United Airlines Flight Attendant Career Information

United Airlines Flight Attendant Career Information

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We are pleased you have expressed an interest in the United Airlines Flight Attendant training program. United is proud of the outstanding in-flight service provided by their Flight Attendants worldwide. To maintain this quality of service their selection standards are high. The following information will acquaint you with the general qualifications, selection process and elements of their training program.

To be as prepared as possible for the application and interview process, see the Avjobs Aviation Career Guide, Aviation Employee Competencies and what aviation employers expect from employees for additional information. Understanding the duties and responsibilityies of a flight attendant before you get started will increase your chances of getting hired.

Professional Image

A neat, well groomed appearance is essential for the true look of a professional.

Duties

Flight Attendants are responsible for the safety and service of passengers. Duties Include food and beverage service, assisting passengers with disabilities, answering inquires and operating mechanical and safety equipment.

Age

Applicants must be at least 19 years of age.

Foreign Language

To support international expansion, United gives preference to candidates who speak at least one language in addition to English. Preferred languages are those spoken in Asia, Europe or Latin America. Candidates may be required to demonstrate basic conversational ability.

Domicile & Relocation

Upon completion of training, graduates are assigned to one of the United domiciles - Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Honolulu, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Newark, San Francisco, Washington DC, Frankfurt, Guam, Hong Kong, London, and Narita. While they attempt to give graduates a choice of initial assignments, preferred choices are not always available. Flight Attendants are eligible to request a transfer after six months to any of their domestic or international domiciles. (Domicile locations change from time to time as new locations open and existing location are scaled down or closed).

Selection for Flight Attendant Training

The selection process usually involves two interviews. The initial interview is conducted at one of the major cities served by United Airlines. The most competitive candidates are invited to their Executive Offices in Chicago or Houston for final evaluation. Prior to training, candidates must successfully complete a physical examination.

The Flight Attendant Training Program

Those selected for training must successfully complete a 8 week tuition-free training program at the Flight Attendant Training Center in suburban Chicago, Illinois. Free room and board are provided. Training includes classroom work, homework and training flights on weekends. Topics covered are aircraft equipment familiarization, food and beverage service, emergency procedures, first aid, etc. Methods of instruction vary but the emphasis is on participative, practical application. Progress in learning is evaluated by written and practical evaluation.

Height

5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet.

Vision

Vision correctable to 20/30 with contacts or glasses.

Citizenship

U.S. Citizen or alien with the legal right to accept employment in the United States.

Education & Work Experience

United requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience involving customer service is a plus.

Reserve Status

New Flight Attendants are assigned to reserve flying and must be able to fly at all times when "on-call", often with as little as 4 hours notice. Reserve Flight Attendants receive a minimum of 11 days off each month. Seniority at the domicile determines how long a Flight Attendant will be assigned to reserve. New Flight Attendants should expect to fly reserve for the first several years of employment.

Personal Travel

New employees, spouse, and dependent children are eligible for unlimited passes to travel United Airlines extensive route structure. Pass travel requires a service charge for each trip taken. Parents are also entitled to one pass per year. During the first six months of employment unlimited personal travel is available at a discount.

Flight Attendant Uniforms

A Flight Attendant must purchase the first uniform set at a cost of approximately $750.00. Most new Flight Attendants choose to pay for the uniforms by payroll deductions.

Salary, Wages & Pay

Flight Attendants are paid based on the number of hours flown per month. The United pay scale is negotiated with the Association of Flight Attendants (the union) and is highly competitive with other major airlines. Expense money is paid for each hour a Flight Attendant is away from his / her home base. Hotels on layovers are provided by United Airlines.

Benefits

Flight Attendants receive an extensive benefit package including company paid medical and dental insurance, pension plan and paid vacations. An employee stock purchase plan, 401(k) plan and credit union are available for those who wish to join. The medical and dental coverage also applies to an employees spouse and dependent children.