United Airlines and the union representing its flight attendants have reached a long-awaited tentative agreement on a new contract for a second time. While the headlines focus on “industry-leading pay,” the details suggest a “balanced” agreement that has not yet been made public.
United Airlines Reaches Tentative Deal With Flight Attendants, But Questions Remain
United confirmed today that it has reached a tentative agreement (TA) with the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), covering more than 30,000 crew members. The deal still must be approved by union leadership and then ratified by members, but if it passes, it would mark a significant milestone after years of contentious negotiations.
According to a memo from United sent to flight attendants shared with Live And Let’s Fly, the agreement promises “industry-leading pay and meaningful quality-of-life improvements.”
That’s the headline. But the fine print still isn’t clear and details will not be shared about the new agreement, coded TA2, until union leadership, called the Master Executive Council (MEC), ratifies it. If approved by the MEC, flight attendants will have the opportunity to review the full contract language before voting on ratification.
The AFA-CWA union also posted an update on Instagram, which included the following timeline:
What United Is Promising
United is positioning this as a “transformative” agreement and there are some meaningful improvements on the table.
Highlights include:
- Higher pay: Top-of-scale wages are expected to exceed $100 per hour over the life of the agreement
- Sit pay: Flight attendants would receive 50% pay when scheduled time between flights exceeds 2.5 hours
- Redeye improvements: Limits on redeye flying, with only one such flight allowed before a redeye assignment
- $740 million payout: A one-time payment or signing bonus for flight attendants
- Hotel standards: Business-class hotel language written into the contract
The union also added that the agreement would include boarding pay, but that pay would not be retroactive. Instead, it would begin May 31, 2026 if TA2 is ratified.
United also emphasized that negotiations have been “productive” in recent months, with both sides working toward a “balanced and competitive” agreement.
That may be true. But “balanced” may doing a lot of work in that sentence. We don’t know what (if anything, but I think there has to be something) flight attendants must give up into order to secure the pay and benefits outlined above. United has been clear from the start that compromise would be fundamental to reaching an agreement.
If ratified, the new pay scales could take effect as early as June, according to United’s internal communication, suggesting that United is eager to lock this in quickly.
This Has Always Been About More Than Pay
On the surface, this is a story about compensation. The $100/hour pay is certain to make headlines.
But it’s really about something bigger and every flight attendant I speak to tells me the same thing: they want stability.
United is in the middle of an aggressive transformation, from new aircraft interiors to expanded premium cabins to a massive fleet renewal. None of that works without a motivated and reliable workforce. In particular, flight attendants are central to that strategy.
And for years, labor tension has been a drag on the airline’s ability to execute. This deal, if ratified, removes a major hindrance to project. As much as United loves to tout “industry-leading pay” in contract announcements, that often depends on how you define it (much like claiming American Airlines loses massive amounts of money in Chicago does not take into account its loyalty business).
What matters more to flight attendants are the day-to-day realities: scheduling flexibility, duty time, reassignment rules, and how much of their time is actually paid. The addition of sit pay is notable because it addresses one of the most common complaints in the industry: long stretches of unpaid time between flights.
But whether this deal goes far enough will ultimately be decided by the rank-and-file. And historically, flight attendant contracts do not always pass on the first try…or second.
CONCLUSION
United Airlines has reached a tentative agreement with its flight attendants, and on paper, it looks like the finish line may finally be within sight, especially as economic uncertainties weigh down enthusiasm for a sweeter deal.
Higher pay, better protections, and quality-of-life improvements are all there. But the real test is ahead, first as the MEC votes, and if passed, then the rank and file. Until flight attendants themselves sign off, this is just a proposal and it’s far too early to even predict whether this version will be ratified without more details.
Seems like the NC finally relented on PBS, no?
That alone makes ratification a closer call, but UAL AFA needed to give up at least one sacred cow to secure all of its “asks”.
Let’s hope it works out! Wishing the entire UA cabin crew community all the best.
I really hope they can reach a deal that they’re happy with. This has gone on long enough. Wishing the best for the flight attendants.
Hoping it will work this time as the third time still might not be the charm. May everyone get what they need. Fingers crossed.
So just like the US Congress, you have to agree to the contract before you can read it.
Sounds totally normal.
Only in America!
Well, the MEC has to agree to it before it is shared with rank and file.
Congratulations to the UA flight attendants. Hope it meets your expectations. You all deserve it.
I may have missed it, but I didn’t see that they included boarding pay.
Which I assume means that we’ll continue to hear FA’s complaining that they are working for free during boarding.
How’s the FA get the 5* pay, and provide the 2* service to the passenger….
I Rather travel to Asia by Carrie from Asia then America carrier