Embark on a global career journey with United Airlines. This is an exceptional opportunity for individuals seeking to support their personal growth while advancing their careers within the world's largest airline. United Airlines offers unparalleled opportunities to travel the world, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build meaningful connections, and define the future of air travel.
About the Role
United Airlines, a leader in global aviation with an expansive route network and a growing fleet, invites applications for the coveted Flight Attendant position. With over 28,000 active flight attendants, this role offers the unique privilege of exploring the world while providing exceptional service. United Airlines provides comprehensive, industry-leading training, eliminating the need for prior specialized schooling or a college degree.
Training and Onboarding
The journey commences with a rigorous 6.5-week Initial Training program in Houston, TX, focusing on United's stringent safety and service standards. Upon successful completion, trainees are assigned to one of United's seven major hubs: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, or Washington Dulles, or other designated flight attendant bases. Relocation assistance is not provided. During training, participants receive a weekly stipend of $140, dual-occupancy hotel accommodations, breakfast, and either lunch or dinner. Following base orientation, trainees officially become full-time United employees.
Compensation and Benefits
United Airlines offers a highly competitive compensation package, starting at $28.88 per hour, with the potential to reach $67.11 per hour based on seniority. Additional compensation is available for language proficiency, lead positions, and international assignments. Employees enjoy comprehensive benefits, including 401(k) retirement plans, medical, dental, and vision insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, paid time off for sick leave and vacation, and flight privileges for employees, family, and friends.
Key Responsibilities and Proficiencies
Safety First: Upholding the highest standards of aviation safety is paramount.
People-First Demeanor: Demonstrating exceptional interpersonal skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach to customer service. This includes resolving customer issues with understanding, compassion, and grace, fostering customer loyalty, and representing United Airlines with pride.
Flexibility: Ability to undertake global assignments 24/7, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended periods away from base, often on short notice for reserve assignments.
Dependability and Timeliness: Critical for maintaining operational schedules and meeting customer expectations.
Team Player: Proven ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Creating Memorable Experiences: Contributing to turning travel dreams into reality by exploring new cultures and crafting exceptional experiences for every customer.
Qualifications and Requirements
Must be 21 years of age or older at the time of application.
High school diploma or GED required; two or more years of college education preferred.
A minimum of one year of customer service experience in the service industry (e.g., retail, hospitality, food service, education, aviation, social services).
Fluent in English, with the ability to speak, read, write, and understand the language clearly and concisely, sufficiently loud to be heard in emergencies.
Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand Italian fluently.
Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound.
Proficiency in communicating effectively during high-stress situations, including aircraft evacuations, security threats, medical emergencies, severe weather, and turbulence.
Professional appearance, adherence to grooming standards, and willingness to comply with uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines. Tattoos are not permitted on the head, hands, or neck; visible tattoos on arms, wrists, legs, and feet must be smaller than a credit card and not offensive. Decorative dental adornments are prohibited.
Ability to proficiently operate electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops).
Must possess a valid U.S. passport book or foreign passport book with at least 18 months of remaining validity and applicable visas, allowing unrestricted global travel. A passport application or renewal in progress is insufficient.
Ability to travel to and from all countries served by United Airlines without restrictions.
Physical ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (e.g., luggage to overhead bins, window exits up to 250 lbs.), and push/pull beverage carts.
Ability to pass a functional reach assessment (76-inch vertical and 43.5-inch horizontal reach and hold, without shoes).
Ability to sit securely 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.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule supporting United's 24/7 operations, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
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. Medical and recreational marijuana use is prohibited due to the safety-sensitive nature of the position.
Ability to pass a 10-year background check, ensuring no criminal history prohibits travel to any United destination.
Must meet hearing and vision requirements as established by the FAA and United Airlines, including specific audiometric and visual acuity standards.