How to Build a Career in the Airline and Travel Industry in the U.S.

When people think of the hospitality industry, hotels may be the first thing that comes to mind.

However, in the U.S., airlines and travel companies are also major parts of the hospitality field.

There are many different job opportunities in this industry, including flight attendants, airport ground staff, reservation and customer service representatives, travel coordinators, tour coordinators, and travel agency staff.

Today, this field is seeing job growth.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, scheduled passenger airlines employed approximately 563,000 people as of May 2026, an increase from the previous year.

Flight attendant employment is also projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade.

Japanese companies in the U.S. are also looking for a wide range of talent, from local staff at airlines that handle Japan routes to travel company staff who support Japanese travelers and business travelers.

For people who feel anxious about working in an English-only environment or want to use their Japanese language skills, the airline and travel industry can be a strong career option.

In this article, we will explain why jobs are currently easier to find in the U.S. airline and travel industry, common concerns about job searching in this field, 2026 hiring trends, strengths that can be used at Japanese companies, and key points to check before choosing a job.

Why Are Jobs Easier to Find in the U.S. Airline and Travel Industry Now?

Airline Employment Is Increasing Compared to the Previous Year

According to data released by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics on July 16, 2026, U.S. scheduled passenger airlines employed 562,966 people as of May 2026.

Compared with 549,931 people in May 2025, this represents an increase of approximately 13,000 people, or about 2.4%.

Across both passenger and cargo airlines, the total number of airline employees reached approximately 1.038 million in May 2026.

For job seekers, this is an important sign.

In industries where employment is shrinking, candidates often compete for a limited number of openings.

In industries where employment is increasing, entry-level candidates and people changing careers may have more opportunities to enter the field.

Flight Attendant Jobs Are Projected to Grow Faster Than Average

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for flight attendants is projected to grow by 9% from 2024 to 2034.

This is much faster than the average for all occupations.

The number of flight attendant jobs is expected to increase from about 130,800 in 2024 by approximately 12,100 positions over the decade.

In addition, the BLS projects about 19,800 openings per year for flight attendants during this period.

These openings include not only newly created positions, but also replacement needs caused by retirements and workers moving to other occupations.

In other words, job opportunities are expected to continue because of both industry growth and employee turnover.

In terms of compensation, the median annual wage for flight attendants was $67,130 as of May 2024.

The typical entry-level education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.

Flight attendants generally learn the job through employer training and FAA certification after being hired, which means a college degree is not always required.

The Industry Is Supported More by Domestic Travel Than International Visitors

According to a forecast released by the U.S. Travel Association on May 7, 2026, total travel spending in the U.S. is expected to reach $1.37 trillion in 2026.

The important point is the breakdown.

Domestic travel is expected to account for 87% of total travel spending, or approximately $1.2 trillion.

International visitor spending is expected to account for the remaining 13%, or approximately $178 billion.

This structure is encouraging for job seekers.

International visitor spending is projected to increase by 1.6% in 2026 after declining by 2.4% in 2025.

However, even with that recovery, inflation-adjusted international visitor spending is still expected to remain 18% below the 2019 level.

International arrivals are also projected to reach 70.6 million in 2026, up 3.4% from the previous year, but are not expected to return to the 2019 level of 79 million until 2029.

In short, international travel demand has not fully recovered yet.

Even so, airline and travel-related employment is growing because domestic travel, which accounts for the majority of spending, is supporting the industry.

For job seekers, this means the job market is not dependent only on international tourism.

Travel Agency Jobs Are Growing Slowly, but Openings Continue

It is also important to look at the numbers realistically.

Employment for travel agents is projected to grow by 2% from 2024 to 2034.

This is slower than the average for all occupations, partly because of the continued growth of online booking.

However, slower employment growth does not mean there are no job openings.

The BLS projects approximately 7,100 job openings per year for travel agents during this period.

Many of these openings are expected to come from workers leaving the occupation or retiring.

The median annual wage for travel agents was $48,450 as of May 2024.

The typical entry-level education requirement is also a high school diploma or equivalent.

Airline jobs and travel agency jobs create openings for different reasons.

Understanding this difference can help you choose which types of positions to apply for.

Japanese Language and Cultural Understanding Can Be Valuable at Japanese Companies

At Japanese airline and travel-related companies in the U.S., Japanese communication is often needed for customers using Japan routes, communication with Japanese headquarters, and support for Japanese expatriates or business travelers.

Even if you are not fully confident in your English ability, the fact that you can communicate in Japanese may be a strong advantage in certain roles.

Common Concerns When Applying to Japanese Airline and Travel Companies in the U.S.

People who are considering jobs in the airline and travel industry in the U.S. often have the following concerns.

Concern 1: “I Am Not Confident in My English”

Many people worry that airport or in-flight work requires perfect English.

In reality, the required English level depends on the position.

For roles that involve Japanese-speaking customers, employers may place value on customer service attitude, willingness to learn, and Japanese communication skills in addition to English ability.

Concern 2: “Can I Really Enter the Industry Without Experience?”

Flight attendants and travel agency staff often learn through training after joining the company.

The typical entry-level education requirement is a high school diploma or equivalent.

Even so, many candidates hesitate to apply because they feel they do not have enough industry experience.

For these candidates, entry-level airport, reservation, customer service, or travel coordination roles may be realistic starting points.

Concern 3: “I Do Not Understand Visa or Work Authorization Requirements”

In the airline industry, work authorization, background checks, and security-related conditions may vary by position.

Because requirements differ by employer and job type, it is important to carefully check the conditions before applying.

Concern 4: “Can I Handle Irregular Shifts?”

Airline and travel-related jobs may include early morning, late night, weekend, and holiday shifts.

Some candidates worry about maintaining a healthy lifestyle or balancing work with family responsibilities.

Before applying, it is important to understand the expected shift schedule and whether it fits your lifestyle.

Concern 5: “I Do Not Know the Salary and Benefits Standards”

Many candidates are unsure about salary levels by position or industry-specific benefits such as flight allowances, travel discounts, medical insurance, and retirement plans.

Because benefits can vary significantly by employer, it is important to compare the full compensation package, not only hourly wage or annual salary.

Concern 6: “Will the Industry Be Affected by the Economy or Global Events?”

The airline and travel industry was heavily affected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because of this, some people worry about future economic downturns or global disruptions.

This is a valid concern, but the strong base of domestic travel demand can provide more stability than many people expect.

How Hiring and Work Styles Are Changing in 2026

Employment Is Moving from Recovery to Expansion

BTS data shows that scheduled passenger airline employment increased from 549,931 people in May 2025 to 562,966 people in May 2026.

This suggests that hiring is moving beyond simply restoring reduced headcount.

Instead, the industry is beginning to add workers to meet growing demand.

For job seekers, this can create a better environment for comparing multiple opportunities.

Domestic Travel Is Supporting Demand

Travel spending in 2026 is expected to increase by 1% after inflation adjustment.

Although this growth rate is modest, domestic travel spending of $1.2 trillion has returned to the 2019 level after inflation adjustment.

Because international travel demand is recovering more slowly, workplaces supported by domestic demand may offer more stability.

Employers Are Looking for People Who Can Stay and Grow

Japanese companies are shifting from simply filling positions to carefully hiring people who can stay and contribute long term.

For job seekers, this means that clearly communicating your motivation, career goals, and reason for choosing the industry can help you stand out.

Local Hiring Is Becoming More Important

Because of the weak yen and rising costs, sending expatriates from Japan to the U.S. has become more expensive for many companies.

As a result, Japanese companies increasingly want to hire locally in the U.S.

For people already living in the U.S., this can create more opportunities.

Three Strengths You Can Use at Japanese Airline and Travel Companies

Japanese companies do not evaluate candidates based only on technical skills.

The following three strengths can help you communicate your value more clearly when applying or interviewing.

Strength 1: Customer Service and Multilingual Communication

Experience in customer service at an airport, on board an aircraft, at a counter, or in a hospitality setting can be a strong advantage.

Even if you do not have direct airline or travel experience, multitasking skills and the ability to stay calm during trouble can be valuable.

The ability to communicate in both Japanese and English is especially valuable for Japanese companies.

Strength 2: Adaptability to Irregular Shifts and Teamwork

In the airline and travel industry, early morning shifts, late-night shifts, weekend work, and rotating teams are common.

Employers may value candidates who can respond positively to these work styles.

Understanding Japanese workplace culture, such as careful reporting, communication, and teamwork, can also help you succeed on the job.

Strength 3: Safety Awareness and Long-Term Motivation

In the airline industry, training and certification require significant time and cost.

Because of this, employers often value people who are likely to stay long term.

Being able to explain why you want to work in this field and what kind of career you want to build can strengthen your interview performance.

A strong awareness of rules, safety, and responsibility is also important.

Key Points to Check Before Applying

Because employment is increasing, it is especially important to choose the right workplace carefully.

Before applying, check the following points.

Check the Work Location and Base

For airline-related jobs, the airport or base location can have a major impact on your lifestyle.

Some roles may also involve relocation or transfer possibilities.

Checking this before applying can help prevent surprises after joining the company.

Check Whether the Shift Schedule Fits Your Lifestyle

The frequency of early morning, late night, weekend, and holiday shifts can affect whether you can continue working long term.

It is helpful to ask specific questions about shifts during the interview process.

Compare Benefits Beyond Salary

Flight benefits, travel discounts, medical insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits can vary by employer.

Do not compare jobs based only on hourly wage or annual salary.

Look at the full compensation and benefits package.

Ask About Career Paths and Training

Asking about career paths, training, and onboarding is not a negative thing.

In many cases, it shows that you are thinking seriously about staying and growing with the company.

How HRAIT Can Support Your Career in the Airline and Travel Industry

“I am not confident in my English.”

“I do not understand visa or work authorization requirements.”

“I do not know which job is right for me.”

These concerns are common among people considering airline and travel jobs in the U.S.

Having a partner who understands hiring at Japanese companies in the U.S. can make it easier to organize your options and move forward.

HRAIT supports job seekers who want to work in hospitality fields, including the airline and travel industry, by providing personalized career and job search support.

• Introducing job opportunities at Japanese companies that match your experience and preferences
• Helping you understand workplace culture and working conditions that may not be clear from the job posting alone
• Organizing your strengths and career fit through consultation
• Supporting resume and interview preparation
• Providing consultation about salary and working conditions
• Helping match you with workplaces where you can build a long-term career

HRAIT does more than simply introduce jobs.

We support your overall job search as a partner who helps you find a workplace that fits your goals, experience, and lifestyle.

Find Jobs That Match You with HRAIT IQ+

HRAIT’s AI-powered career matching tool, HRAIT IQ+, has already been used by more than 8,000 registered users.

By registering, you can more easily access job opportunities at Japanese companies, including roles in the airline and travel industry.

You can also increase your chances of finding opportunities that match your experience, skills, and preferences.

Even if you are not sure which job is right for you yet, you can start by registering and receiving job information that matches your background.

Summary: Finding the Right Airline or Travel Job in the U.S.

The U.S. airline and travel industry is a field where employment continues to grow.

Japanese companies are looking for a wide range of talent, including experienced professionals, entry-level candidates, and Japanese-English bilingual job seekers.

The most important thing is not to handle your concerns alone.

By organizing your strengths and preferences, you can better identify a workplace where you can build a long-term career.

• Scheduled passenger airline employment reached approximately 563,000 people in May 2026, an increase of about 13,000 from the previous year.
• Flight attendant employment is projected to grow by 9% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• Approximately 19,800 flight attendant openings are expected each year from 2024 to 2034.
• Flight attendant and travel agency roles often require a high school diploma or equivalent, making them more accessible for entry-level candidates.
• Of the projected $1.37 trillion in U.S. travel spending in 2026, 87% is expected to come from domestic travel.
• Travel agent employment growth is modest, but approximately 7,100 openings are still expected each year.
• At Japanese companies, customer service skills, adaptability to irregular shifts, safety awareness, and long-term motivation can be strong advantages.
• Checking location, shifts, benefits, and training before applying can help prevent job mismatches.
• By registering with HRAIT IQ+, you can receive job information that better matches your experience, skills, and preferences.

If you are considering a career in the airline or travel industry in the U.S., HRAIT can help you find opportunities at Japanese companies that match your experience and goals.

▼ For job search consultation and more details about HRAIT, please click here.

▶ Register with HRAIT and explore job opportunities

References

• U.S. Cargo and Passenger Airlines Gained 1,974 Jobs in May 2026｜Bureau of Transportation Statistics
• U.S. Cargo and Passenger Airlines Lost 872 Jobs in May 2025｜Bureau of Transportation Statistics
• Flight Attendants｜U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Travel Agents｜U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• U.S. Travel Forecast｜U.S. Travel Association / Tourism Economics