CHICAGO — Travelers planning to fly with United Airlines this year may want to keep a closer eye on their booking alerts. In Chicago, the carrier’s hometown and largest hub, a decisive majority of United’s flight attendants have voted down a tentative labor agreement, opening the door to fresh negotiations and, potentially, labor-related disruptions just as peak summer schedules ramp up.
Why the Tentative Deal Collapsed
According to voting results confirmed by both the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) and the airline, 71 percent of participating members rejected the proposed contract that had been hammered out in May 2025 after months of talks. The deal would have delivered an immediate 26 percent wage increase, the first raise for United cabin crews since the COVID-19 pandemic gutted demand five years ago. “United Flight Attendants today voted to send a strong message by rejecting a tentative agreement that didn't go far enough,” Diaz said to CNBC. Rank-and-file members have argued that the company’s recent financial windfall—United has reported record passenger volumes and what it calls “massive profits”—shows the carrier is capable of sharing more of those gains with frontline staff. Union officials say expectations have risen in part because competitors have already locked in richer packages: Southwest flight attendants finalized an accord in late 2023, while Delta’s non-union crews received broad pay increases earlier.
Key Numbers Behind the Vote
- 71 percent “no” ballots out of the total votes cast.
- 26 percent wage hike offered up-front in the rejected proposal.
- Five years without a contractual raise for United flight attendants.
- 35 percent compensation increase awarded to local AFA leaders during the same span, a point critics hammered during the campaign.
- Year United was founded: 1931.
What Happens Next in Negotiations
The failed ratification sends United and the AFA back to the bargaining table under the supervision of the National Mediation Board. Negotiators must now craft terms palatable to 25,000-plus flight attendants, a task complicated by sky-high expectations and limited calendar space before the end-of-year travel rush. Because U.S. airline workers are governed by the Railway Labor Act, strikes cannot occur unless mediators declare an impasse and release both sides into a 30-day “cooling-off” period. That safeguard means immediate walkouts are unlikely, but travelers should still be prepared for a tense summer marked by picketing, informational leafletting and possible slowdown tactics if talks stall.
How the Vote Could Affect Summer Flyers
United remains one of the largest U.S. airlines, with major operations in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Newark, San Francisco and Washington Dulles. Any job action—even a limited one—could quickly ripple across the network, cascading into missed connections and extended delays. Although the carrier has not trimmed schedules at this stage, history suggests that protracted labor disputes often add friction to day-to-day operations.
Tips for Travelers
- Monitor bookings weekly. Use the United app or confirm flight numbers on united.com to catch equipment swaps or time changes while negotiations continue.
- Book early-morning departures. Flights scheduled before 10 a.m. are least likely to feel the knock-on effects of any operational hiccups.
- Select refundable fares when possible. Flex fares or tickets covered by credit-card trip-interruption protections provide a financial cushion if schedules unravel.
- Keep loyalty status in mind. Premier-status members receive priority re-accommodation, a useful buffer during periods of uncertainty.
- Consider alternate hubs. If your itinerary is flexible, routing through less-congested stations such as Houston Intercontinental or Washington Dulles may lower the odds of cascading delays.
The Broader Landscape: Airlines, Profit and Pay
United’s post-pandemic rebound has been swift. Demand for premium seating in Polaris business class and extra-legroom Economy Plus has soared, fueling margins. Meanwhile, the carrier’s “United Next” plan envisions hundreds of new aircraft and substantial global expansion, especially on flights linking U.S. gateways with secondary European and Asian cities. Labor, however, is becoming more assertive across the industry. American Airlines pilots secured a contract with immediate raises of up to 21 percent in 2023, while Southwest ramp workers received a double-digit bump the same year. Each settlement raises the bar for subsequent deals, and United’s cabin crews clearly believe the airline’s balance sheet can fund more generous terms.
Potential Scenarios for Travelers
- Swift Renegotiation: Both sides could strike a revised agreement, possibly by late summer, minimizing disruption. Look for signals such as joint press statements or a mediator-led tentative agreement.
- Extended Mediation: Talks might stretch into autumn, with ongoing informational pickets at United hubs. Travelers would see minimal service impact but heightened media coverage.
- Release and Cooling-Off Period: If mediation fails, the National Mediation Board could release the parties, triggering a 30-day countdown. Only after that window could a legal strike occur, though the U.S. president can intervene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flight attendants strike next week?
No. Under the Railway Labor Act, a legal strike can happen only after mediation, release, and a 30-day cooling-off period.
Will my summer vacation be disrupted?
Most summer flights should operate normally. Nevertheless, watch for advisory emails from United, especially if your travel dates coincide with any high-profile picketing events.
Does travel insurance cover labor disputes?
Policies differ. Many credit-card protections exclude labor-related cancellations, so read the fine print or opt for upgradeable coverage that includes “any reason” cancellation.
What rights do I have if my flight is delayed?
United’s contract of carriage requires rebooking on the next available flight. For delays exceeding three hours caused by the airline, United generally offers meal vouchers and, when necessary, hotel accommodations, though specifics depend on the circumstances.
Bottom Line for Jet-Setters
Labor turbulence may be brewing at Chicago-based United Airlines, but an immediate strike is unlikely. Still, the overwhelming “no” vote underscores employee frustration and raises the risk of schedule snags later in the year. Travelers should stay informed, book with flexibility, and monitor negotiations—especially if their itineraries hinge on United’s busiest hubs. A fresh round of talks is already being calendared; whether the next offer meets flight-attendant expectations will determine how smooth or bumpy the road ahead will be for millions of passengers. — as Diaz told CNBC.
