Just Got A Job With Midwest?

adizzy · Sun Apr 22, 2007 7:30 am

Hey Guys
I just got offered a position with Midwest Airlines here in Boston. I am a Customer Service rep. and have been told that the first couple of months will be spent on the ramp until I am cross trained and will do a mix of counter work and ramp work. I just wondering of what to expect the first day and also if anyone can give me some pointers on how to make a really good impression during my first days and prove to them that I am good for it.

Any Help....will be greatly appreciated!

ADiZzy

S5FA170 · Sun Apr 22, 2007 8:09 am

For starters, show up early. And show up every day you are scheduled! Dependability is a BIG DEAL in this business. Unless, of course, you work for USAirways in Philadelphia.

SkyexRamper · Sun Apr 22, 2007 8:46 am

Just be yourself, provided you're a descent person. It'll be easy for you, nothing to much to worry about except when it snows over there in boston.

juventus · Sun Apr 22, 2007 9:05 am

Midwest is not busy at BOS, so it shouldn't be a bad deal. Just be yourself, be ready to lift lots of heavy bags, and enjoy the free flights. Perfect opportunity to see the whole country.

tsra · Sun Apr 22, 2007 12:54 pm

Have fun with the new job and get ready to load TONS of mail and fish to MCI.

N911YX · Mon Apr 23, 2007 2:03 am

Congratulations. My best advice. Be a sponge - soak it all up and keep your opinions of management and co-workers to yourself. Bust your axe every day and you'll gain the respect of all. The counter can be overwhelming to someone who has never had to deal with angry customers while trying to learn procedures. Most days, you'll yearn to go back to the life of a ramper. But when it's storming outside, it's always dry and comfy at the ticket counter. You're working for one of the most respected airlines in the US. Be SAFE, be proud, and try to keep smiling, it's not easy anymore in this biz

georgebush · Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:42 am

Best of luck to you. My advice is to answer questions when they ask you, even if you dont know the right answer. This will show them you are eager to learn and not scared of talking to people. And when you are getting yelled at by the big bad business people with the blue tooth's in each ear who literally expect you to build them a plane and fly them to where they need to go in the middle of a hurricane or lord knows what, try to think of something relaxing... like sippin a margarita on Maho beach in SXM!

N353SK · Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:01 am

If you want them to know you're enthusiastic, be the first one outside to meet the plane and the last one inside.

COEI2007 · Mon Apr 23, 2007 4:05 am

It says in your profile, you wna be a Flight attendant? Why dont you go for it?

jetdoctor · Mon Apr 23, 2007 6:07 am

ADiZzy

Welcome to the industry!!

All the advice given to you, above, is priceless. There are many things you will learn about the airline industry, that you may, or may not agree with. You will learn quickly that this a labor of love.

Just don't be afraid to ask questions, and learn as much as you can. If Midwest doesn't work out for you, there are plenty of other airlines looking for help with a little bit of knowledge.

BE A SPONGE!!!!

Regards,

Jetdoctor

(btw American Eagle was looking for F/A's, if you are interested)

MidEx216 · Mon Apr 23, 2007 7:05 am

Listen to what your are told, and be energetic, charismatic, and helpful. They love to see that you're not about to complain when it comes to working. And if you are really someone who should be on Airliners.net, chances are you're not going to complain working in the industry. Good Luck, and Congrats!

adizzy · Mon Apr 23, 2007 9:04 am

Thank you for all the positive feedback. I really do appreciate it and what do thank all of you. I am going out to MKE May 5-10 for training and for new hire orientation! I really cant wait to start. I got my line schedule and it is awesome. I work four 12 hour days and get three days off of which the station manager said i could fill with over time once trained and that excites me too, because i love to work work work! I think I am nervous about driving around on the tarmac with tugs and stuff. lol.

Also, in regards to wanting to be an FA. I tried doing this before i started to apply for customer service AO and GO positions. I interviewed with JetBlue in Forest Hills NY and was wait listed because they said the off set delivery schedule offset their need to hire FA. They told me i would have to wait until January 2008 for a training class with availability to come along. I also interviewed with United, but that got me nowhere. I have a few strikes against me as I am a larger person. My weight and height are proportionate.....but AA Eagle has height limits that I am over! I guess I can always try again in a year or so...this way I will have some Airline Experience on my resume!

S5FA170 · Mon Apr 23, 2007 10:31 am

Feel free to try Republic Airways Holdings, we're hiring Smile

georgebush · Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:37 am

Quoting ADiZzy (Reply 11):
I think I am nervous about driving around on the tarmac with tugs and stuff. lol.

Watch out for jet-bridges...

Big version: Width: 1280 Height: 960 File size: 186kb

This is what happens when your driveing too fast and coming up on a jet-bridge!

Im still pickin glass out of my hair.

N353SK · Mon Apr 23, 2007 11:41 am

Quoting ADiZzy (Reply 11):
I think I am nervous about driving around on the tarmac with tugs and stuff.

It's no different from walking out on the ramp, really. You just have to be very aware and keep your head on a swivel. Watch out for lumbering fuel trucks that think they always have the right of way, and don't drive behind a plane doing an engine run up (trust me!).

TedEx · Mon Apr 23, 2007 12:25 pm

Quoting Georgebush (Reply 13):
Watch out for jet-bridges...

Smells like FWA...

georgebush · Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:03 pm

Quoting Tedex (Reply 15):
Smells like FWA...

Huh?

TedEx · Mon Apr 23, 2007 1:06 pm

That photo... Is it from FWA?

We're Nuts · Mon Apr 23, 2007 3:21 pm

Congratulations on getting hired! I'll be going to inflight training for Midwest next month, so I'll be seeing you around the system eventually. YX is a very easy going company, so take your time and enjoy. No one else will treat you this well.

If you are interested in becoming a flight attendant, YX should be hiring again in the fall.

georgebush · Mon Apr 23, 2007 8:02 pm

Quoting TedEx (Reply 17):
That photo... Is it from FWA?

Yep. Gate number 6

MattRB · Tue Apr 24, 2007 2:17 am

Quoting ADiZzy (Thread starter):
I am a Customer Service rep. and have been told that the first couple of months will be spent on the ramp until I am cross trained and will do a mix of counter work and ramp work.

Since you'll be on the ramp, the best advice that one new ramp rat can give to another is this:

Keep your head up and your eyes open.

Take your time, don't rush.

Plan your work, work your plan. If the unexpected happens, keep cool and rework your plan.

Don't try and be a superhero. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it.

If you don't know, ask.

Wear your PPE.

Congrats on the position with YX - welcome to where the action is!

[Edited 2007-04-23 19:18:22]

[Edited 2007-04-23 19:21:24]

SBN580 · Tue Apr 24, 2007 3:47 am

I've never worked for an airline, but I have worked on a flightline. Safety First! Watch for foreign object debris (FOD.) Even little things can get sucked into an engine and can cause a lot of folks to have a bad day. They can also get into you and cause you to have a really bad day! On that note, learn the distance rules for being around the engines. I do not mean to scare you, but those rules are deadly serious. Really though, it is a thrill to work around aircraft. I have been out of it for seven years and still pine for the smell of jet fuel. Have fun and do Midwest proud! Big grin

adizzy · Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:31 pm

Hey guys
Thanks for all of your feedback. i really to appreciate it. I have one last question. I am not getting my uniform until next tuesday when i show up. I am wondering what i should wear. I was thinking of a slacks dress shirt and tie and someone else told me to wear jeans and a polo.

What do you think?

PExDCA · Thu Apr 26, 2007 11:52 pm

Quoting ADiZzy (Reply 22):
I have one last question. I am not getting my uniform until next tuesday when i show up. I am wondering what i should wear.

I suggest a quick call to your supervisor/manager so that you can be certain your attire is appropriate to what you will actually be doing until you receive your uniform and that your attire is in line with his/her expectation. If the intent is that you will show up and immediately change into your uniform the answer to your question may be different than if you will be wearing what you show up in for a period of time on the job that day.

Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

Good luck and enjoy the ride!

[Edited 2007-04-26 16:53:17]

SkyexRamper · Fri Apr 27, 2007 12:17 am

Quoting ADiZzy (Reply 22):
. I am wondering what i should wear. I was thinking of a slacks dress shirt and tie and someone else told me to wear jeans and a polo.

Since you'll just be working the ramp here in MKE, bring jeans or navy blue cargo pants to wear and a grey sweatshirt and or T-shirt (this is what is preferred for new hires to wear). And don't forget your steal toe boots! Don't show up without them!

However for the non-rev flight out and back you'll need at least khakis, biz casual dress shoes and a collared shirt.

[Edited 2007-04-26 17:19:54]

adizzy · Sat Apr 28, 2007 9:12 pm

Hey guys
Today is my last weekend off.. i will stop by on on tuesday and let you all know how the first day went!

ADiZzy

Jerseyguy · Sun Apr 29, 2007 10:13 am

Is this a common position mix ramp/ticket counter or is this just because YX has a small operation at BOS? Also does training generally cover tips about how to deal with angry customers?

[Edited 2007-04-29 03:20:19]

SkyexRamper · Sun Apr 29, 2007 10:35 am

Quoting JerseyGuy (Reply 26):
Is this a common position mix ramp/ticket counter or is this just because YX has a small operation at BOS?

Yes they also have cross trained CSRs at DCA.

Quoting JerseyGuy (Reply 26):
Also does training generally cover tips about how to deal with angry customers?

Don't be a dick to the customer, tell them the truth and explain it in plain english if you know how to. If they aren't happy with that answer know who you can call for them to get a better answer if they insist. All in all, don't be the person you'd hate to have at the counter if you were the passenger.

adizzy · Sat May 05, 2007 10:39 pm

So I have the first week under my belt and although I am tired i can honestly say that I LOVE IT! It is such a GREAT job and I love all of the people I have met thus far here in Boston! The Crew is so GREAT and although at times the work load seems so big we all pull it off as a team and can have a 717 turned in about 15 minutes!

Simply Love it. I will let you guys know more as the time goes on and periodically give you all an update!