United Airlines Careers & Jobs – Application, How to Apply, Requirements & Interview Tips
Last Updated: January 3rd, 2020 by
With a United Airlines career, you’ll get a chance to be a part of the third-largest airline in the world!
United Airlines has a huge domestic network in the United States with eight hubs. The airline also reaches all corners of the world. It has a strong presence in the Asia Pacific region.
United Airlines started out in 1926 as Varney Air Lines. Over the years, it joined forces with other airlines to become what the major company it is today.
This guide will show you everything you need to know to get a job at United Airlines. You’ll read about jobs you could apply to, how much you could earn and interview questions you might get asked by recruiters.
By submitting a United Airlines application, you could work as a Flight Attendant, Customer Service Representative, Baggage Handler and more!
United Airlines Jobs & Careers
You can find United Airlines jobs on their career website. Here, you can narrow down jobs to find the right one to apply for.
United Airlines offers a lot of different jobs, including:
Flight Attendant
As a Flight Attendant, you’ll be with passengers until they reach their destinations.
You’ll help to create a positive experience from the point they board to when they leave the aircraft.
Keeping passengers comfortable and safe will be your priority.
Your work happens mostly in the air. So, your work will involve a lot of travel!
While in the air, you’ll serve food and drinks to passengers. You’ll also attend to the needs of your passengers.
This job will be great for you if you enjoy working with customers. It’ll also help if you prefer flexible work schedules that involve travelling most of the time.
You’ll also go a long way if you can keep your cool no matter how tough the job gets.
Baggage Handler
As a Baggage Handler, you play a key role in a passenger’s travel experience.
You’re the person who makes sure that bags are loaded onto the right plane. That way, the passenger’s bags will be ready and waiting for them at their destination!
To do this, you’ll be moving baggage from the airport to the correct plane safely.
If the plane is arriving, you’ll then unload the bags efficiently and bring them to the airport for passengers to pick up.
You’ll do well in this job if you’re comfortable with working on your feet.
It’s also important that you’re comfortable doing heavy lifting. You’ll go a long way if you love working in an airport environment.
Customer Service Representative
On the ground, the people interacting with passengers are Customer Service Representatives. You’ll be an important part of a passenger’s experience.
In this position, you’ll help with things like bookings, ticketing and helping with customer’s problems.
It’s important that you stay friendly at all times, especially when dealing with travellers who are stressed. You’ll be in a position to help turn their experience back into a positive one!
You’ll enjoy this job if you are good with customers. It’s also important that you can work according to flexible schedules. This is especially true during busy periods like the holiday seasons.
Training Specialist
As a Training Specialist, you’ll help to empower your colleagues to be the best at their job! You’ll train fellow colleagues to follow United Airlines’ high standards. As you do this, you’ll help your colleagues create positive experiences for the airline’s passengers.
Being a Training Specialist means you’ll be a mentor, a coach, and a teacher for your colleagues. This would also include new hires that need to learn everything about the company.
You’ll be great for this job if you are good at teaching and influencing. It’s important that you are able to build strong relationships with colleagues in different teams. You’ll go a long way if you enjoy helping people become the best they can be!
Reservation Agent
As a Reservation Agent, you’ll help customers plan their trips with United Airlines. You’ll help customers choose the best flights for their needs. In some cases, you might even help make recommendations for other parts of their trip. This could be recommendations for hotels or car rentals at their destination.
When working with reservations, you’ll also help customers make changes to their bookings as needed. Sometimes, passengers’ travel plans change and they’ll need help adjusting. You could be that helping hand!
You’ll enjoy this job if you love working with customers. Sometimes, helping customers plan their trips might not be so clear-cut. So, it’ll help a lot if you’re resourceful and a good problem-solver.
Manager Jobs
At United Airlines, there are many Manager jobs that you can apply for. This includes jobs like Human Resources Manager and Operations Supervisor.
As a Human Resources Manager, you’ll be leading a team that’s responsible for the wellbeing of United Airlines staff. This means looking into training, benefits, salaries, and more. If there are any problems that your team members can’t solve, they’ll come to you for advice.
As an Operations Supervisor, you’ll be working on the ground and making sure things run smoothly. For example, you might work with a team of baggage handlers.
In this position, you’ll make sure that your team is following United Airlines standards and is working efficiently.
How Much Does United Airlines Pay (Hourly & Salary)?
At a minimum, you could make $11 an hour as a Warehouse Worker, 21% below the national average for similar jobs. To get a sense of what else you could earn, here are a few other examples:
- Flight Attendant ($40,000 a year)
- Baggage Handler ($14 an hour)
- Training Specialist ($50 an hour)
- Customer Service Representative ($36,000 a year)
- Reservation Agent ($33,000 a year)
- Supervisor ($68,000 a year)
- Senior Manager ($118,000 a year)
Working at United Airlines gives you access to a lot of benefits, including 401(k) matching and a profit-sharing program. Also, you’ll have options for medical plans including dental and vision and wellness support as well.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At United Airlines?
You have to be at least 18 years of age to work at United Airlines.
At 18 years of age, here are a few entry-level positions you can apply for:
- Customer Service Representative
- Administrative Assistant
- Analyst
Certain roles may require you to be at least 21 years of age. This is so that you’re old enough to serve alcohol to passengers.
Does United Airlines Drug Test?
Yes, United Airlines does perform drug tests.
The airline performs drug tests most of the time. Past applicants have reported that a urine test was conducted. Some have also said that the test is done at a separate facility.
Whatever the odds, it’s always safe to assume that the company will perform a drug test.
Possible United Airlines Interview Questions & Tips
Here are a few questions you may be asked during an interview.
Why Do You Want To Work At United Airlines?
This is a normal question that recruiters will usually ask. They ask you this question to understand what your motives are for wanting to work with them.
A good answer is one that highlights your interests and how that interest will help the company. For example, you might have a passion for the travel industry. You can say that you want to be a part of creating positive travel experiences for passengers.
What Would You Do If…
Recruiters ask this question so they can see how you think when you’re dealing with a challenge when you’re in the moment. They want to see how good you are at problem-solving.
A good answer is one that shows them that you’ll remain calm no matter what. This is important especially if you’re dealing with passengers.
Your answer should also show humility and teamwork. You can do this by telling them that if you can’t solve the problem, you’ll ask your teammates or managers for guidance.
What Is Your Greatest Strength/Weakness?
Recruiters ask this question to see if you’re self-aware. A good answer is one that’s honest but also showing modesty. If you’re telling them about a weakness, your answer should also tell them how you’re compensating for that weakness.
For example, some people might say that their weakness is that they’re shy or introverted. If you’re like that, you can say that you work around it by constantly challenging yourself to engage customers and colleagues.
An answer like this shows that you’re aware of your weakness and that you’re actively working to overcome it.
United Airlines Hiring Process
Overall, past applicants have shared that the hiring process was a positive one. They found it to be challenging but not too difficult.
The entire hiring process typically takes about two weeks.
No matter what job you’re applying for, it’s always best to show them your best self. This includes dressing up in at least a business casual or formal outfit.
Does United Airlines Do Background Checks?
Yes, United Airlines does background checks.
This may sometimes make the overall hiring process take longer. These are fingerprint-based checks done according to rules set by the Federal Transportation Security Administration.
Do United Airlines Employees Fly Free?
Yes, qualified United Airlines employees are entitled to fly for free. You can use unlimited standby travel and get discounted rates on flights anywhere United flies.
This also applies to members of their family who fit the company’s requirements to enjoy this benefit.