Flight Attendant - United Airlines
Job Overview
United Airlines is seeking dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join its world-class team as Flight Attendants. This exciting opportunity offers a chance to grow professionally, access exceptional health and wellness benefits, build meaningful connections, and travel the globe through United's expansive route network. Candidates are invited to contribute to shaping the future of air travel.
Role Description
United Airlines, the largest airline globally with the most comprehensive network, is experiencing significant growth and currently employs over 28,000 flight attendants. The role of a Flight Attendant presents a unique opportunity to explore the world while professionally serving customers. United provides comprehensive, industry-leading training, eliminating the need for specialized prior schooling or a college degree.
The journey commences with a rigorous 6.5-week Initial Training program in Houston, Texas, focusing on United's stringent safety and service standards. Upon successful completion, trainees are assigned a base from one of seven major hubs: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, or Washington Dulles, or other designated locations. Following base orientation, individuals become full-time United employees. During training, a stipend of $140 per week is provided, along with dual-occupancy hotel accommodations and two meals daily. Graduates of the training program will receive a $1,000 bonus.
Key Responsibilities and Proficiencies:
- Safety First: Upholding the highest standards of aviation safety at all times.
- People-First Demeanor: Demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a positive attitude in diverse customer-facing situations. Possessing strong judgment to resolve issues with understanding and grace, thereby influencing customer loyalty and proudly representing United.
- Flexibility: Availability for global assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours, as required by United's comprehensive route network. This includes fulfilling reserve assignments with short notice and being away from base for extended periods. Dependability and punctuality are critical for operational success.
- Team Player: Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and work independently.
- Transforming Experiences: Contributing to memorable customer experiences through exceptional service and by embracing the opportunity to travel the world and explore new cultures.
Compensation and Benefits
United Airlines offers a competitive compensation package, including a starting hourly flight pay of $28.88, with potential to reach $67.11 per hour based on seniority. Additional compensation is available for language skills, lead positions, and international trips.
Employees receive comprehensive benefits, including:
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid time off for sick leave and vacation
- Flight privileges for employees, family, and friends (stand-by basis)
- Profit sharing opportunities
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for the Flight Attendant position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
- Possess a high school diploma or GED; 2 or more years of college education is preferred.
- At least one year of customer service experience in the service industry (e.g., retail, hospitality, food service, education, aviation, social services).
- Ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and loudly enough to be heard in emergency situations.
- Fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing, and understanding).
- Must be able to fluently speak, read, write, and understand Dutch.
- Ability to perceive all types and ranges of sound.
- Effective communication skills during high-stress situations, including aircraft evacuations, security threats, medical emergencies, severe weather, and turbulence.
- Professional appearance and excellent grooming standards, adhering to uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines. Tattoos are permitted on arms, wrists, legs, and feet, provided they meet specific size and content restrictions. Decorative dental adornments are not permitted.
- Proficient in operating electronic devices for task completion.
- Must possess a valid U.S. passport book (or foreign equivalent with necessary visas) with at least 18 months of remaining validity at the time of application. Must have the passport in possession prior to training.
- Ability to travel globally to all countries served by United without restrictions.
- Physical ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (up to overhead bins), and push/pull beverage carts (up to 250 lbs.).
- Ability to pass a functional reach assessment (76-inch vertical, 43.5-inch horizontal reach and hold, without shoes).
- Ability to sit in an assigned jump seat with seatbelt and shoulder harness fastened.
- Willingness to serve and/or sell food and beverages, including alcohol, in a professional manner.
- Legally authorized to work in the United States.
- Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays, to support United's 24/7 operations.
Onboarding and Training Requirements:
- Successful completion of an in-water evacuation drill during training.
- 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: Medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited due to the safety-sensitive nature of the role.
- Ability to pass a 10-year background check, including criminal history. Background must permit global travel to all United destinations. Specific restrictions apply for individuals with past DWI/DUI convictions (e.g., entry into Canada may require a Temporary Resident Permit).
- Must meet Federal Aviation Administration and United Airlines hearing and vision requirements (e.g., better ear hearing loss average not exceeding 40 dB at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz; each eye 20/40 or better corrected for far and near vision).
The Job Posting End Date is 12/31/2025.
United Airlines is an equal opportunity employer. The company 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 statuses as required by applicable law. Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available during the application and interview process.