Flight Attendant - Explore the World with United Airlines
United Airlines invites dedicated individuals to join its esteemed team as a Flight Attendant. This role offers the unique opportunity to build a rewarding career, provide exceptional service, and explore an expansive global network while ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. The company is committed to supporting its employees' growth, offering comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and fostering lasting connections.
About the Role
As a Flight Attendant for one of the world's largest airlines with the most extensive route network, this position is highly sought after. United Airlines currently employs over 28,000 active Flight Attendants and is experiencing significant growth. The role does not require a college degree or specialized schooling; comprehensive training is provided by United.
The journey begins with 6.5 weeks of Initial Training in Houston, TX, where recruits learn United’s rigorous safety and service standards. Upon successful completion of training, followed by base orientation, individuals become full-time United employees. Base locations are assigned during training and may include hubs such as Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, or other Flight Attendant bases (relocation assistance is not provided). During training, United provides a weekly stipend, dual occupancy hotel accommodations, and two meals per day.
Key Responsibilities and Proficiencies
Flight Attendants are crucial to the operation, serving as the face of United Airlines and ensuring the highest levels of safety and customer satisfaction. Essential proficiencies include:
- Safety First: Upholding and ensuring the highest safety standards on every flight.
- People-First Demeanor: Demonstrating adaptability, optimism, and positivity while engaging directly with customers. Utilizing outstanding interpersonal skills, good judgment, compassion, and grace to resolve issues and influence customer loyalty. Representing United with pride and distinction.
- Flexibility: Being available for global assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. Fulfilling reserve assignments on short notice and being away from base for multiple days.
- Dependability and Timeliness: Consistently arriving on time and being reliable to ensure smooth operations and meet customer expectations.
- Team Player: Possessing a track record of effectively working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Crafting Memorable Experiences: Providing excellent service to make every flight a positive experience for customers, while also embracing the opportunity to travel the world and explore new cultures.
Qualifications and Requirements
Successful candidates for the Flight Attendant position must meet the following criteria:
- At least 21 years of age at the time of application.
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED; two or more years of college are preferred.
- A minimum of one year of customer service experience in a service industry (e.g., retail, hospitality, food, teaching/education, aviation, social service).
- Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and loudly enough to be heard in emergencies.
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand Dutch fluently.
- Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
- Capability to communicate effectively in high-stress situations (e.g., evacuation, emergencies, severe weather).
- Maintaining a professional appearance and excellent grooming standards, adhering to uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines. Note: Tattoos are not permitted on the head, hands, or neck (including behind the ear). Visible tattoos on arms, wrists, legs, and feet must be no larger than a credit card/employee badge or must be covered by standard uniform pieces. Visible tattoos must not contain offensive content. Decorative covers or jewelry on teeth are not permitted.
- Proficiency in operating electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) for required tasks.
- Possession of a valid passport prior to application with at least 18 months of remaining validity and eligibility to travel globally without restrictions as a working crew member.
- Ability to travel to and from all countries United serves without restriction.
- Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (such as luggage), and push/pull beverage carts (up to 250 lbs.).
- Ability to pass a functional reach assessment with specific vertical and horizontal requirements without shoes.
- Ability to sit in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened.
- Required to serve and/or sell food and beverages (including alcohol).
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule in support of United’s 24/7 operation, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Onboarding and Training Expectations
Flight Attendant trainees undergo rigorous preparation, which includes:
- Successfully completing a water evacuation drill.
- Completing a pre-employment DOT drug screen, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests.
- Passing DOT/FAA pre-employment and randomized drug screens (medical and recreational marijuana are prohibited).
- Passing a 10-year background check, including criminal history, ensuring eligibility for unrestricted global travel as a crew member.
- Meeting FAA and United Airlines hearing and vision requirements (e.g., average hearing loss not exceeding 40 dB, vision 20/40 or better corrected).
Compensation and Benefits
United Airlines offers a competitive compensation package and exceptional benefits:
- Starting hourly flight pay of $28.88, with potential to reach $67.11/hour at the top of the base scale based on seniority.
- Additional compensation opportunities for language skills, lead positions, and international trips.
- Eligibility for bonus programs (e.g., profit sharing).
- Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, life, accident & disability coverage, employee assistance program, commuter benefits, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation and sick time), and 401(k) retirement plan.
- Generous flight privileges for employees, family, and friends on a stand-by basis.
- Inclusive uniform standards that celebrate individuality while maintaining professionalism.
- A commitment to safety and cleanliness for both employees and customers.
- During training, a weekly stipend and accommodation/meal provisions are provided. Successful training graduates receive a $1,000 bonus.
The job posting end date is September 29, 2025.
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting, employing, training, compensating, and promoting individuals regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status, and other protected statuses.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to request reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, or to perform essential job functions.