Flight Attendant / Cabin Crew
United Airlines invites skilled and dedicated individuals to join its esteemed team as a Flight Attendant. This highly sought-after position offers a unique opportunity to travel the globe while serving as a crucial member of the world's largest airline, renowned for its expansive network and commitment to growth. Becoming a United Flight Attendant does not require specific schooling or a college degree, as successful candidates receive comprehensive professional training provided by the airline.
Overview
United is dedicated to supporting its employees' career aspirations. As a Flight Attendant, you will embark on a rewarding career path, gain access to top-tier health and wellness benefits, forge lasting connections with colleagues and customers, and explore the world through United's extensive route network. This role is vital in defining the future of air travel, offering a chance to be part of a dynamic team creating exceptional experiences.
Training and Onboarding
The journey begins with United's industry-leading Flight Attendant training program. Trainees attend 6.5 weeks of intensive Initial Training in Houston, TX, focusing on mastering United's rigorous safety protocols and service standards. Upon successful completion of training, graduates are welcomed as full-time United employees and assigned a base at one of the airline's major hubs, including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, or other flight attendant base locations (relocation funds are not provided). During training, United provides a weekly stipend of $140, along with dual occupancy hotel accommodations and daily meals (breakfast and either lunch or dinner). Successful training graduates also receive a $1,000 bonus.
Pre-employment processes include a DOT drug screen, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests. Candidates must pass DOT/FAA drug screens, noting that medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited due to the safety-sensitive nature of the role. A successful 10-year background check is required, which must not prohibit travel to any destination served by United.
Key Responsibilities
A United Flight Attendant's primary responsibility is ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. This role requires individuals with a "People-First" demeanor, demonstrating the ability to adapt and respond effectively to diverse customer scenarios. Key proficiencies include:
- Maintaining the highest levels of safety at all times.
- Serving with optimism, positivity, and outstanding interpersonal skills.
- Exercising good judgment and resolving customer issues with understanding, compassion, and grace.
- Influencing customer loyalty through exceptional service.
- Representing United Airlines with pride and distinction.
- Operating with flexibility, available for global assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours.
- Fulfilling reserve assignments on short notice and being prepared to be away from base for multiple days.
- Demonstrating unwavering dependability and timeliness to ensure on-schedule operations and meet customer expectations.
- Working effectively both independently and as a cohesive team member.
- Creating memorable experiences for every customer on every flight.
- Serving and/or selling food and beverages, including alcohol, in a professional manner.
Qualifications and Requirements
Prospective Flight Attendants must meet the following criteria at the time of application:
- Must be 21 years of age or older.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED; two or more years of college preferred.
- Have at least one year of customer service experience in a service-related industry (e.g., retail, hospitality, food, teaching/education, aviation, social service).
- Must be able to speak clearly, concisely, and loudly enough to be heard in an emergency.
- Must speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.
- Must speak, read, and write Italian fluently.
- Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
- Effectively communicate in high-stress situations (e.g., evacuation, security threats, medical emergencies).
- 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 must be no larger than a credit card (3.5" x 2.24") or covered by the standard uniform. 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 required for job tasks.
- Must possess a valid U.S. passport book or foreign passport book with applicable visas at the time of application. The passport must be in good condition and have at least 18 months of remaining validity. Eligibility to travel globally without restrictions is essential; applicants are responsible for verifying travel eligibility to all countries United serves as a working crew member.
- 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 with a combined 76-inch vertical and 43.5-inch horizontal reach and hold (simultaneous), without shoes.
- Ability to sit in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened.
- 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.
- Must successfully complete a water evacuation drill during training.
- Meet hearing and vision requirements established by the FAA and United Airlines, including specific audiometry and visual acuity standards.
Compensation and Benefits
United Airlines offers a competitive compensation package to its Flight Attendants, including a starting hourly flight pay of $28.88, with the potential to reach the top base scale of $67.11/hour based on seniority. Additional compensation is available for language skills, lead positions, and international trips. This is a bonus-eligible position, participating in profit sharing.
Competitive benefits include:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid time off for sick leave and vacation.
- Employee Assistance Plan.
- Commuter benefits.
- Paid holidays.
- Exceptional flight privileges for the employee, family, and friends on a standby basis across United's global network.
- Access to inclusive uniform standards that celebrate individuality.
Application Deadline
The Job Posting End Date is 6/29/2025.
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. 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 to perform crucial job functions.