Airline Customer Service Careers
You love being on the ground and talking to people, but don't have the credentials for a more traditional customer service career? Airline customer service careers are perfect for you. Airlines need managers, flight attendants, ticket agents, and skycaps. You’ll be able to stay in one place rather than chasing around from job to job. A lot of times you’ll be dealing with people who have just had a bad day, so you’ll need to stay calm and be able to think on your feet.
1. What Airline Customer Service Careers Are Available?
Customer service agents work at the ticket counter, and they have a lot of responsibility. They check passengers in and issue travel documents. This is an entry-level position, but it is important that these agents know how to work with people and demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Because of this, most companies require specific college degrees for this position.
Airlines also need managers, people who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the airline. They are in charge of hiring additional staff and making sure they have proper training and experience (such as working with people) and setting up employee policies. Since this is a management position, it is important that you have a university degree in a business field or be working towards one.
All flight attendants are customer service persons at heart, but they have to earn their wings to become an airline pilot. This can take several years of being an attendant before the company feels confident enough to give them this task. You need to be friendly, talkative and have a nurturing personality.
Skycaps are basically the same as baggage handlers, but they work in airports instead of baggage claim. They go through passengers' bags to find exactly what they are looking for, then put it on their carts and load it all into their vans or buses. Usually it is not physically demanding.
2. Things You Should Know Before Accepting An Airline Customer Service Job
Know the company's regulations and policies before you start the job. Some airlines have strict guidelines when it comes to greeting passengers, issuing tickets, and setting up reservations. If you are not familiar with the company's policies, you could find yourself being disciplined or fired for an unknowing violation.
Because of security concerns, it is a good idea to get your passport updated if you don't already have one. You may even want to apply for a convenient, plastic version that can be kept in a wallet or purse. This will help you easily identify yourself as an employee if there is a question at the airport about who you are.
Be able to offer excellent customer service skills and a winning personality when it comes to dealing with people from all walks of life. You want to be able to talk with passengers who have just had a bad day or are only interested in asking a few questions. If you can relate to them and offer help, you will be very successful in this job.
Know the company's policies when it comes to the type of person who would do well in this job. Does it require a college degree? Does the company require working on your feet for a while before you are more qualified? Knowing these things will help you set yourself apart from other applicants.
3. What Airline Customer Service Jobs Are Available?
Customer service agents work at the ticket counter, and they have a lot of responsibility. They check passengers in and issue travel documents. This is an entry-level position, but it is important that these agents know how to work with people and demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Because of this, most companies require specific college degrees for this position.
Airlines also need managers, people who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the airline. They are in charge of hiring additional staff and making sure they have proper training and experience (such as working with people) and setting up employee policies. Since this is a management position, it is important that you have a university degree in a business field or be working towards one.
All flight attendants are customer service persons at heart, but they have to earn their wings to become an airline pilot. This can take several years of being an attendant before the company feels confident enough to give them this task. You need to be friendly, talkative and have a nurturing personality.
Skycaps are basically the same as baggage handlers, but they work in airports instead of baggage claim. They go through passengers' bags to find exactly what they are looking for, then put it on their carts and load it all into their vans or buses. Usually it is not physically demanding.
4. Where Do I Find Airlines Customer Service Job Listings?
Most airlines hire applicants through Workopolis. You can create a profile and take advantage of some great forums and blogs to learn more about working for an airline. Once you have the qualifications they require, you can apply and find out if they are hiring.
If you are flexible, you can also search on Craigslist or Monster.com for jobs in your local area. These are usually not entry-level positions, but you never know what will pop up!
5. Where Can I Find Airlines Customer Service Job Training?
Most airline companies require you to have a college degree, or at least have a few years of experience with customer service. They also require that you pass a thorough background check and drug screening. You may also be required to take a drug test before being hired, as well as proving your physical fitness.
In some cases, airlines will pay for your training in customer service skills if you are new to the industry. This is a good way for them to get the person they want on the cheap and make sure that this job is the one for them.
6. What Kinds Of Airline Customer Service Jobs Are There?
Customer service agents work at the ticket counter, and they have a lot of responsibility. They check passengers in and issue travel documents. This is an entry-level position, but it is important that these agents know how to work with people and demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Because of this, most companies require specific college degrees for this position.
Airlines also need managers, people who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the airline. They are in charge of hiring additional staff and making sure they have proper training and experience (such as working with people) and setting up employee policies.
Conclusion
If you are a multitasker who loves to meet new people all of the time, then an airline customer service job may just be for you. Not only will you get to travel all around the world, but you can also help other people reach their goals.
You may have to start out as a skycap or baggage handler, but with enough experience and training, it can lead to much more than that.