United Airlines Flight Attendant Job Description
United Airlines is seeking highly motivated and dedicated individuals to join its world-class team as a Flight Attendant. As a Flight Attendant, the primary responsibility is ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers while delivering exceptional customer service in a dynamic global environment. United Flight Attendants are the face of the airline, upholding the highest standards of safety and service aboard every flight.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prioritizing passenger safety by performing safety demonstrations, conducting cabin checks, and responding effectively during emergencies.
- Delivering excellent customer service, anticipating passenger needs, and resolving issues with professionalism and grace.
- Serving and selling food and beverages, including alcoholic beverages, in a diligent and professional manner.
- Adhering to all company policies and procedures, including uniform, grooming, and safety guidelines.
- Operating electronic devices proficiently for the completion of required tasks.
- Working collaboratively as a key member of the inflight crew team.
Required Qualifications:
- Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
- Possesses a high school diploma or GED; two or more years of college preferred.
- Holds a minimum of one year of customer service experience in a service industry setting (e.g., retail, hospitality, food service, education, aviation, social services).
- Demonstrates the ability to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.
- Must possess the ability to speak, read, write, and understand Italian fluently.
- Capable of speaking in a clear, concise, and organized manner, with sufficient volume to be heard in emergency situations.
- Ability to effectively communicate and remain composed during high-stress situations, including emergencies, security threats, delays, and turbulent conditions.
- Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
- Must possess a valid U.S. passport book or foreign passport book with applicable visas prior to application. The passport must be in good condition and have at least 18 months of remaining validity at the time of application. Applicants must have physical possession of the valid passport prior to applying.
- Ability to travel to and from all countries served by United Airlines without restrictions, entering and exiting locations as a working crew member. Applicants are responsible for identifying and verifying personal travel eligibility.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and extended hours, in support of a 24/7 operation. This includes fulfilling reserve assignments on short notice and being away from the base for multiple days. Dependability and timeliness are essential.
- Must be willing and able to complete pre-employment drug screens (DOT/FAA), comprehensive background checks (including a 10-year criminal history review), fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests. Passing randomized drug screens is required throughout employment. A background check that prohibits travel to or from any United destination is disqualifying.
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, and reach.
- Ability to lift heavy objects, such as luggage to the overhead bin or operating window exits.
- Ability to push and pull a beverage cart weighing up to 250 lbs.
- Ability to pass a functional reach assessment, requiring a combined 76-inch vertical and 43.5-inch horizontal reach (simultaneous), without shoes.
- Ability to sit securely in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened.
Grooming and Appearance:
- Maintains a professional appearance with excellent grooming standards.
- Willingness to follow all uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines.
- Tattoos are not permitted on the head, hands, or neck (including behind the ear). Visible tattoos are permitted on arms, wrists, legs, and feet if no larger than a credit card/employee badge (3.5 inches long x 2.24 inches wide); otherwise, they must be covered by standard uniform pieces. Visible tattoos must not be offensive (e.g., violent, obscene, sexual, racist, objectionable content, or imagery including weapons).
- Decorative covers, adornments, and jewelry on teeth or in the mouth are not permitted.
Training and Onboarding:
- Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive 6.5-week training program in Houston, TX, focusing on United's safety and customer service standards.
- Training includes successful completion of an evacuation drill in water.
- During training, United provides a $140/week stipend, accommodations, and two meals per day (breakfast and lunch).
- Relocation funds to the assigned flight attendant base are not provided.
- Successful training graduates receive a $1,000 bonus.
Compensation and Benefits:
- United Airlines offers a competitive compensation package and exceptional benefits.
- Starting hourly flight pay is $28.88, with the top of the base scale at $67.11 per hour.
- Seniority-based pay increases are provided.
- Additional compensation is available for language skills, lead positions, and international trips.
- Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), vacation time, and sick time.
- Employees, their families, and friends enjoy worldwide flight privileges on a standby basis.
- United embraces inclusive uniform standards, allowing employees to express their individuality while adhering to guidelines.
Desired Attributes:
- Possesses a "People-First" demeanor with the ability to adapt to various customer-facing scenarios.
- Demonstrates a passion for service, coupled with optimism and positivity.
- Engages directly with customers through outstanding interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to resolve issues with understanding, compassion, and grace.
- Influence customer loyalty through excellent service.
- Represents United Airlines with pride and distinction.
- Functions effectively both independently and as part of a team, with a consistent track record of teamwork.
- Excels in flexibility, available for global assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.