On Aug. 27, UAL Corp's United Airlines said the airline intended to ground 1,550 stewards and stewardesses, or 10 percent of the total, as part of a previously announced plan to cut costs.

As the U.S. economy has weakened and fuel prices have risen, most carriers have announced sweeping, double-digit percentage cuts in capacity, most of which will begin in the fourth quarter.

United in particular has said it would cut 7,000 jobs. It has 55,000 employees.

The Association of Flight Attendants said that United attendants would be furloughed on Oct. 31. The company will ask for volunteers before implementing mandatory furloughs.

The company confirmed the plans.