10 Second Summary: Crewsim is an eSIM designed specifically for pilots and flight attendants. Unlike generic eSIMs like Airalo, Holafly, or StaffTraveler, it offers one global balance with no expiration, pay-per-megabyte pricing, and 180+ country coverage. It doesn’t require SIM swaps or app installs, making it ideal for crew who travel across multiple countries in one trip.
After a long-haul shift, the last thing any crew member wants to do is search for a SIM kiosk, download another app, or discover their “unlimited” travel plan has expired halfway through a WhatsApp call.
This is the reality for thousands of flight attendants and pilots relying on mainstream eSIMs like Airalo, Holafly, or StaffTraveler. These services were made for tourists on a one-country vacation, not for aviation professionals hopping across three borders in one duty cycle.
We were built with that difference in mind. Created by a pilot who lived through layover frustration, our eSIM gives airline crew global data coverage without roaming fees, SIM swaps, or the kind of expiration dates that punish anyone with a variable schedule. It’s not another travel SIM, it’s a crew-first tool designed to work wherever duty takes you.
If you’re comparing options and wondering how we stack up against the more well-known providers, here’s the side-by-side you need.
What makes Crewsim different from generic eSIM providers?
Most eSIM companies serve a wide audience: digital nomads, backpackers, remote workers, or anyone hopping countries for leisure. That model works for them. But for airline crew, it misses the mark.
We offer a global eSIM that works in 180+ countries on one profile. The credit doesn’t expire, you’re only charged for what you use, and you never need to guess how much data you’ll need in country #3 of your four-leg rotation.
Built for the Crew Life:
- One profile that works everywhere
- Pay-per-megabyte billing
- Credit stays active even if you don’t fly for two weeks
Whether you’re in Seoul today and Doha tomorrow, your data moves with you. No new downloads. No roaming surprises. No plans to renew mid-schedule.
For more on how we were built to match flight crew reality, check out our full breakdown on why we’re different from Airalo and Holafly.
Crewsim vs Airalo, Holafly & StaffTraveler: feature comparison
To give you a clear look at what matters most, here’s a breakdown comparing our platform with other leading eSIM providers:
| Feature | We | Airalo / Holafly / StaffTraveler |
| Target User | Airline crew | Tourists, digital nomads |
| Coverage | 180+ countries, one profile | 100–160 countries, often regional bundles |
| Pricing Model | Pay-per-MB, no expiration | Prepaid GB packages expire in 7–30 days |
| SIM Swaps | Not needed | Often needed when entering a new country |
| Setup Process | Instant via QR, no app required | App setup, country-specific downloads |
| Hotspot Ready | Yes | Often restricted or throttled |
| Credit Expiry | Never | Credit or plans usually expire |
| Carrier Switching | Auto/manual switch between carriers | Often locked to one local provider |
These differences matter. For crew flying 80+ hours a month across multiple time zones, it adds up to saved time, fewer tech issues, and more control over your connection. You can explore this even deeper in our comparison blog here.
Why per-megabyte pricing saves crew real money
Most eSIM providers operate on bundles, 1GB, 3GB, 5GB, sold upfront, whether you use the data or not. For the crew, that means paying for unused gigabytes on short layovers or low-data days. Our model charges only for the megabytes you use, with no hidden fees, no expiry countdown, and rates starting at $1.06/GB depending on the country.
Example:
On StaffTraveler, 5GB costs €24, about €4.80 per GB. Our per-country rates can start as low as €1.20 per GB, and you’re never forced into preset amounts. This matters when you’re in and out of three countries in five days and only need data for messages, navigation, or quick updates.
“I used 300MB in three countries last week, my entire bill? Under €2.”
– Frankfurt-based flight attendant
Crew-tested simplicity: no apps, no headaches
We built our setup for speed, not software. Every crew member gets a QR code. Scan it once, and you’re online in minutes. No apps to install. No multiple profiles to juggle. No logins to remember mid-layover.
It works with any eSIM-compatible phone, including most iPhones, Samsung Galaxy models, and Pixel devices. If your phone supports eSIM, our platform works, no downloads, no troubleshooting.
“When you’re running on 4 hours of sleep, you don’t want to download another app just to get a signal.”
One eSIM. Unlimited borders.
When your flight schedule changes weekly, your tech should be just as flexible. Our eSIM works across 180+ countries with a single installation, no matter how many borders you cross.
There’s no need to swap SIMs or re-download anything after your first setup. Your home SIM stays active for calls or authentication, while our eSIM handles your data. This dual-SIM approach is especially useful when coordinating with ops, checking portals, or simply staying reachable.
And because our data credit never resets, you don’t lose value if your flying schedule slows down. Use 100MB this week and 2GB next month, your balance is always yours.
You can get started right here or continue reading more about how flight attendants are making the switch in our complete crew eSIM guide.
What do generic eSIMs get wrong about flight crew needs
Most eSIM providers are built around tourists and digital nomads. Those travelers typically stay in one place for days or weeks, have time to top up, and can deal with plan expiration or unused data.
But that’s not how airline crews operate.
You might cross three countries in five days, switching time zones and networks along the way. Most generic eSIMs simply don’t support that kind of pace.
Their country-specific plans often expire before your trip rotation ends. And they expect you to download a new profile for every destination, usually through an app you have to install mid-transit.
Our platform was designed for people who fly for a living, not for leisure.
Real-world crew use case
Let’s break this down with a sample itinerary.
Route:
Vienna → Dubai → Singapore → Frankfurt
Trip Length: 5 days
Data Use: Around 250MB (WhatsApp, navigation, crew portals)
With Us:
- One eSIM, no changes
- Data used: 250MB
- Total cost: ~€1.50
- No data expired
With Airalo or Holafly:
- Likely need 3 plans (UAE, Singapore, Germany)
- Plans expire before reuse
- Minimum 1GB per plan purchased
- Estimated cost: €12–30
- Most data unused
It goes beyond saving money. It helps save time, reduce stress, and gives you a system built to match the speed of crew life.
Which eSIM works best for the crew?
For crew who cross time zones and countries faster than most people clear immigration, flexibility goes from being helpful to absolutely required.
Our eSIM was designed by a pilot, refined by working crews, and built to fit the demands of irregular schedules, tight layovers, and global connectivity.
No bundles. No resets. No unnecessary app installs.
Summary:
- Pay only for what you use
- Never lose data to expiration
- Install once, use everywhere
- Compatible with your main SIM
- Trusted by thousands of crew across airlines
If you’re still comparing options, our complete guide for flight attendants offers more insight on why our solution fits this job better than any other.
How to Get Started with Us
You can be connected before your next flight cycle begins. Here’s how:
- Register and receive 100MB of data free → Start here
- Scan the QR code sent to your inbox
- Connect across 180+ countries and stay online throughout your route
We also support iOS and Android with full compatibility for all modern devices.
Flight crew FAQ
What makes us better than Airalo or Holafly?
We’re designed specifically for flight crew, with flexible billing, no SIM swaps, and global coverage that works without plan resets.
Do we work in every country?
We currently cover over 180 countries, with the ability to switch carriers locally for the best signal wherever you land.
Can I use this alongside my regular SIM?
Yes. You keep your primary number and SIM while using our eSIM for data-only connectivity.
Do I need to install an app to use it?
No. You receive a QR code, scan it once, and you’re online. No apps required for activation.
