Are you dreaming of pursuing a career as a United Airlines Flight Attendant and want to know about the requirements and what to expect during the interview process?
The competition to become a Cabin Crew member at United Airlines, one of the best US airlines, is tough. But don’t worry, this article will guide you on everything you need to know to help you achieve your dream job.
Firstly – congratulations on taking the first step towards your dream career! As someone who worked as an Air Hostess for nearly four years, I understand your concerns about the assessment process and the interview.
I will provide you with valuable information to boost your confidence and help prepare you for success! The Flight Attendant application process consists of multiple stages, and you must pass each stage to progress to the next.
Unfortunately, failure to pass one stage will prevent you from advancing to the next stage so it’s important to try your best at every stage!
United Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements
United Airlines Application Process:
- Apply online
- Video Interview
- Face to face Interview
- Pass tests including skills & personality test, drug tests, background check, medical exam, preliminary test.
- Flight Attendant Training
1. Apply for the United Airlines Flight Attendant position online
Visit United Airlines careers website and complete the online application. The webpage contains essential information regarding the application process, so read it carefully.
You’ll be required to submit your resume and complete an online Assessment Form that assesses if you’re suitable for the job. It typically takes less than 30 minutes to complete. Ensure that you provide honest answers.
2. Attend the Video Interview
If you’re selected to move forward after the initial screening, you’ll receive an email invitation to participate in a virtual video interview, which typically takes a few weeks.
This will be your first formal interview, so dress appropriately and present yourself professionally. Use a computer rather than a phone for a more stable connection.
Choose a professional backdrop, ensure you have good signal, and females apply some makeup. Although you’ll likely feel nervous, try to smile and look into the camera.
A small percentage of applicants will move on to the next round.
3. Face To Face Interview
You might not hear back about the video interview for several weeks or months, but if you’re selected, you’ll be invited to an in-person interview. This might take place in a few weeks or several months.
4. Pass Tests
If you pass the face to face interview you’ll then need to pass a drug test, medical exams (sight and hearing tests), background checks, skills and personality assessments, and a preliminary suitability test.
If you pass all of the tests, submit all necessary documents, and meet all criteria, you’ll receive a conditional job offer (CJO), meaning you’ll have the job once you’ve completed airline training.
5. Flight Attendant Training
The United Airlines Flight Attendant training is a rigorous 6.5 week training program in Houston, Texas that prepares you for a wide range of situations you may encounter as Cabin Crew.
You’ll receive a weekly payment of $140 during training, and your accommodation expenses and meals during training days (breakfast and lunch) will be covered. Upon successfully graduating, a one-off bonus of $1000 will be received.
You must complete all required background checks, the Flight Attendant training, and demonstrate your proficiency to receive your flying license. Employment is only guaranteed once you successfully complete the training.
Upon completion, you’ll receive your wings and become a member of the United Airlines Cabin Crew team. The probationary period for United Airlines Flight Attendants is six months.
How Long Will The Whole Application Process With United Airlines Take?
As you can see from the above timeline, the hiring process to become a Flight Attendant is a time-consuming process, and the length of the application process can vary greatly among applicants.
The time it takes to get hired often depends on the number of Cabin Crew required at the time and whether you possess a particular skill that the airline is actively seeking, such as fluency in a specific foreign language.
The field is highly competitive, with only a few spots available despite the thousands of applications received. While waiting for a response from the recruiters, stay patient since it can take some time for them to reply.
However, if you don’t hear anything, consider it good news. You will always receive an email if your application is unsuccessful.
If there are no available positions, subscribing to job alerts for Flight Attendant positions is strongly advised.
Applying as soon as a position becomes available is crucial because airlines receive many applications, and vacancies may close earlier than expected.
Check out the Cabin Crew Shop HERE
What do you include in your United Airlines Cabin Crew Resume CV
To ensure you stand the best chance of getting a job as a Flight Attendant it is crucial that your Cabin Crew CV stands out from the rest. The competition for these positions is fierce, and your CV plays an important role in your application.
It is the first point of contact that recruiters use to screen and select candidates, making it essential to get it right and increase your chances of progressing to the next stage.
When creating your Flight Attendant CV, it is important to include details of your previous education, jobs, and experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
It is also crucial to tailor your CV to the airline’s requirements, and reading the Flight Attendant job duties description on United Airlines’ website can provide valuable insights.
Recruiters only spend an average of 20 seconds skimming through your CV, so the presentation is crucial. Therefore, your CV needs to look professional and be concise.
Canva offers many free CV templates that provide an eye-catching structure and professional appearance.
Your CV should be limited to one page only to demonstrate your ability to be concise. It is important to use easy-to-read fonts such as Arial or Times New Roman, and clear, formal language.
Using bullet points and short summaries instead of lengthy explanations is also recommended.
Proofreading and spell-checking are vital to ensure that there are no grammar or spelling mistakes, and it is advisable to have someone else review it as well.
Printing your CV on white paper, without folding it, and keeping it in a folder will maintain a crease-free appearance.
Cabin Crew CV Layout:
1. Personal Details
At the top of the CV include your name, personal email address, phone number, Nationality and date of birth, as well as a professional head shot of you on the CV.
2. Work experience/professional experience
Put your current job first so the recruiters can immediately see your current work status. Then work backwards and sit your previous jobs in reverse chronological order.
Include the start and end date, as well as the company name, your job role held there and where you were based.
Write a brief description of your position held and the job responsibilities you had (in bullet points). Aim for around 4 short sentences for each job role.
It is really important that you include the transferrable skills that you gained that can be applied as a Flight Attendant.
3. Education
Only include your highest qualification. Include the dates you attended, what qualification you received, and the name and location of your school/University/College.
4. Transferable Skills
Think of 3 or 4 of your best qualities that are relevant for Flight Attendants to have.
There are no right or wrong answers, but qualities such as problem solving, teamwork, adaptable, usuing your initiative, good communication, being responsible, customer services are examples of good transferrable skills.
Write the skill in bold and then a sentence demonstrating how you possess this quality – it is important to give a specific example of how you have demonstrated this quality in your past roles!
Regarding the transferable skills, it’s always worth looking online on United Airline’s website to see what skills they are particularly looking for, so you can sure to highlight those not only in your CV, but in your interview as well.
Applying Online For A Flight Attendant Job With United Airlines
When applying for a Flight Attendant job with United Airlines, it’s essential to upload a CV/resume. A concise and impactful Cover Letter that highlights your experiences and expertise can help you stand out.
Including references, certificates, and work experience such as Flight Attendant School that you believe to be beneficial is also wise.
What happens once you have applied online?
Once you’ve submitted your application online, you’ll receive an email notification if your application is successful. You’ll be invited to the next stage, which is the virtual group interview.
How to stand out on the United Airlines Interview?
To make a lasting impression during the interview, it’s essential to be confident without being arrogant.
Convince the assessors that you’re the right fit for the job by acting like a Flight Attendant, carrying yourself well, and maintaining good posture. Always smile and be yourself, and try to make friends with other applicants.
The assessors will be observing how you interact in social and group situations, so it’s important to avoid being alone and talk to others.
While nerves are normal, try not to compare yourself to other applicants and focus on making a positive impression.
What are you required to bring to the Interview?
It is recommended that you bring a copy of your CV to the United Airlines Flight Attendant Interview. In addition, you will be required to bring your passport and a photocopy of it, as well as your highest education certificate.
It is a good idea to keep these documents in a smart plastic wallet to protect them from damage.
For females, it is recommended to bring a black handbag that is large enough to fit your CV without crumpling it, along with some makeup (especially lipstick), a hairbrush, spare clips, and hairbands if necessary.
Don’t forget to bring a bottle of water as well!
What outfit should I wear for the United Airlines Flight Attendant Interview?
When it comes to what outfit to wear for the United Airlines Flight Attendant Interview, both face-to-face and online, it is necessary to dress in business attire. For men, this means wearing a smart suit.
For women, it is recommended to wear a black blazer, white shirt, a knee-length black skirt (or smart trousers), and black heels.
If you wear a skirt, make sure to wear skin-colored tights and button up your blouse quite high to maintain a neat and professional appearance.
It’s not about looking trendy, it’s about looking professional at this stage, so even if you’d normally prefer to unbutton your blouse a bit more, keep it buttoned up to show you can respect guidelines and standards.
How should I do my make-up for the United Airlines Interview?
Looking presentable is crucial for a Flight Attendant. Therefore, it is advised to wear a full face of makeup, including foundation, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, mascara, and lipstick.
Avoid extravagant eye makeup and eyelash extensions, but if you must wear eyelash extensions, make sure they are discreet.
Remember, you need to already look the part of a Flight Attendant to impress recruiters and increase your chances of being selected for the position!
How should I style my hair for the United Airlines Flight Attendant Interview?
It’s important to create a professional image during your Flight Attendant Interview, and your hairstyle plays a big role in achieving this.
Look up the hairstyles Flight Attendants commonly do and try to replicate them as closely as possible.
Buns and French twists are popular choices for female Flight Attendants with long hair, but if you’re not comfortable with a French twist, it’s better to stick to a neat bun.
Don’t forget to use enough hair spray to keep any flyaways in place, and try to keep your use of kirby grips to a minimum, making sure you use grips that blend in with your hair color.
How early should I get to the United Airlines Interview?
As a Flight Attendant, being punctual is essential. Most Flight Attendant Assessment Days start early in the morning, so arriving on time demonstrates your reliability and punctuality.
Arriving late is a bad impression and will negatively impact your chances of progressing further in the assessment day.
In aviation the saying goes: “if you’re on time, you’re late” so don’t think a 9am start means arriving at 9am!
You should arrive no later than 20 minutes before your scheduled start time! Arrive even earlier if you’re more comfortable. It’s a good opportunity to chat with other candidates, which can help calm your nerves and make some friends.
The interviewers may call you into the conference room just a few minutes before the start time, so make sure you check your appearance beforehand and carry a small mirror in your bag if needed.
What Questions To Expect At The United Airlines Interview?
Whilst you will never know which exact questions they will ask you in the interview, you can ALWAYS prepare yourself.
Airlines will always ask you questions along the lines of:
- tell me a bit about yourself
- why do you want to be Cabin Crew
- why you want to work specifically for United Airlines?
- why should the airline pick you?
- how do you feel about having to relocate?
Make sure you prepare your answers ahead of time by creating bullet points, memorizing them, and expanding upon them to avoid sounding scripted.
Practice in front of a friend or on your computer to ensure you can effectively communicate that you possess all the qualities United Airlines is looking for.
Additionally, make sure to highlight past experiences that could be relevant to the job, even if they are already included in your CV, as the assessors may not have read everything.
For example if you have a background in healthcare make sure you mention this as the assessors will really like this! Or if you were a Flight Attendant with a previous airline, or have worked extensively in retail and hospitality.
All these experiences will really help you so make sure you mention it and sell yourself!
Don’t assume because you have included something on your CV that the assessors will read it – you need to mention everything important in the Interview!
You will likely be asked scenario questions, so brainstorm potential situations and be ready to provide specific examples!
For example they might ask you to tell them about a difficult person you had to deal with. Give an ACTUAL EXAMPLE of when you have dealt with someone difficult! Don’t just say how you would deal with that person.
Perhaps you were working in a shop and had an angry customer? You can totally use this example.
It’s also helpful to research United Airlines’ destinations and any new routes they may be opening up.
The final interview will probably be only around 20 minutes, so use your time to sell yourself – and don’t be thrown off by the assessors taking notes!
Prepare a couple of thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview, avoiding anything related to salary or anything too obvious that could suggest you haven’t done your research on United!
Why Do You Want To Work For United Airlines?
This question will probably come up at some stage during your interview, so it’s wise to have an answer prepared already. Do some research about the company and see what is appealing to you.
Here is a bit of background information about United Airlines that you might like to base your answers on:
– United Airlines was founded in 1926
– United Airlines main hub is Chicago O’Hare
– United Airlines flies to 231 destinations in 48 countries over five continents.
– United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the USA
– United Airlines are one of the founding members of the Star Alliance partnership- which is the world’s largest recognised airline alliance.
– United Airlines slogan: “Fly the Friendly Skies”
– Subsidiaries and codeshares of United includes: All Star Alliance Airlines and United Express (regional service operated by independent carriers).
– United Airlines were the first airline to launch the Boeing 777
– United Airlines flies over 36 million passengers through Chicago O’Hare Airport alone each year!
It’s always worth looking at a Company’s Purpose, Vision and Company Values. The Company Objectives/Mission for United Airlines is:
“Our mission is to provide an inclusive work environment which is characterised by dignity and respect, and which empowers United employees to serve the global marketplace and contribute to our success.”
There are good advancement opportunities at United Airlines, as well as of course great pay and benefits.
In addition, United Airlines does focus on recruiting and retaining motivated employees, which as an employee is something that should be important to you.
Keep in touch with the other candidates who made it through to the final interview!
All of us who went for the final interview exchanged WhatsApp numbers and created a group chat after the interviews were over.
This group became a valuable source of support as it gave me a sense of motivation and excitement even before my training began!
We would keep each other informed about any emails we received, ask for advice, and we still remain close friends to this day, even though some of us are no longer flying!
These individuals were there for me since the beginning, and the bond we share is truly special, as we all went through the process together.
I strongly recommend that you do the same n with your fellow candidates during the Assessment Day.
If you make it through, having this group of people who understand exactly what you’re going through can make the experience even more exciting and supportive, as you can lean on each other throughout the journey.
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United Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements:
Here are the requirements to become a Flight Attendant for United Airlines:
- Must be at least 21 years old
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Must have the right to live and work in the United States without restriction
- Must have the right to travel worldwide without restriction and have a valid passport with at least 18 months validity
- Capable to fly international as well as domestic flights at any time of the day
- Must be able to make announcements, give emergency orders, and communicate fluently in the English language (speaking, reading, writing)
- Able to attend 6.5 weeks of training, and relocate immediately to allocated base once employed
- Must be able to pass a full medical, including sight and hearing tests
- Must pass a background check and drug screening test
- Must present proof of covid vaccine
- Must have a height of between 5ft and 6ft3
- Weight should be proportionate to height
- Must have good level of health and fitness to be able to meet the physical requirements of the job
- Must be able to swim 50 metres
- Must have a tidy, well-groomed appearance
United Airlines will also give preference to Flight Attendants who:
- are fluent in a second language (bilingual)
- have a College Diploma
- have at least 2 years of customer service experience
Being a Flight Attendant is a challenging job that can take a toll on both your physical and personal life. You may need to make sacrifices like being away from your family or working night shifts. You should also be ready for:
– Physical demands like pulling, pushing, reaching, bending, walking and lifting
– Long periods of standing and speaking
– Potential hazards and noise associated with airport ramp operations
– Extensive travel, including consecutive nights away from home and exposure to varying climates
– Flexible work schedules that may include evenings and weekends
– Skilled in managing difficult situations, resolving complaints, and de-escalating conflicts
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide friendly customer service
– Professional representation of the United Airlines brand while in uniform.
United Airlines Hubs & Home Bases
All United Airlines Flight Attendants should be willing to be based at any of the United Airlines bases, which includes but isn’t limited to:
- Chicago O’Hare
- Newark
- Los Angeles
- San Francisco
- Houston
- Washington
- Denver
To determine if United Airlines is the right fit for you, it’s crucial to consider whether you’re able to be based at one of their designated locations.
If this isn’t possible, you may want to reconsider applying to United Airlines and instead look for other airlines based elsewhere that may be more suitable for you.
Keep in mind that being based at a certain location doesn’t necessarily mean you have to live there; some Cabin Crew members commute from their home city to their base as a passenger.
However this option may not be ideal, especially if you’ll be on reserve. It’s important to be well-organized if you choose to commute.
Interested in becoming a Flight Attendant for another US airline?
Check out these articles:
American Airlines FA Requirements
Southwest Airlines FA Requirements
United Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements:
When applying to become a Flight Attendant, it’s important to understand the requirements for the specific airline you’re interested in.
Requirements can vary between airlines and have changed over the years, leading to confusion for aspiring Flight Attendants.
Some people have made it to the interview stage before realizing they don’t meet the requirements, while others don’t apply because they assume they don’t meet them.
To avoid these situations, it’s crucial to double-check the requirements for the airline you apply for.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Height Requirements:
Height requirements for Air Hostesses are in place not to discriminate, but for safety reasons.
Flight Attendants need to be able to reach overhead compartments unaided, where safety equipment such as oxygen bottles, fire gloves, fire extinguishers, Emergency Medical Kits, Defibrillators, and PPE are stored.
United Airlines requires Flight Attendants to be between 5ft and 6ft3 tall to meet these safety requirements.
United Airlines Age Requirements For Flight Attendants:
United Airlines requires Flight Attendants to be at least 21 years old. While some may wonder if there is an upper age limit for Cabin Crew, the answer is no.
Age discrimination in employment is against the law in the USA – legislation and Equality Acts ensures it doesn’t occur and everyone is given an equal opportunity.
So as long as the individual meets the other requirements and can safely carry out their duties, they can become a Flight Attendant.
Many people transition into this career later in life, and the average age of Flight Attendants in the USA is in the mid 40s.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Weight Requirements
While there aren’t specific weight requirements for Flight Attendants at United Airlines, they should have a relative level of fitness to perform their duties safely and efficiently and to be able to fit into the Flight Attendant uniform.
Being a Flight Attendant involves physical work such as lifting items, being able to open heavy doors in emergencies, and spending hours on their feet all day and keeping up with the busy Flight Attendant schedule, so airlines generally look for relatively healthy individuals.
Slightly overweight candidates should not be discouraged from applying, as long as they can carry out their duties safely and efficiently and can safely sit in a jumpseat and fasten their harness.
United Airlines does not test physical fitness during the assessment process, and weight is not a basis for termination in the USA.
Flight Attendant Appearance Requirements
The appearance of Flight Attendants is crucial as they are often viewed as the face of the airline and have the most interaction with passengers.
Flight Attendants’ professional appearance can have a lasting impact on people, so it’s important for them to represent the airline well.
It’s not necessary for them to have model-like looks, but they should adhere to specific style and image standards. These standards include a clean and professional appearance, neat Cabin Crew hairstyles, and neat makeup for females.
During the Flight Attendant Assessment Day, present yourself as smartly as possible, paying attention not only to your physical appearance, but also to your posture and how you sit, behave and speak.
Try to have your hair (and makeup) as close to real Flight Attendants as possible!
Can You Be A Flight Attendant With Tattoos?
Regarding tattoos, most airlines prohibit Flight Attendants having visible tattoos while wearing the Cabin Crew uniform.
However, United Airlines allows visible wrist, arm, feet, and leg tattoos that are smaller than an employee badge (2.25 inches wide x 3.5 inches long) or tattoos that can be covered by standard uniform pieces.
Any visible tattoos can not include sexual, violent, racist, obscene or objectionable content or include images of weapons.
Regarding piercings on Flight Attendants, most airlines allow one piercing per ear lobe for female Flight Attendants, but not on other visible body parts.
Other Flight Attendant Requirements
Some other requirements for Flight Attendants include:
– Citizenship/Ability to legally work in that country: You will need to be a US Citizen or a legal resident alien (Permanent Resident) or have work rights to work as a Flight Attendant in the USA.
– Passport: As obvious as it sounds, you will need a valid passport to become a Flight Attendant.
– English Fluency: If you want to be a Flight Attendant in the USA you will need to be fluent in English (written, spoken and reading).
– Drug Test: Airlines expect you to pass a pre-employment drug screen as well as be subject to random drug and alcohol testing in the future prior to your operational duties.
Bear in mind certain drugs such as marijuana can stay in your system for a lot longer than alcohol can.
Flight Attendants are encouraged not to smoke, and if they are smokers they shouldn’t be seen smoking in their uniform before or after a flight when at the airport.
– Criminal background test: At some point in the Flight Attendant hiring process you will be required to provide a criminal Background Check.
– Eyesight: Eyesight doesn’t need to be 100% – it just needs to be 20/40 or better, and Cabin Crew are permitted to wear contact lenses or glasses.
They must carry a spare pair of glasses with them onboard, so make sure you have them if you require glasses or contact lenses.
– Ability to swim: You need to be comfortable swimming as you never know if you will have to swim in the sea for survival.
Your ability to swim without a lifejacket will be tested during your training, so at least you have time to practice and gain confidence if you don’t have it already.
Should I Attend A Flight Attendant School Beforehand?
Paying for a Flight Attendant Course prior to applying for a Flight Attendant position is NOT mandatory and the majority of Flight Attendants I know never went on one of these courses!
Personally – I think they are a waste of money to the majority of people. Most of the information needed to prepare for the Assessment Day can be found online through Flight Attendant blogs or YouTube channels.
Attending a Flight Attendant School does not guarantee you will get through and get the job! A well-written CV and thorough preparation for the Assessment Day is what will increase your chances of success.
Remember it’s not so much how you are on paper, but how you perform on the day and how your personality comes through as to whether you will make it through to the Final Interview to become a Cabin Crew.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Salary
The Flight Attendant salary at United Airlines is pre-determined and agreed by United Airlines and the Union: Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) in a formal contract agreement.
Flight Attendants starting hourly salary is $28.88 at United Airlines, which is above the national average.
Pay increments are based on joining date anniversaries, which are specified in the contract. Each year their hourly rate then increases by roughly $2 per hour.
Flight Attendants who have been working at United for 12 years or more earn more than $65 per hour!
In addition to their flying hours, Flight Attendants are paid a layover payment to cover expenses when away from home on a layover, and United Airlines covers the cost of their hotel stay and transportation to and from the airport.
Language speakers may also receive higher salaries if United Airlines is seeking individuals with proficiency in a specific language.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Uniform
United Airlines Flight Attendants must purchase the first uniform set at approximately $750.00. Most new Flight Attendants pay for the uniforms by payroll deductions.
United Airlines Flight Attendant Benefits
Benefits for United Airlines Flight Attendants include:
- discounted flights for employee and their family
- competitive salary
- permanent contracts
- paid holidays
- Employee discount scheme
- flexible working hours
- health insurance (including mental health care and dental plans)
- training and development opportunities
- 401K plan
- spending account and savings account
- performance & attendance bonuses
- maternity and paternity leave
- sick leave/bereavement leave/family medical emergency leave
After How Long Can You Reapply To Become An United Airlines Flight Attendant If You Got Rejected?
If you don’t make it to the final stages, don’t let it bring you down. The competition for this job is intense, and only a small number of applicants are selected.
Don’t give up on your dream, as some excellent Cabin Crew had to apply three or four times or even more before getting the job. Don’t let setbacks hold you back – use every experience as a learning curve.
If you want to reapply, you can do so six months after the last email communication from United Airlines about your previous application, provided there is a new Flight Attendant training opening up.
There’s nothing to stop you applying through a different email sooner than this though, so I have heard.
Summary of United Airlines Flight Attendant Requirements:
Hopefully this article provided you with lots of helpful information about the requirements for your United Airlines Flight Attendant application. Though the process may seem long, it is worth the wait.
Many Flight Attendants had to apply several times before getting hired, so don’t give up. Research and preparation are key for success.
As long as you do your research and prepare for the interview beforehand, you’ll stand yourself in a good position to get accepted.
Honestly the best advice I can give you is to prepare: find out as much information as you can and prepare answers for possible questions they could ask you at the Final Interview.
I really wish you all the best of luck!
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