**United Flight Attendants Approve New Agreement**
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) and United Airlines have successfully approved a new agreement for 30,000 flight attendants, representing a key achievement following extended negotiations. This outcome follows recent contract dealings among major U.S. airlines in the aftermath of the pandemic. In contrast to Delta, where flight attendants enjoy proactive salary increases due to the lack of union presence, United was the final major airline without an updated contract for its flight crew.
In mid-2025, an initial agreement was reached but was turned down by 71% of those who voted. Nevertheless, after additional negotiations, a new voting period took place from April 23 to May 12, 2026, with a participation rate of 88.85% and an approval rating of 82%. The new contract takes effect on May 31, 2026.
United has experienced significant financial gains, although the company has profited from reduced labor expenses attributed to pending agreements. The new contract includes a 31% average increase in base pay, boarding pay, sit pay, and a $741 million retroactive pay distribution. It also addresses enhancements in quality of life, such as limits on redeye flights and improvements in hotel and notification procedures.
The agreement allows for retroactive pay from prior years, with varying percentages for distinct time frames, and establishes a revised pay scale for flight attendants. This ratification is anticipated to ease conflicts between management and workers and could positively influence United’s financial outlook.
**Bottom Line**
The approval of the new contract by United flight attendants signifies a major accomplishment, offering significant salary increases and enhanced working conditions. This agreement is expected to promote better relations between management and employees, potentially affecting United’s financial trajectory in the future.