Flight Attendant
Join the world's largest airline and define the future of travel. United Airlines is seeking dedicated and service-oriented individuals to join its team as Flight Attendants. This role offers a unique opportunity to travel globally, build meaningful connections, and provide exceptional service to customers while prioritizing safety. Candidates can embark on a rewarding career path with opportunities for growth, comprehensive benefits, and the chance to explore the world as part of an extensive route network.
Overview
Achieving organizational goals is rooted in supporting employee aspirations. United Airlines provides a pathway for career growth, access to top-tier health and wellness benefits, opportunities to build lasting connections with colleagues and customers, and the privilege of global travel.
Role Description
As a Flight Attendant at United, individuals become part of a team exceeding 28,000 active professionals within the largest airline globally, boasting the most expansive network and experiencing rapid growth. This highly desired position offers the unparalleled ability to see the world while working. No specific schooling or college degree is required; comprehensive training is provided by United Airlines.
The journey commences with industry-leading Flight Attendant training. Selected candidates attend 6.5 weeks of Initial Training in Houston, TX, where they master United's safety and service standards. Upon successful completion, trainees are assigned to a flight attendant base location, which may include hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, or other designated bases (note: relocation funds are not provided). Following base orientation, individuals are welcomed as full-time United employees. During training, United provides a weekly stipend, dual occupancy hotel accommodations, breakfast, and one additional meal daily (lunch or dinner), depending on the training schedule.
Compensation & Benefits
- Starting Pay: The starting hourly flight pay is competitive, with senior rates reaching the top of the base scale.
- Pay Increases: Seniority-based pay increases are provided.
- Additional Compensation: Opportunities exist for additional pay for language skills, lead positions, and international trips.
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package includes 401(k), health, dental, and vision insurance, and an Employee Assistance Plan.
- Paid Time Off: Employees receive paid time off for sick days and vacation.
- Travel Privileges: Extensive flight privileges are available for employees, their families, and friends on a stand-by basis, allowing travel around the world on the United network.
- Training Bonus: Successful training graduates receive a bonus.
- Profit Sharing: The position is eligible for profit sharing.
Inflight Crew Member Proficiencies
- Safety Focus: Ensures the highest levels of safety are maintained at all times.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Demonstrates a "People-First" demeanor, adapting to and responding effectively to various customer-facing scenarios. Exhibits a passion for service with optimism and positivity. Engages customers directly through outstanding interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to resolve issues with understanding, compassion, and grace. Influences customer loyalty through excellent service. Represents United Airlines with pride and distinction.
- Flexibility & Adaptability: Available for global assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours, reflecting the comprehensive route network. Must be prepared to fulfill reserve assignments on short notice and be away from base for multiple days at a time.
- Dependability: Punctuality and reliability are critical for maintaining operational schedules and meeting customer expectations.
- Team Collaboration: Possesses a consistent track record of working effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Service Excellence: Creates memorable experiences for every customer, every flight, every day, embracing the opportunity to travel the world and explore new cultures.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Possession of a high school diploma or GED is required; two or more years of college are preferred.
- A minimum of one year of customer service experience in the service industry is necessary (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.
- Proficiency in speaking and reading Hebrew is required.
- Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
- Capacity to communicate effectively during high-stress situations, including aircraft evacuation, security threats, delays, medical emergencies, severe weather, and turbulence.
- Adherence to professional appearance and excellent grooming standards, including compliance with uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines. Specific tattoo restrictions apply regarding placement (head, hands, neck, behind ear are prohibited) and size/content of visible tattoos on other body parts. Decorative covers or adornments on teeth are not permitted.
- Ability to proficiently operate electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) for required tasks.
- Must possess a valid passport book prior to application, with at least 18 months of remaining validity. Must be currently in physical possession of a valid U.S. or foreign passport book with applicable visas, and eligibility to travel globally without restrictions.
- Ability to travel to and from all countries United serves without restrictions as a working crew member. Applicants are responsible for verifying travel eligibility for all current United destinations.
- Physical ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (e.g., luggage to overhead bin or window exit), and push and pull beverage carts (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.
- 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, in a diligent and professional manner.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Willingness and ability to work a flexible schedule supporting a 24/7 operation, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
Onboarding and Training Expectations
- Successful completion of an evacuation drill in water (pool) during training is mandatory.
- Willingness to undergo pre-employment DOT drug screening, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests.
- Ability to pass DOT/FAA pre-employment and randomized drug screens. Note that medical and recreational marijuana is prohibited due to the safety-sensitive nature of the position.
- Ability to pass a 10-year background check, including criminal history. The background must not prohibit travel to or from any United destination. Applicants should be aware of potential travel restrictions for certain convictions (e.g., DWI/DUI) when traveling to specific countries like Canada.
- Must, with or without reasonable accommodation, meet FAA and United Airlines hearing and vision requirements.
Work Environment and Culture
United Airlines offers inclusive uniform standards, promoting an environment where employees are encouraged to be their authentic selves. Safety and cleanliness are paramount for both employees and customers.
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. United Airlines 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. The company 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.