900 | $3,400-$4,800 |
| Tax-free | No | No |
| Housing | Not provided | Not provided |
| Base | Amsterdam Schiphol | Paris CDG |
| Type | Full-service | Full-service |
| Fleet | ~110 | ~250 |
| Destinations | ~160 | ~190 |
| Alliance | SkyTeam | SkyTeam |
| Minimum age | 18 | 18 |
| Reach / height | 158 cm | 212 cm reach |
| Visible tattoos | Not allowed | Some allowed |
| Language beyond English | Dutch | French |
Crew scores compared
KLM
Air France
Apply
KLM
Recruits in batches when operational need arises; vacancies posted on the KLM careers site and typically filled quickly — no open applications accepted between campaigns.
Air France
Runs recruitment campaigns tied to fleet growth, including a large 2026 work-study intake; CCA holders can apply when windows open on the Air France recruitment portal.
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 KLM or Air France pay cabin crew more?
Air France pays more at entry level: about $2,200-$2,900 a month against $2,100-$2,600. Remember to weigh tax status and housing before comparing headline figures.
Which is easier to get into, KLM or Air France?
KLM is periodic intakes (Recruits in batches when operational need arises; vacancies posted on the KLM careers site and typically filled quickly — no open applications accepted between campaigns.) while Air France is periodic intakes (Runs recruitment campaigns tied to fleet growth, including a large 2026 work-study intake; CCA holders can apply when windows open on the Air France recruitment portal.) Requirements differ too — check both requirement pages before deciding where to spend your effort.
KLM or Air France — which is better for a first cabin crew job?
Air France scores higher overall in our index (7.2 vs 7.1), but "better" depends on what you want: money, roster, promotion speed or where you live. The reasons listed above split it by priority.