Hey everyone! If you've been dreaming of flying, this is your moment! United and American Airlines have officially opened their flight attendant applications, and trust me, you don't want to miss out. I know many of you might be wondering, 'Can I really do this?' or 'What if my city isn't listed?' Let me tell you, from personal experience, that becoming a flight attendant is more accessible than you might think, especially with these major carriers. One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is about where you need to live. People often search for 'American Airlines jobs in Chicago' or 'United Airlines flight attendant openings' specifically for their hometown. But here's the secret: you can absolutely be a flight attendant no matter what city you live in! I’ve seen the application lists, and while they might show bases like Chicago – IL, DFW Airport – TX, Boston – MA, Los Angeles – CA, or even New York City LGA – NY, that doesn’t mean you have to reside there right now. Unless an application explicitly states you must live within a certain radius of a base, you can still apply and work for that airline. How, you ask? It's all about commuting, and it's a huge part of the flight attendant lifestyle for many of us! The key is to work for an airline that provides flight benefits. For instance, I used to live in Texas but was Seattle-based. Every work cycle, I’d use my flight benefits to 'commute' – flying in either the night before my shift or early on the day I had to work. This means you’re responsible for getting yourself to your base on time. It sounds intimidating, but it’s totally doable, and airlines understand this is a common practice. Once you’re based somewhere like Chicago, what do you do for housing? Most flight attendants who commute either get a 'crash pad' or make other arrangements. A crash pad is essentially a shared living space, often a rented bed space, where multiple flight attendants split the cost. It gives you a place to sleep the night before your shifts without paying for a full apartment. Some even opt for getting a hotel room or an Airbnb for their layovers or pre-duty nights. The main thing these airlines want to make sure of is that you will be at your base when it's time to start work. So, don't let the thought of moving deter you immediately! So, if you see 'Flight Attendant Trainee' postings, or if you've been eyeing that posting for United Airlines flight attendant in your dream city, just hurry up and apply! Don't self-eliminate because your city isn't listed as a base. The industry can be confusing, but don't let that stop you from pursuing this incredible career. Trust me, it'll work out. Many of us have navigated these very questions and found our way to the skies. Take that leap and submit your application today!