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What is the best airline to work for?

I am looking for an airline that pays and treats me well. Also, I would like one the most benefits.

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Kimberley’s Answer

Southwest Airlines! It’s a dynamic company with a lot of opportunities in a lot of different areas. They also believe in putting employees first, have an amazing culture and pay competitively. I highly recommend looking for internships in an area that interests to start!
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Dominick’s Answer

Hi Jack! Great question and one that I’m happy to provide guidance based on my own experience. I’ve worked for two carriers in my career and can say that I’ve found my forever home at Southwest. Regardless of your position, Southwest is a People first Company. Our founder Herb Kelleher once said “if you take care of your People, they will take care of your Customers”. I’ve had an amazing experience here with so many opportunities but also have been encouraged to invest in myself. SWA doesn’t just care about the business but instead focuses on individuals. I’ve never felt like I’ve worked a day here because I can truly say that I love our Company! I hope this is helpful and you find what’s best for you in your journey!
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Wayne’s Answer

Jack you will have to do research to find the airline which offers the working environment and other benefits that are most important to you.
Once you have narrowed down your airlines, you should be able to contact the personnel department and they should be able to provide you with the benefits, they offer. The hourly pay is just the beginning of the benefits:
Holiday pay, Personal Time Off (PTO), Sick leave, amount the company pays in medical benefits, contribution to a 401K retirement plan, etc. These benefits can add an equivalent of 25% to your total wage and benefits.
One thing to remember is benefits can change.
Examples:
When I worked at an airline after a certain date all new hires, would not receive a pension, just a 401K.
Sick pay was eliminated and added to vacation pay and it was renamed PTO.
Maximum amount of PTO time was reduced from 7 weeks to 5 weeks.
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Mark’s Answer

Without knowing the role(s), you're aspiring to, I'd say, do your research to understand where the headquarters and airport hubs are for the airlines you are interested in. Alternatively, know which airlines operate in your local airport(s) and explore the options for joining a local flight crew.
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Daniel’s Answer

Hi Jack!

One of the first things to think about is where is the airline based. Also, do you live close to one of their hubs and is that a vital hub in their network?

Also, you have to think about is leisure travel important to you. Meaning, Southwest mostly flies domestically, but American, Delta, and United offer more international flights. If you want to travel oversees then one of the "big three carries" may be right for you.

These four carriers all offer very competitive pay and as a matter of fact American Airlines just increased their pilots pay by 21% today.

Hope you find the right airline for you and good luck on getting your wings!
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Scott’s Answer

Southwest Airlines!! The company culture at Southwest is fun, people and community focused, and very much like a family away from home. Compensation is very competitive. The benefits package includes insurance (health, dental, vision, etc), 401k matching, profit sharing, travel benefits, etc. The total package is a strong one, and Southwest is a great place to work.

I’ve talked to many people who have worked for other airlines, and then went to Southwest. They haven’t looked back.

Good luck in your search!
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Susan’s Answer

Southwest Airlines! They have a great Culture and work atmosphere, where you feel cared for and supported. Working for an airline provides flight benefits as a perk but look past that and make sure you look at the other benefits the airline offers such as medical benefits, vacation/PTO ,401k
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Steven’s Answer

Jack

Research, research, research. You want to look at the entire picture of each potential employer. Will it be a union job or non-union? Which do you prefer? Based on your research findings, does that companies culture seem to be a fit for you? What type of reviews have been left on line regarding employment at that airline? Do you want airline work or private/corporate work? Which suites you best. Then get insight into their compensation and benefits package. These can vary substantially for company to company. I will say that pay in aviation has seen significant increases over the past several years due to the shortages of personnel to fill the slots.

If you have more specific questions, feel free to reach out. Good luck in your search.
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Alex’s Answer

If you want to have a career in the airline industry, find out where the Airline's base is and try to make sure you are within a reasonable driving distance from it. Yes, some people, specifically flight attendants, live in cities other than where the airline is based because usually they commute every 2 or three days. However, that becomes stressful when weather becomes an issue. Also, check to see how the quarterly earnings are. Consistent profitable companies usually provide good benefits and pay. They also will be least likely to do layoffs.
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Thomas’s Answer

I'm not certain which aspect of the airline industry you're interested in. Airline companies have many different parts. Think about where you'd like to start and how you plan to grow. After considering this, reach out to various airlines to see if they can help you achieve your goals.
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Aftab’s Answer

Career is a ladder to climb and you start with one employer and then switch to next and then next because once some experienced under your belt, larger airlines will find you suitable to take a risk on employing you eg Southwest, Alaska Airlines, American, United and then Delta. Good luck
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