United Airlines | Flight Attendant

Flight Attendant

As a vital member of the aviation industry, the Flight Attendant plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety, comfort, and positive experience of passengers while representing the airline with professionalism and distinction. This position offers the unique opportunity to travel the world, engage with diverse cultures, and build meaningful connections while providing essential service.

About the Role

The airline operates one of the world's largest and most comprehensive route networks. Flight Attendants are integral to delivering the highest standards of safety and service across this extensive operation. This demanding yet rewarding career requires a commitment to excellence, adaptability, and a passion for serving others. Comprehensive training is provided; a college degree or specialized schooling is not mandatory.

Comprehensive Training Program

Successful candidates will undergo an intensive 6.5-week Initial Training program located in Houston, TX. This training covers essential safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and the airline's service standards. Upon successful completion of training and subsequent base orientation, individuals will become full-time employees. Training includes a weekly stipend, dual occupancy hotel accommodations, and daily meals (breakfast, plus lunch or dinner).

Following training, Flight Attendants are assigned a base from locations including Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington Dulles, or other designated flight attendant bases. Relocation assistance is not provided.

Key Responsibilities and Proficiencies

A successful Flight Attendant demonstrates proficiency in several key areas:

• **Safety Leadership:** Prioritizing and upholding the highest levels of safety for all passengers and crew members during every phase of flight.
• **Customer Focus:** Exhibiting a "people-first" demeanor, adapting to various customer scenarios with optimism and positivity. Engaging directly with customers through outstanding interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and resolving issues with understanding, compassion, and grace. Influencing customer loyalty through excellent service and representing the airline with pride.
• **Flexibility and Adaptability:** Operating within a 24/7 global network, requiring availability for assignments during nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours. Willingness to fulfill reserve assignments on short notice and be away from home base for multiple days.
• **Dependability and Timeliness:** Consistently demonstrating reliability and punctuality, which are critical for maintaining operational schedules and meeting customer expectations.
• **Team Collaboration:** Possessing a proven track record of effectively working both independently and as an integrated member of a crew.
• **Creating Memorable Experiences:** Embracing the opportunity to travel, explore new cultures, and consistently craft positive and memorable experiences for every customer on every flight.
• **Service Delivery:** Diligently and professionally serving and/or selling food and beverages, including alcoholic selections, as required.

Compensation and Benefits

The airline offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The starting hourly flight pay for this role is $28.88, with the potential to reach a top base scale of $67.11 per hour based on seniority. Additional compensation may be available for language skills, holding lead positions, and operating international trips.

Benefits include:

• Competitive pay with seniority-based increases.
• Eligibility for bonus opportunities, such as profit sharing.
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Life, accident, and disability insurance options.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid time off for vacation and sick leave.
• Commuter benefits.
• Paid holidays.
• Extensive flight privileges for the employee, their family, and friends on a stand-by basis across the global network.

Qualifications and Requirements

Prospective Flight Attendants must meet the following qualifications:

• Minimum age of 21 years at the time of application.
• High school diploma or GED required; two or more years of college education are preferred.
• Possession of at least one year of customer service experience within a service industry setting (e.g., retail, hospitality, food service, teaching/education, aviation, social services).
• Ability to speak clearly, concisely, and in an organized manner, with sufficient volume to be heard during emergency situations.
• Must be fluent in spoken, written, and conversational English.
• Must be fluent in spoken, written, and conversational Greek. (Note: Specific language requirements may vary based on business needs).
• Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound as required for safety and communication.
• Capability to communicate effectively in high-stress environments such as aircraft evacuations, security events, delays, medical emergencies, severe weather, and turbulence.
• Maintain a professional appearance and adhere to excellent grooming standards, including compliance with uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines. Tattoo restrictions apply, prohibiting tattoos on the head, hands, or neck (including behind the ear). Visible tattoos on arms, wrists, legs, and feet are permitted if no larger than a credit card (3.5 inches long x 2.24 inches wide) or if covered by the standard uniform. Visible tattoos must not contain offensive imagery.
• No decorative covers, adornments, or jewelry are permitted on teeth or within the mouth.
• Proficiency in operating electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops) necessary for completing job duties.
• Must be in physical possession of a valid U.S. passport book or foreign passport book with applicable visas prior to application. The passport must be in good condition and have a minimum of 18 months of remaining validity from the time of application. Eligibility to travel globally without restrictions is mandatory. Applicants must be able to enter and exit all countries served by the airline as a working crew member, not as a passenger, and are responsible for verifying their travel eligibility.
• Ability to perform physical tasks including standing, walking, kneeling, bending, stooping, stretching, reaching, lifting heavy objects (such as luggage into overhead bins or window exits), and pushing/pulling a beverage cart (up to 250 lbs).
• Ability to pass a functional reach assessment, achieving 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 securely in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness properly fastened.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule in support of the airline's 24/7 operation, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.

Onboarding and Training Expectations

Candidates should be prepared for the following during the pre-employment and training process:

• Successful completion of a water evacuation drill in a pool environment during initial training.
• Willingness to undergo pre-employment DOT drug screening, comprehensive background checks, fingerprinting, and vision/hearing tests.
• Ability to pass DOT/FAA mandated pre-employment and randomized drug screens. Medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited due to the safety-sensitive nature of the Flight Attendant position.
• Successful completion of a 10-year background check, including criminal history. The background must not impede travel to or from any destination served by the airline. Candidates should be aware of specific international requirements, such as Canada's strict policies regarding DWI/DUI charges within the last 10 years, which may require a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) for travel.
• Ability to meet Federal Aviation Administration and airline hearing and vision requirements, with or without reasonable accommodation. This includes specific thresholds for hearing loss and corrected vision standards.

Why Join Us

Joining our team means becoming part of a global family committed to safety, service, and innovation. Employees benefit from an inclusive uniform policy that celebrates individuality, a strong focus on safety and cleanliness, and a culture that supports career growth and connection. Successful training graduates receive a bonus in addition to the training stipend.

The airline is an equal opportunity employer, committed to recruiting, employing, training, compensating, and promoting individuals regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, age, veteran status, and other protected statuses as required by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are provided for individuals with disabilities to participate in the application process, interviews, and perform essential job functions.