How do I go about getting a job with an airline with no experience?

Question

I have a little college (forty credits) and I have worked for a convenience store for over three years so I have customer service experience. What jobs could I apply for at an airline and where should I start?

Answer 1

You may want to look at working on the ramp at your local commercial airport.

If they are hiring they usually do not require any more than a HS deploma and a 10 years backround check.

It can be a great job... loading bags, lav service, etc... you get to be outside, get to hang around aircraft and get free flight benefits.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Work as a travel agent at a travel agency. They hire and train you from scratch. Then go to the airlines and tell them you worked at a travel agency in your resume.

Answer 3

Okay, let's look at what you have that could serve as qualifications to work in an airline. First of all, you have some college background. That's a good start. Secondly, you've worked in a customer service industry. The fact that it is a convenience store is not really relevant. It's the customer service experience that counts. That opens the first door to possibly getting hired as a customer service agent, either in a customer service department, or on the front lines dealing directly with the public personally.

   Often airlines will prefer prospective employees without previous airline experience, because a lot of time has to be spent breaking "old habits" that have been learned with previous airlines. Airlines prefer to have someone learn from scratch to ensure they are well indoctrinated by the time training periods are finished.

   If you are truly interested in working for an airline, don't be too quick to turn your nose up at what might appear as a low position, or an opportunity at a smaller, commuter type airline. The commuter airlines are usually a good starting opportunity where there is a smaller employee base, and better opportunities for advancement. Just because a commuter company operates smaller aircraft such as turboprop, instead of jets, doesn't take away the fact that they are just as professional and sharp as the major players. Also, many commuter airlines are affiliated with major airlines, so that could push the door open a little wider for an opportunity with a major airline.

   Good luck to you!

Answer 4

It all depends on what type of job you want and where you want it.  If you're in a small town and don't want to move you'll be limited to whatever, if any small airlines serve your community, and the local FBO.  If you're willing to move, already live in a large town, or want to be a flight attendant that's a different story.

Different jobs would be fueling aircraft (for your local FBO most likely), working as a gate agent (or similar types of customer service jobs located mostly indoors), throwing bags (usually outdoors and a lot of physical labor), or doing something along the lines of being a flight attendant.  The best place to search would be the website of whatever airlines you either want to work for or serves your community.  For example, if I was living in Las Vegas I'd probably look into Southwest (they have a base there), Atlanta I would look into Delta (base), or Detroit I would look into Northwest.  If in doubt of who serves your community either check the internet or drive by the airport and see what airplanes you see.  If an airline does serve your community they will most likely have some jobs-- obviously the more flights an airline has into a certain destination, the more workers they will need.  Looking at a company website is a good place to start.

    

I don't know much about flight attendants, but I know they can usually commute from anywhere.  Flight attendants will be trained by the airline, but a lot of time away from home/travel is required.

    If you want to be a pilot, that's a whole new ballgame.  There are a lot of good questions/answers about that already on here- but the bottom line is a lot of time/training/and money (or loans) are required to start this career.

Answer 5

Go to any airline website, and there will be a link somewhere (often at the bottom) about jobs or careers.

Do some browsing.  They will list the qualifications needed for specific jobs, and how to apply.

You could be a Customer Service Agent, possibly a Flight Attendant also.

Answer 6

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