United Airlines (UA) is one of the big four carriers in the United States, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and operating flights to more than 300 destinations in all six inhabited continents. With a fleet of over 1,000 aircraft, it is amongst the world’s largest airlines in terms of destinations flown and passenger footfall and is also a member of the world’s first airline alliance – Star Alliance.
In addition to its fantastic network, United is also among the most hospitable US airlines with a leading product on its wide-body airplanes. Thanks to also operating dominantly from some of the country’s most important cities, it continues to be among the most preferred airlines for travellers flying domestically or internationally.
To help with its massive network, United Airlines has over 25,000 flight attendants on its payroll. While all of them start at a junior level, there is also the prospect of internal promotions within the airline to major leadership roles as their career progresses. Here is a look at how much United’s flight attendants are paid and a look at the other benefits they enjoy.
Photo: United AirlinesUnited Airlines Flight Attendants’ Salary
United Airlines pays its flight attendants a basic salary by the hour, which is calculated in the final pay depending on the total number of flights they have serviced in a month.
Initially in their first year, flight attendants receive a salary of US$28.80 per hour with increments of roughly 6% every year. By their 13th year, they are in the maximum bracket of US$67.11 per hour.
Flight attendants start out on the junior-most level but with due experience with the airline and subject to their individual performances, they are promoted to being crew in premium cabins, senior flight attendants, pursers and in-flight services managers. United Airlines also provides them with a robust training program which entails a US$140 weekly stipend and US$1,000 training completion bonus.
In addition to their basic hourly salaries and the amount received while training, an additional payment of US$2 per hour is also paid out over and above the hourly bracket when working reserve hours. Plus, while on layovers, a per diem amount of US$2.40 per hour away from the base and US$2.90 per hour while on the road is paid for domestic and international travel, respectively.
Photo: UnitedUnited Airlines Flight Attendant Benefits
In addition to their hourly salary, United Airlines flight attendants are also eligible for the following benefits throughout their employment with the carrier.
- PROFIT SHARING – Flight attendants automatically enter United Airlines’ pool of profit sharing. Their role is eligible for the airline’s yearly bonus which is paid out depending on the company’s overall performance as well as the individual’s progress in their role.
- INSURANCE – A comprehensive insurance policy is provided to every flight attendant with global validity. It includes general care as well as dental and vision cover. This is in addition to sick days as well, over and above their paid time off.
- STAFF TRAVEL – United Airlines flight attendants, their families and friends can avail stand-by travel benefits on flights across the carrier’s entire network. While there are no free tickets available to them, last minute travel depending on availability can be benefitted from without incurring any cost.
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT – United offers its flight attendants the opportunity to develop as professionals. The United Leadership Institute provides them with courses and learning programs which equip them for other roles within the airline and outside too.
- SOCIAL PARTICIPATION – United Airlines supports their employees’ preferred charities with fundraising initiatives, while on a more personal note, they also support their flight attendants joining activity clubs depending on their tastes and preferences.
Photo: United AirlinesHow to become a flight attendant at United Airlines?
United Airlines requires flight attendant candidates to match the following criteria.
- 21 years of age or older at time of application
- High school graduate or GED
- At least one year of customer service experience in the service industry (such as retail, hospitality, food, teaching/education, aviation, social service)
- Must be able to speak in a clear, concise, and organized manner, loudly enough to be heard in an emergency
- Ability to speak, read, write, and understand English fluently
- Effectively communicate in the event of high-stress situations such as aircraft evacuation, security threats, delays, medical emergencies, severe weather conditions, and turbulence
- Professional appearance, excellent grooming standards, and willingness to follow uniform, hair, tattoo, and piercing guidelines
- Ability to proficiently operate electronic devices (phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) proficiently for the completion of required tasks
- Must possess a valid passport prior to application with 18 months’ validity remaining prior to expiration
- Ability to travel to and from all countries United serves without any restrictions
- Ability to stand, walk, kneel, bend, stoop, stretch, reach, lift heavy objects (such as luggage to overhead bin or window exit) and push and pull 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 (simultaneous), without shoes on, in order to reach and operate all necessary equipment, machinery, and doors
- Ability to hear all types and ranges of sound
- Expectation to serve and/or sell food and beverages (including alcohol) in a diligent and professional manner
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Must be willing and able to work a flexible schedule in support of United’s 24/7 operation (must be available to work weekdays, weekends, holiday, etc.)
Photo: United AirlinesUnited Airlines Flight Attendant FAQs
United Airlines flight attendants are paid an hourly salary ranging from US$28.80 to US$67.11 depending on their overall experience in the company. Additionally, they also receive a layover allowance.
United Airlines requires its flight attendants to be based out of Guam, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston, Chicago, Washington DC or Newark. The carrier also has additional bases in Honolulu, San Diego, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Austin, Tampa, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Cleveland, Boston and London.
Yes, United Airlines is hiring for flight attendants, especially those who can speak foreign languages. All vacancies are advertised on their careers portal.
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