Best and Worst Airlines to Work For

Even as the airline industry is consolidating, it is still one of the larger employers in the country. And while some airlines have made a name for themselves as the best airlines to travel, those airlines don’t necessarily correspond with the best airlines to work for.

Southwest Airlines

Homebase: Dallas, TX

Employees: 35,000

Southwest Airlines consistently ranks as one of the top companies to work for in the country. In 2010, the airline was recognized as a top employer by GI Jobs and by ComputerWorld’s Best Places to Work and is known, not only in the industry, but in the corporate world at large for making its employees as important as its customers. It probably doesn’t hurt employee satisfaction that the airline typically garners some of the highest ratings in customer satisfaction as well.

Alaska Air Group Inc.

Homebase: Seattle, WA
Employees: 9,900

According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Alaska Airlines ranks the highest in health and dental benefits for both opposite and same-sex partners. The airline was also recognized as the seventh best company to work for in Washington. Because it’s one of the smaller airlines on the list, and has a much smaller scope, most Alaska Airline employees don’t have to travel as far from their homebase.

American Airlines

Homebase: Fortworth, TX

Employees: 75,600

As the second-highest ranked airline by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, American Airlines is highlighted for diversity training and management and external sponsorship and marketing for sexual orientation and gender identity equality. The airline was named in 2010 with a Diversity Leader Award by the Profiles in Diversity Journal for outstanding diversity communication practices and also ranks in the top tier for rewards — a perk that gets translated to employees as well as customers.

JetBlue Airlines

Homebase: Forest Hills, NY

Employees: 13,000

After only ten years in the industry, this New York airline scored a perfect 100 in the annual Human Rights Campaign Foundation ranking, being recognized for its commitment to continual improvement. The airline is also known throughout the industry as one of the best places to find an entry-level position. A serious Customer Bill of Rights, means a serious commitment to its customers, which typically translates to a more equitable work environment.

U.S. Airways

Homebase: Tempe, AZ

Employees: 36,500

U.S. Airways employees are graciously rewarded with travel benefits, which may be one of the reasons the airline was ranked among the top-50 businesses for Latinas to work for. The airline was noted for its career advancement opportunities. Fortune Magazine also named the organization as one of the World’s Most Admired Airlines. And the corporate headquarters in the sunny and affordable state of Arizona isn’t a bad draw for employees either.

4 Responses to “Best and Worst Airlines to Work For”

Leigh
May 15, 2011 at 3:17 pm

This is to anyone who might have advice about landing a job with an airline. I have been applying through airlines for ticket agent jobs for over a year and am having no luck whatsoever. I have been contacted for one or two however the interview does not go anywhere further. Any advice for entry level, ground (literally) service jobs with an airline?
Kate
December 12, 2011 at 12:38 pm

interesting list
luis
December 24, 2011 at 9:44 pm

Dear Leigh (entry level airline jobs),

Depending on your situation and your patience (I have worked in the airline business for 22 + years). I have found over and over again that the quickest way is to gain some hands on experience with perhaps a travel agency as a junior agent. From there you will learn from the ground up; ticketing, learning the various airline GDS systems (find out about SABRE, AMADEUS, WSPAN). Some of or at least one GDS (AMADEUS) has its own EUniversity whereby you can learn at least the basics of creating airline/car/hotel bookings. With this basic knowledge and a certificate to show proof, you may be able to get in on the ground floor if the potential employer was willing to take you on.

I have a friend who knew nothing about the airline business nor how to book travel period; he had lots of customer service experience but not within the airline business or travel/leisure business. I suggested he contact a reservation center or tour company that arranges travel that includes air like Expedia, Vayama, and RCCL (Royal Caribbean International). RCCL was looking for new/fresh agents for their air/sea department that customized air travel for it’s cruise passsengers. They started you in Miami (one of their call centers), trained and tested you after 2 weeks, and if passed the bare minimum of 80%, you moved onto “the floor” with your own cubicle, mentor that moved around, headsets, and the whole 9 yards. You also get to listen to other agents resolved issues and learn that way too. They started you off at around $12 an hoour plus benefits after 3 months, andso forth.

I hope this sparks some ideas as to how you may go about getting inon the ground floor.

Regards,
Alej
Amelo@theflyersadvocate.com
scott
February 11, 2012 at 11:17 am

Best and Worst Airlines to Work For.

Ok, and the worst?…..