Taking the Leap: Your Start at United Airlines

Being a United Airlines flight attendant is a dream job for many, but what does it really take to wear the United badge? Let's dive into what you can expect from United's flight attendant training program – it’s more than just serving coffee and smiles.

United's Rigorous Training Program

My 7 weeks of training, in 1999, took place in Illinois where the facility was small and the water instruction was on a carpeted floor. Thirty years later, it is now located at United's expansive training center in Houston in a 56,000 square feet facility with a 125,000-gallon aquatic center. In six weeks, you’ll be immersed in a range of essential skills – from operating emergency doors on different aircraft to practicing water landings in state-of-the-art simulators. You will also learn basic medical response skills along with emergency situational responses.This comprehensive training ensures you’re prepared for any in-flight situation.

Skill Development and Real-World Preparedness

Beyond the technical aspects, you’ll be trained in de-escalation techniques, crucial for managing today’s increasingly common in-flight disturbances. This training is invaluable, equipping you with the confidence and skills to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers. You will also be introduced to United's customer service standards for inflight service. Being a flight attendant is a customer services oriented position so it is vital you have previous customer service skills experience.

Salary and Job Outlook

As you weigh the decision of becoming a United Flight Attendant, it’s important to consider the financial aspects. Starting flight attendants at United Airlines typically earn less than the national median salary for this role, which is around $62,000 per year. While the initial earnings might be on the lower end, the job offers exceptional travel benefits and the opportunity to join a prestigious and selective team. Deciding to pursue this career may need a bit of financial planning prior to joining the crew.

Your Destination: A Career with United

Becoming a flight attendant at United Airlines is a commitment to safety, excellence, and customer service. It’s a demanding path but one filled with unique rewards – both personal and professional. If you're drawn to a dynamic career with the chance to see the world and connect with diverse people, this might just be the perfect fit for you. Take your time to research the flight attendant position and what it entails. Utilize YouTube and TikTok to discover the behind the scene aspects of a flight attendant's life.

Ever curious about what a day in the life of a flight attendant looks like?

It's not all glamour and time zones – it's a mix of hard work, unique challenges, and little victories. Let me walk you through a day in my life, from the first cup of coffee (or late-night snack) to the moment I finally kick off my shoes.

Pre-Flight Preparations

My day starts, but not always at the crack of dawn. Usually, I start prepping for my trip the evening before, I make sure I pack weather appropriate clothing. Sometimes I have to have both warm and cold weather wear depending on what locations visit. I may meal prep if I am unsure of the food situation at my layover city. I make sure all my important items that I need, especially my passport are in easy to find locations so I can access them as needed. I may leave first thing in the morning or late at night depending on my schedule.

Pre-Flight Duties

Once at the airport, it's game time. Every airline has its procedures that we need to perform prior to our flight, but that is something you learn during your intensive training. I will check in for my flight and board the plane an hour prior to takeoff. I tend to work in the galley so I spend the pre boarding time getting all the beverage and snacks ready for our passengers.

In-Flight Responsibilities

Up in the sky, it's showtime. Here, my role is all about the passengers – their safety, their comfort, and yes, those snack and drink requests! It's not just walking up and down the aisle. There are many tasks we perform throughout the flight. One thing is for sure is that our flight crew works as a team. We help each other out with whatever needs arise during the flight.

Challenges

Of course, it's not always smooth sailing – or flying, in my case. I've had my share of challenges, from comforting passengers upset about things beyond my control. It takes empathy and patience to handle unexpected issues. It is also common to politely explaining why I can't lift bags into the overhead bin. Airlines discovered that lifting bags was one of the main injuries flight attendants experienced and made it a requirement to not life anyone's bag.  And let's talk about turbulence? It's as unpredictable for us as it is for you. Many times we have to sit for our safety which interrupts or limits our inflight service. What is interesting is I have heard passengers comment that flight attendants learn to "walk during turbulence" in training. I can assure you that is not true. The biggest challenge for me are medical emergencies. It is never easy to balance the expectations of passengers while dealing with a medical emergency. Our focus will always be for the ill passenger and we will put our service duties aside to make sure the medical issue is taken care of first. It always helps when passengers are aware of their surroundings and have an understanding of why we may deviate from our normal service procedures.

Post-Flight Routine

Landing isn't just a relief for passengers – it's a moment for us to ensure everything is wrapped up neatly. Checking the cabin, making sure no one's left anything behind, and then, it's off to the next flight or, if I'm lucky, to the hotel. If I am off to my layover hotel, there is a whole routine that many flight attendants do. It might include checking the room for safety and cleanliness. Plugging in our multiple devices. Taking a shower and getting into comfortable clothes. It might mean a quick with your crew in the hotel restaurant or a simple meal in your room.

Personal Insights

If there's one thing I've learned, it's the power of being organized. Everything has its place – especially my passport, work ID, and other items I may need for work. And packing? It's an art form. I have learned to pack light. Not only when I'm working, but also when I travel for leisure. Having only 1 bag for an entire week is doable!

But the biggest lesson? Taking time for myself. Sometimes the best adventure on a layover is a good rest in a comfy hotel bed. Yes, it is worth it to go out and explore a new locations, but my best advice is to listen to your body. If you are tired. Rest. Pushing yourself too much can lead to fatigue and getting sick.

Finally

So, there you have it – a peek into a flight attendant's day. It's a mix of the familiar and the unexpected, always keeping us on our toes. But remember, for every seamless journey and friendly interaction, there's a dedicated team working hard behind the scenes. The next time you're up in the air, just think of us as more than just the crew; we're fellow travelers, all part of the same journey, ensuring you get where you're going safely and hopefully a bit more comfortably.

Here's a quick video from a Las Vegas trip I recently flew:

Earned my first set of wings when my daughter was only 6 months old

A flight attendant career after motherhood? YOU BET!

Diving into a flight attendant career later in life, especially as a stay-at-home mom, is like opening a new chapter of adventure. But let’s be real, it's not all about glamorous destinations and free flights. There's a lot to juggle, and it's a mix of amazing perks and some real challenges.

The Exciting Part: Travel and Flexibility 

First up, let’s talk about the fun stuff. Being a flight attendant means you get to travel – a lot. We’re talking new cities, different cultures, and some pretty cool layovers. And guess what? You often get travel benefits. Imagine jetting off with the family on discounted flights! Plus, the schedule can be flexible. Some moms I know work about 15 days a month, which is pretty manageable.

The Real Talk: Unpredictable Schedules and Last-Minute Childcare

But here's the flip side. The schedule can be unpredictable, especially when you're new. You might find yourself working holidays or missing important family events. And let's not forget the last-minute childcare scrambles. When you’re on call or when schedules change unexpectedly (ie. your flight delays to the point you can't get home until the next day), you need a solid backup plan for the kiddos.

Family Dynamics: Support is Key

Having a supportive partner is a game-changer. When you’re up in the air, your partner's on ground duty with the kids. There is also away time from each other so trust and communication is VITAL! It's about teamwork. Plus, adjusting your household budget is crucial since the job might not always be high-paying, but the travel perks make up for it.

Self-Care and Personal Growth

And, super important – don't forget about self-care. It's easy to get caught up in being supermom and super flight attendant. But you need 'me time' too. Whether it's chilling in a hotel room watching Netflix (also known as slamclicking) or just enjoying a quiet coffee during a layover, it's crucial to recharge.

The Late Bloomer Advantage

Here’s a little secret: starting this career later in life has its advantages. There's no mandatory retirement age, and with your life experience, you bring a lot to the table. And it's a popular choice for people looking for a second career. So, if you're in your 40s or 50s and thinking about it, you're not alone.

So, Is It for You?

It really boils down to what you want. If you love the idea of constantly being on the go and exploring new places, this could be your dream job. But if you're more of a homebody, it might be a bit of a stretch. Although, I'm a big homebody who loves to visit new places so you never know...

Bottom line – being a flight attendant as a mom is totally doable. It's about finding the right balance, having a solid support system, and embracing both the fun and the challenges. And who knows? It might just be the adventure you’ve been looking for.

Here is how I spend my New Year's Eve day.

Morning Rush and a Lucky Break

Started my day super early, driving to the airport while most people were probably still in bed. Got there early (yay me!) and managed to grab a quick bite. I was totally eyeing the shuttle van the whole time, thinking it would leave without me. But guess what? It was still there after I finished! Talk about good timing!

Pre-Flight Buzz

After my walk to my gate, I boarded my plane and started to set up the galley. It's important making sure everything's ready for boarding. Going to Vegas there is excitement from the passengers, and I'm there helping them get settled, prepping for takeoff. It's busy but in a good, keeps-you-on-your-toes kind of way.

Vegas Bound

The flight to Vegas? Always a hectic. Between serving drinks and more drinks-it's Vegas after all- I snuck a peek at the Grand Canyon. It looked incredible from up high! Moments like that? They're just one of the perks of the job.

Quick Stop and Turnaround

We touched down in Vegas early (score!), and I grabbed a quick coffee for the return trip. The flight back was less packed, which was nice and most people are exhausted from their trip so there are a lot of sleepers.

A Little Turbulence

But then, out of nowhere, turbulence hit us. It got bumpy, and we had to sit down for what felt like ages. Unfortunately that means our beverage service was interrupted-twice- but it's better to be safe and sit.  Also, when people see us sit, they definitely stay seated themselves.

Back Home Before the Ball Dropped

Landed back before the clock struck twelve, but the adventure wasn't over yet. Driving home through the wild New Year's Eve traffic was like navigating an obstacle course! I almost got clipped 3 times! When I finally made it, I showered and got in my cozy PJs just in time to watch the ball drop on TV. 

If you are thinking about becoming a flight attendant and joining this crazy career? Stick around, and I'll share more of these everyday adventures! I share a lot of my adventures and tips on TikTok!

Hey there, future flight attendants! As you're getting ready for an exciting career, there's something important to tackle first – understanding Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These systems are like the first step in your journey to becoming a flight attendant. They're used by airlines to sort through lots of applications.

But no worries, we've got you covered! In this quick guide, we’ll walk you through what ATS is, how it works, and some easy tips to make your resume shine. So, let's get started and get you one step closer to your dream job!

1. What is an ATS?

An ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is a computer program that companies use to quickly sort through resumes. It's like a smart robot that helps them find the best matches for the job. Why does it matter? It allows companies to efficiently handle a large number of applications without feeling overwhelmed.

2. How Does ATS Decide?

ATS looks for keywords in your resume that match the job requirements. It ranks resumes based on the perceived fit and puts the best matches at the top of the list. If your resume contains the right words from the job description, it is more likely to get noticed.

3. Cool Things ATS Can Do

ATS can read resumes at lightning speed and assist the hiring team in organizing all the applications they receive. It's like having an incredibly efficient secretary for job applications!

4. Is ATS Perfect?

Not quite. Sometimes, it may overlook great candidates just because their resumes lack specific words.

5. Who Uses ATS and Why?

ATS is primarily used by big companies with a large amount of applicants for a particular position. When you apply for a job at a well-known company, chances are they're utilizing an ATS. It saves them a considerable amount of time and helps manage the influx of applications without confusion.

8. Tips for an ATS-Friendly Resume

Include relevant keywords from the job ad in your resume. Keep it simple and easy to read.

9. Watch Out for These Traps

If you don't use the right keywords, your resume may not be selected. Also, avoid excessive design elements that could confuse the ATS.

Finally

Remember, to get your resume in front of real people, you need to consider that your resume is being submitted to an Automated Tracking System. Therefore, you need to follow some ATS rules. Incorporate keywords from the job ad and keep your resume clear and straightforward. This way, you increase your chances of securing an interview!