What Flight Attendants Are Saying About United’s New 787-9 Dreamliner — And the Contract They Fought For

United Airlines recently unveiled its latest addition to its long-haul fleet: the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Sleek, modern, and equipped with next-generation technology, the aircraft is being praised for its improved fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and range. But while the Dreamliner may be soaring at 35,000 feet, the road to employee satisfaction has been anything but smooth.

Behind the scenes, United flight attendants have had a lot to say — not just about the aircraft, but about the turbulent labor negotiations that led to a tentative new union contract, a deal they were forced to strike for.

A Dreamliner with Mixed Dreams

From a hardware perspective, the 787-9 Dreamliner is an upgrade that both crew and passengers appreciate. Flight attendants highlight the improved cabin pressure and humidity, larger windows with dimming technology, and a noticeably quieter ride. These enhancements create a more pleasant experience on long-haul flights — not just for travelers, but also for the cabin crew working those grueling 10+ hour shifts.

“The Dreamliner is a beautiful plane to work on,” says one United flight attendant, who asked to remain anonymous. “But no matter how advanced the aircraft is, it doesn't fix poor working conditions or stagnant wages.”

That sentiment echoes a growing frustration among United’s cabin crew, who feel that technological advancements in the airline’s fleet have far outpaced the company's willingness to invest in its people.

A Strike for Respect: The Fight for a Fair Contract

United flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), recently reached a tentative agreement with the airline after years of stalled negotiations. This milestone didn’t come easily — it followed an organized strike threat and a series of public demonstrations by employees demanding fair pay, improved scheduling protections, and better working conditions.

The tentative contract, which is currently under review by union members, includes long-awaited wage increases, improved rest policies, and provisions to address crew fatigue — especially critical on ultra-long-haul flights aboard aircraft like the Dreamliner.

“We don’t want to strike, but we will if we have to,” said AFA-CWA President Sara Nelson earlier this year. “United needs to understand that a premium travel experience includes treating the frontline workers with dignity and respect.”

A History of Turbulence: United’s Labor Relations Timeline

This isn’t the first time United has found itself at odds with its workforce. Labor tensions have defined much of the airline’s recent history:

• Post-9/11 Concessions (Early 2000s): After the September 11 attacks, United workers — including flight attendants, pilots, and mechanics — made significant financial concessions to help the airline avoid bankruptcy. Many of those concessions were never fully restored, even after the airline returned to profitability.

• Merger with Continental Airlines (2010): The merger created the world’s largest airline at the time but also sparked years of integration issues, especially among employees who struggled with seniority rights, contracts, and workplace culture clashes.

• Ongoing Contract Disputes (2012–2024): Flight attendants have operated under outdated or inconsistent contracts for years, leading to recurring protests, picketing events, and repeated delays in negotiations. In 2023, over 99% of United flight attendants voted in favor of strike authorization — a powerful signal of growing unrest.

What’s Next?

While the Dreamliner signals United’s ambition to modernize its fleet and capture more international market share, the airline’s future success will also hinge on repairing its relationship with employees. A new aircraft might symbolize progress, but it's the people inside the plane — the ones who ensure safety and service — who define the passenger experience.

The tentative union contract is a step in the right direction, but it’s clear that flight attendants are watching closely — not just the aircraft’s performance, but the company’s commitment to its promises.

Final Boarding Thoughts

For travelers booking a ticket on United’s 787-9 Dreamliner, expect a world-class flight experience in the air. But remember: the service behind that experience was hard-fought by the very people providing it. As United continues to evolve, its ability to value both innovation and its workforce will determine whether its success is truly sustainable.

The good news? There are signs of change. United’s leadership has publicly acknowledged the importance of reaching a fair deal and fostering a healthier relationship with its crew. The tentative agreement — while not perfect — reflects a renewed commitment to making things right. If both sides continue working toward mutual respect and shared progress, this could mark the beginning of a more collaborative chapter in United’s history.

Stay tuned to The Jetset Journal for more insights from the skies.