United Airlines | Flight Attendant

Flight Attendant

United Airlines, a global leader in aviation, operates the world's most expansive route network and is currently experiencing significant growth. With a large and dedicated team of over 28,000 active Flight Attendants, United is committed to supporting the career goals of its employees while connecting people and cultures across the globe. This sought-after position offers the unique opportunity to travel extensively, build meaningful relationships with colleagues and customers, and contribute to creating memorable travel experiences daily.

A Flight Attendant with United Airlines serves as a crucial member of the cabin crew, primarily responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of passengers aboard each flight. This role demands a "People-First" demeanor, requiring individuals to adapt and respond effectively to various customer-facing scenarios with optimism, positivity, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Flight Attendants engage directly with customers, exercising good judgment to resolve issues with understanding, compassion, and grace, thereby influencing customer loyalty and representing United with pride and distinction. Key duties include maintaining the highest levels of safety, serving and selling food and beverages, and communicating effectively, especially in high-stress situations such as emergencies or severe weather.

Prospective Flight Attendants embark on their United journey with comprehensive, industry-leading training. This includes 6.5 weeks of intensive Initial Training in Houston, TX, where participants learn United's stringent safety and service standards. Upon successful completion of training and base orientation at an assigned location, trainees transition to full-time employee status. During training, a weekly stipend is provided, along with dual-occupancy hotel accommodations and two meals per day. A bonus is awarded upon successful graduation from training. Bases are assigned in hub cities including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, or other designated Flight Attendant locations (relocation funds are not provided).

The role requires significant flexibility due to the dynamic nature of global airline operations. Flight Attendants must be available for assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. This involves fulfilling reserve assignments on short notice and being away from the assigned base for multiple consecutive days. Dependability and timeliness are paramount for maintaining the operational schedule and meeting passenger expectations. The ability to work effectively both independently and as a collaborative team player is essential. This career allows individuals to turn dreams into reality by traveling the world, exploring new cultures, and fostering connections.

United Airlines offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The starting hourly flight pay is $28.88, with potential for seniority-based increases reaching $67.11/hour at the top of the base scale. Additional compensation is available for language skills, lead positions, and international trips. This position is also eligible for bonus opportunities, including profit sharing. Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability insurance, an Employee Assistance Plan, commuter benefits, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation and sick time), and a 401(k) retirement plan. Employees, their families, and friends enjoy exceptional flight privileges, allowing for travel on a stand-by basis across United's extensive route network. United is committed to inclusive uniform standards, encouraging employees to express their individuality while maintaining a professional appearance.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of application.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED; two or more years of college is preferred.
• Have a minimum of one year of customer service experience in a service-related industry (e.g., retail, hospitality, food service, teaching/education, aviation, social service).
• Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and in an organized manner, with sufficient volume to be heard in an emergency.
• Must be fluent in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding English.
• Must be fluent in speaking, reading, writing, and understanding Dutch.
• Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
• Capable of effectively communicating in high-stress situations (e.g., evacuation, security threats, delays, medical emergencies, severe weather, turbulence).
• Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to excellent grooming standards, including compliance with uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines. Tattoos are not permitted on the head, hands, or neck (including behind the ear). Visible tattoos on arms, wrists, legs, and feet are permitted but must be no larger than a credit card (3.5 inches long x 2.24 inches wide) or be covered by standard uniform pieces. Visible tattoos must not be offensive. Decorative covers, adornments, or jewelry on teeth or in the mouth are not permitted.
• Ability to proficiently operate electronic devices for required tasks.
• Must possess a valid U.S. passport book or foreign passport book with applicable visas and eligibility to travel globally without restrictions at the time of application. The passport must be in good condition and have at least 18 months of remaining validity. Physical possession of the passport is required prior to application; having applied for or waiting for a renewed passport is not sufficient.
• Ability to travel to and from all countries United serves as a working crew member without any restrictions. Applicants are responsible for verifying their travel eligibility for all potential destinations.
• Capable of performing physical duties including standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting heavy objects (such as luggage to overhead bins or assisting with window exits), and pushing and pulling a beverage cart weighing up to 250 lbs.
• Ability to pass a functional reach assessment with a combined 76-inch vertical and 43.5-inch horizontal reach and hold (simultaneous), performed without shoes.
• Ability to sit securely in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Willing and able to work a flexible schedule in support of United’s 24/7 operation, including weekdays, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.

Pre-Employment Process:

Candidates selected for training must successfully complete a water evacuation drill. The pre-employment process includes a Department of Transportation (DOT) drug screen, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests. Applicants must pass DOT/FAA pre-employment and randomized drug screens; medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited due to the safety-sensitive nature of the position. A 10-year background check, including criminal history, is required to ensure eligibility to travel to all United destinations. Applicants must meet FAA and United Airlines hearing and vision requirements, including average hearing loss not exceeding 40 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in the better ear, and corrected vision of 20/40 or better for both far and near sight in each eye.

The job posting end date is September 29, 2025.

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer that recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes individuals regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. United Airlines is committed to ensuring individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process and to perform crucial job functions. Please contact the company's designated channels to request accommodation.