CHICAGO, May 30 (Reuters) - An arbitration panel on Thursday found that flight attendants at United Airlines (UAL) make on average less than their counterparts at other big carriers and awarded them $48 million. Distribution of the money be finalized in negotiations between the flight attendants union, the Association of Flight Attendants and the airline beginning next week. The union represents 26,000 flight attendants at United. "Wile the money will mean a much-deserved raise, it only brings our flight attendants up to the average of United's competitors," said union executive Greg Davidowitch. The award is equivalent to 7.5 percent pay increase, retroactive to April 1, 2002. The arbitration panel is comprised of union and company officials, as well as an independent arbiter. The arbitration review is built into the flight attendants' contract. ©2002 Reuters Limited.