Hey everyone
Well i’ve been doing some research about the benefits of working with the airlines and i was wanting to get some real time feedback from you guys..
Im 17, a senior in high school, im going to graduate in the spring, and more than anything i want to travel after i graduate…this is my main goal! to see as much of the world as i can while im young and can fly anywhere without being tied down with a family and kids…
So if anyone has had any experience working in the airlines, can you tell me what the benefits are, especially concerning travel benefits…also what are the downfalls? and what entry-level jobs are the best? is it hard to get a job with the airlines? any and all information will be helpful…
thanks all
The absolute benefit of working for an airline is the travel benefit. However uncertain your flights will be (as standby travel is determined based on available seats), you can travel anywhere your airline goes for only a small percentage of regular fare!
Airlines also quite frequently give you solid deals at retail stores, and benefits ranging from dental to life insurance. Benefit wise, of all the kinds of things I’ve worked thus far, airlines provide the best benefits.
There are quite a bit of downfalls too unfortunately. Plenty of shiftwork and working odd hours depending on what you do. Theres a lot of speediness and on time performance involved, and if you are working front-line, that can be a lot of stress. If you are looking for entry-level jobs, try to avoid front-line customer service. It is better to sell tickets, or work in ground operations if you can lift heavy bags. Flight attendant is also considered pretty front line, and is a fair choice from the people i’ve heard from.
Also, airpline pay can be pretty low at times, depending on the company you work for. Because airlines are always trying to keep prices low (for the customer), so too will your salary. I live in Canada where inflation has gone high, and it is quite unfortunate that airlines don’t meet this inflation when it comes to salary. Here, you find people flipping burgers getting higher salary than those involved with the safety of the aircraft or the loading of cargo.
Still, with all the negative drawbacks, I still wish I worked for airlines – despite the pay. But then, thats because I like to travel. If you really like to travel, then airlines would help you out, a lot!
Hope this helps.
I used to work Ground Operations for an airline.
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It’s a low-paying, degrading job. But the flying benefits are why most of us are here. If you don’t live in a huge metropolis, i.e. a hub, your only option will be airport operations, one of the many workers at the airport. Once you get hired on (we’re always looking for bodies, so the chance of you not getting hired is virtually nil) you’ll have to go through training. Training usually lasts between 1 and 3 weeks, and is held at the airlines’ hub. The airline will pay for your room and give you a per diem check before you leave; the check is approximate to roughly $10/day.
In a field station (low-volume feeders to the hubs) you may be cross-utilized, meaning that one day you’ll have to be on the ramp, and another you’ll have to work the counter. Airlines are realizing that cross-utilization is a broken system, and many of them are changing to premium station standards, that is if all you want to work are the ticket counter, gates, and baggage service then that’s all you’ll do.
I’ve worked for 5 different airlines in 5 different cities and one thing is constant. If that aircraft is delayed, the passenger assumes it is your fault. Doesn’t matter if the aircraft went mechanical, or if there’s 10 feet of snow outside, it’s always your fault. I’ve seen abovewing agents get yelled out, cursed at and spit on. Those are very extreme circumstances, but I’d be lying if I told you they had it easy. I have always been an underwing agent, for the main reason that the bags don’t talk back. The only people I have to deal with are my co-workers. Yes, whether its -10 or 110 degrees I’m outside working.
If you live in a hub, you can always take a receptionist position, or maybe an A/P clerk, as long as your good with ten key. Outside a hub, though, your options are limited to the airport. If you have any other questions, let me know.
Airline Industry professional
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