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Flight Intern Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Flight Intern information

What is a flight intern?

Flight Interns are students or recent graduates who gain practical, hands-on experience within an aviation organization, such as an airline or airport, through an internship program. Their responsibilities often include assisting with flight operations, learning about airline procedures, supporting administrative tasks, and shadowing experienced aviation professionals. This role provides valuable industry knowledge, networking opportunities, and insight into potential career paths in aviation, making it a great stepping stone for those interested in becoming pilots, flight dispatchers, or aviation managers.

What tasks and responsibilities does a flight intern have, and how do they interact with the flight operations team?

As a Flight Intern, you can expect to support the flight operations team with a range of responsibilities, such as assisting with pre-flight planning, tracking flight schedules, and preparing documentation. You'll often collaborate with pilots, dispatchers, and maintenance crews, gaining insight into daily flight operations and logistics. Many interns also participate in briefing sessions and may observe flights, depending on company policy. This collaborative environment is a great opportunity to develop hands-on experience and build professional relationships in the aviation industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a flight intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Flight Intern, you typically need a foundational understanding of aviation principles, basic flight operations, and often enrollment in or completion of an aviation-related degree program. Familiarity with flight planning software, weather briefing tools, and sometimes experience with flight simulators or aviation management systems is advantageous. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for supporting flight operations efficiently, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and facilitating smooth team collaboration in a highly regulated environment.

What is the difference between Flight Intern vs Flight Attendant?

AspectFlight InternFlight Attendant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require aviation-related courseworkHigh school diploma; certification in safety and first aid often required
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in training or ground operationsOnboard aircraft, passenger service, safety procedures
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines during training or internship programsCommercial airlines, private jets, charter services
Common Search & ComparisonOften searched by students or aspiring aviation professionalsMore common in passenger service roles

The main difference is that a Flight Intern is typically a trainee gaining experience in aviation, often during an internship program, while a Flight Attendant is a trained professional responsible for passenger safety and comfort onboard flights. Interns usually focus on learning and observation, whereas Flight Attendants perform active service and safety duties during flights.

What are the most commonly searched types of Flight jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Flight jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Flight Intern jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Flight Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Flight Intern job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Intern - Cargo Operations (Summer 2027)

United Airlines

Chicago, IL • On-site

$15.75 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


United Airlines rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 343 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what's next. Let's define tomorrow, together.

Description

At United, we offer internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you're a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands-on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You'll also have a chance to build community through our employee-run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.

We're not just in the business of transporting people. We're also in the business of moving cargo. As a major provider of air freight services, our Cargo team transports everyday electronics and automotive parts, to perishable goods, life-saving organs, vaccines and even baby formula.

Cargo has several intern opportunities available in a variety of fields. Successful candidates will be placed in an opening that aligns with their interests.

eCommerce & Marketing - The Cargo eCommerce and Marketing team is in the process of expanding their digital footprint. Whether it's the recent launch of our new website, the furthering of API development or the introduction into digital marketplaces, this team has a lot underway! The eCommerce intern will support the business, in partnership with our technology counterparts, in driving these initiatives forward. The successful candidate(s) will play a key role in finding opportunities to improve website functionality and the user experience of the newly launched cargo website. Intern will actively engage in efforts to enable online booking capabilities, API connectivity and digital marketplace participation.

Postal Network Optimization - The Postal team works closely with USPS and foreign posts to efficiently move mail throughout the United network. Delivering mail to the right place at the right time is important to our customers and crucial to our success. In exchange for providing great service to our customers, United Cargo receives payment for services thereby generating meaningful revenue for the organization. Intern will conduct analysis to identify those mail shipments that meet defined criteria and are eligible for payment. Intern will establish and manage end-to-end process which includes identifying pending payments, initiating claims and following-up on payments due.

Cargo Logistics & Support Services The Cargo Logistics & Support Services teams will be responsible for projects that make the $2B+ United Cargo business possible. This will include further optimizing 18,000+ Unit Load Device (ULD) assets, Cargo's $70M trucking network, managing millions in capital investments, pushing cost savings and/or minimizing cost increases, statistical modeling and forecasting, optimizing warehouses, driving accessorial revenues, mitigating claims, and negotiating contracts. From process improvements, to operational performance, to cost control, these internships will cover a wide breadth of projects across the global United Cargo organization.

Sales Strategy - Interns in the Sales Strategy organization will actively participate in developing strategic direction, forecasting revenue and providing analytical support to Cargo's global Sales organization. The Sales Strategy intern will join a team of analysts who are working on a variety of projects relating to flight level forecasting & performance. Successful candidate will analyze data including operational and revenue performance, yield, product mix and customer support metrics to further define what makes a flight successful.

Revenue Management - The Revenue Management intern will support our North America and Latin America entities in analyzing Specialty product booking trends, capacity & yields. In addition, intern will support the implementation of a new global dynamic pricing tool thereby enabling Cargo's digital journey. Responsibilities will include assessing current pricing practices relative to market conditions, reviewing processes/SOPs for adhoc management and promoting tool adoption.

Technology Products - The Technology Products team supports the business in delivering key technology initiatives. In partnership with our Digital Technology counterparts, this group serves as a liaison between our user groups and our technology team, translating business need into automation. With several groundbreaking initiatives underway, the team could benefit from an intern who could help drive new functionality for our pricing tool. Finalizing requirements, performing system testing and preparing users for global launch are among intern responsibilities.

No Direct Path: This internship is designed solely to provide you with skill development and valuable work experience. This role will likely not convert to a full-time position at United at the conclusion of the internship.

Job Posting: September 1 - September 15, 2026

Qualifications

  • Must be a local/living in Chicago, Illinois
  • Must be a current undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Business or related field graduating Fall 2027 or Spring 2028
  • Interpersonal and project management skills and ability to adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite programs
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
  • Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualifications
  • Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
  • Must be able to optimally work in a remote environment during defined business hours

Preferred Skills: Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and the ability to leverage AI effectively to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

The starting rate for this role is $20.00. The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, non-discriminatory factors such as experience, education and skills. This position may also be eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact JobAccommodations@united.com


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About United Airlines

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

United Airlines is embarking on an exciting journey to become the best airline in aviation history. Our purpose, "Connecting People, Uniting the World," extends beyond transportation, emphasizing our commitment to uplift and create opportunities in the places we serve. With a global presence and diverse workforce, we value inclusivity and are dedicated to hiring tens of thousands of individuals across various roles. Our comprehensive benefits package, including perks like space available travel, parental leave, and 401k, aims to support your well-being and growth.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1926

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