Flight Attendant
Overview
Embarking on a career with United Airlines signifies a commitment to personal and professional growth within the aviation industry. The company champions the success of its employees, offering opportunities for career advancement, access to comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and the chance to build enduring connections with colleagues and customers. United's extensive global route network provides unique travel privileges. Joining United means becoming part of a team dedicated to shaping the future of air travel.
Position Description
As a Flight Attendant at United Airlines, individuals become integral members of the world's largest airline by network size. With over 28,000 active Flight Attendants, the role offers a unique opportunity to explore the world while working. This highly sought-after position does not require specific aviation schooling or a college degree; comprehensive training is provided by United.
Training
The United Flight Attendant journey commences with industry-leading Initial Training, spanning 6.5 weeks in Houston, TX. Trainees will master United's rigorous safety protocols and service standards. Upon successful completion of training, candidates are assigned a base from one of the airline's seven hubs: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, or Washington Dulles, among other flight attendant base locations. Relocation assistance is not provided. Training graduates attend base orientation in their assigned location before officially joining as full-time employees. During training, United provides a weekly stipend of $140, dual occupancy hotel accommodations, breakfast, and either lunch or dinner based on the training schedule.
Inflight Crew Member Responsibilities and Proficiencies
Successful Flight Attendants demonstrate proficiency in several key areas:
- Safety First: Upholding the highest levels of safety is paramount.
- A "People-First" Demeanor: Candidates must possess the ability to adapt and respond effectively to various customer-facing situations. A passion for service, marked by optimism and positivity, is essential. This involves engaging directly with customers through outstanding interpersonal skills, exercising good judgment, and resolving issues with understanding, compassion, and grace to foster customer loyalty. Representatives of United are expected to act with pride and distinction.
- Flexibility: Given United's comprehensive global network, Flight Attendants must be available for assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. This includes fulfilling reserve assignments on short notice and being away from the assigned base for multiple days.
- Dependability and Timeliness: Critical for maintaining operational schedules and meeting customer expectations.
- Team Player: A consistent track record of working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team is required.
- Creating Memorable Experiences: Flight Attendants have the opportunity to explore new cultures, travel the world, and craft memorable experiences for every customer on every flight, every day.
Benefits
United Airlines offers a competitive compensation package and exceptional benefits, reflecting the value placed on employee contributions. Benefits include:
- Competitive starting hourly flight pay of $28.88, with the potential to reach a top base scale of $67.11/hour based on seniority.
- Additional compensation opportunities for language skills, lead positions, and international trips.
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan.
- Paid time off for sick leave and vacation.
- Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) for employees and their families.
- Stand-by flight privileges for employees, their family, and friends across United's global network.
- Bonus eligibility (e.g., profit sharing).
- Inclusive uniform standards that encourage employees to be their authentic selves.
- A focus on safety and cleanliness for both employees and customers.
- A $1,000 bonus upon successful completion of training.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates for the Flight Attendant position must meet the following qualifications and requirements:
- Must 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-oriented 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 emergencies.
- Fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English.
- Must also be fluent in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding German.
- Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
- Effective communication skills, particularly in high-stress situations (e.g., evacuations, security threats, delays, medical emergencies, severe weather, turbulence).
- Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to excellent grooming standards, including 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 exceed the size of a credit card/employee badge (3.5 inches long x 2.24 inches wide) unless 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.
- Ability to proficiently operate electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) required for job tasks.
- Must possess a valid passport book prior to application submission, with at least 18 months of validity remaining. This must be a physical, valid passport book in good condition, granting eligibility to travel globally without restrictions. Having applied for or awaiting a passport is not sufficient.
- Ability to travel to and from all countries served by United without restrictions as a working crew member. Applicants are responsible for verifying travel eligibility for all United destinations.
- Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (such as luggage to overhead bins or window exits), and push/pull a beverage cart (up to 250 lbs.).
- Ability to pass a functional reach assessment, demonstrating a combined 76-inch vertical and 43.5-inch horizontal reach and hold simultaneously, without shoes, to operate necessary equipment and doors.
- 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) professionally.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule supporting United’s 24/7 operation, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Onboarding and Training Expectations
- Successful completion of a water evacuation drill (pool) during training is required.
- Candidates must be willing to complete a pre-employment DOT drug screen, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests.
- Ability to pass DOT/FAA pre-employment and randomized drug screens is mandatory. Medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited due to the safety-sensitive nature of the position.
- Ability to pass a 10-year background check, including criminal history, is required. The background must not prohibit travel to or from any destination United serves. For example, convictions or probation for DWI/DUI within the last 10 years may require a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) from the Canadian government for travel to/from Canada.
- Must meet FAA and United Airlines hearing and vision requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation. Hearing loss in the better ear should not exceed 40 dB averaged across 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz. Each eye must have corrected vision of 20/40 or better for both far and near vision.
The job posting is scheduled to end on 9/29/2025.
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. The company recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minorities/Women/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT.
United is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities participating in the job application or interview process or performing crucial job functions. Please contact the company to request accommodation.