United Airlines | Flight Attendant

Flight Attendant

Overview

Achieving organizational goals begins with supporting employee aspirations. This role offers the opportunity for significant career growth, access to top-tier health and wellness benefits, the ability to build lasting connections with colleagues and customers, and the privilege of global travel through an extensive route network. Join an industry leader in shaping the future of air travel.

Description

United Airlines is the world's largest airline, operating the most expansive network. With over 28,000 active Flight Attendants, the airline is experiencing unprecedented growth. The Flight Attendant position is highly sought after, offering a unique chance to experience the world while working. This role does not require specialized schooling or a college degree; comprehensive training is provided by United Airlines.

The journey begins with industry-leading Flight Attendant training. Trainees undergo 6.5 weeks of Initial Training in Houston, TX, focusing on United's safety and service standards. During training, a base location will be assigned from one of the seven hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, or another designated Flight Attendant base location. Relocation funds are not provided. Upon successful completion of training and base orientation, trainees transition to full-time employee status. While in training, United provides a weekly stipend of $140, dual occupancy hotel accommodations, breakfast, and either lunch or dinner based on the training schedule.

Responsibilities

As an Inflight Crew member, the Flight Attendant's key proficiencies include:

• Safety First: Ensuring the highest levels of safety for all passengers and crew.
• A "People-First" Demeanor: Demonstrating the ability to adapt and respond effectively to diverse customer-facing scenarios. Possessing a passion for service with optimism and positivity. Engaging directly with customers through outstanding interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to resolve issues with understanding, compassion, and grace. Influencing customer loyalty through excellent service and representing the airline with pride and distinction.
• Flexibility: Available for global assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the route network. Fulfilling reserve assignments on short notice and being away from base for multiple consecutive days.
• Dependability and Timeliness: Exhibiting critical reliability and punctuality essential for maintaining operational schedules and meeting customer expectations.
• Team Player: Consistently demonstrating the ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Crafting Memorable Experiences: Providing excellent service to help customers enjoy travel, explore new cultures, and create memorable experiences on every flight.

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidates for the Flight Attendant position must meet the following qualifications and requirements:

• Be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED; two or more years of college are preferred.
• Have at least one year of customer service experience in a service industry (e.g., retail, hospitality, food service, teaching/education, aviation, social service).
• Be able to speak in a clear, concise, and organized manner, with sufficient volume to be heard in an emergency.
• Be able to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.
• Be able to speak and read German fluently.
• Possess the ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
• Be able to communicate effectively in high-stress situations such as aircraft evacuation, security threats, delays, medical emergencies, severe weather, and turbulence.
• Maintain a professional appearance, adhere to excellent grooming standards, and comply 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 not be larger than a credit card / employee badge (3.5 inches long x 2.24 inches wide) or must be covered by standard uniform pieces. Visible tattoos must not be offensive (including but not limited to violent, obscene, sexual, racist, objectionable content, or imagery including weapons).
• Decorative covers, adornments, and/or jewelry on teeth or in the mouth are not permitted.
• Be able to proficiently operate electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) for required tasks.
• Possess a valid passport book prior to application, in good condition, with at least 18 months of remaining validity, and have eligibility to travel globally without restrictions as a working crew member. Having applied for or waiting for a renewed passport is not sufficient.
• Be able to travel to and from all countries United Airlines serves without restrictions. Applicants are responsible for verifying travel eligibility for all destinations served by the airline.
• Be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (such as luggage to overhead bins or window exits), and push and pull a beverage cart (up to 250 lbs.).
• Be able to pass a functional reach assessment with a combined 76-inch vertical and 43.5-inch horizontal reach and hold (simultaneous), without shoes, necessary to operate equipment and doors.
• Be able to sit in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened.
• Be required to serve and/or sell food and beverages (including alcohol) diligently and professionally.
• Be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Be willing and able to work a flexible schedule in support of a 24/7 operation, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Onboarding and Training Expectations

Flight Attendant trainees must successfully complete an evacuation drill in the water during training. Candidates must be willing to complete pre-employment DOT drug screening, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests. The role requires passing 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. The background must not prohibit travel to any destination served by United Airlines; for instance, Canada has strict inadmissibility rules for DWI/DUI charges within the last 10 years unless a Temporary Resident Permit has been obtained. Candidates must meet FAA and United Airlines hearing and vision requirements, including specific thresholds for hearing loss and corrected vision of 20/40 or better for both far and near vision in each eye, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Compensation and Benefits

United Airlines offers employees a competitive compensation package, exceptional benefits, and travel privileges. The starting hourly flight pay is $28.88, with the top of the base scale reaching $67.11 per hour. Pay increases are seniority-based. Additional compensation is provided for language skills, lead positions, and international trips. The position is bonus eligible, including profit sharing.

Competitive benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, life, accident & disability insurance, an employee assistance program, commuter benefits, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation and sick time), and a 401(k) retirement plan. Flight privileges allow the employee, their family, and friends to fly anywhere in the world on a standby basis.

United Airlines maintains inclusive uniform standards, encouraging employees to be their authentic selves. Safety and cleanliness are paramount for employees and customers. During training, a $140/week stipend is provided, along with accommodations and two meals per day. Successful training graduates receive a $1,000 bonus.

The Job Posting End Date is September 29, 2025.

United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. The airline 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. Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT.

United Airlines ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process and perform crucial job functions. To request accommodation, please contact the appropriate department.