Ep 18: New Hire Guide for SkyWest Flight Attendants
This episode is brought to you by Life Line!
Welcome to Episode 18 of "It’s Time Live," where we delve into everything new SkyWest Flight Attendants need to know about joining the airline and how union representation can enhance their careers. This episode provides valuable insights for new hires, those in training, or anyone considering a career with SkyWest Airlines.
Introduction to SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest Airlines operates flights for Delta, United, Alaska, and American Airlines. This setup offers Flight Attendants excellent flight benefits across these major airlines but requires them to adapt to different announcements, service guidelines, and partner procedures. While demanding, this variety ensures the work is never monotonous. For those who master the PBS (Preferential Bidding System), significant scheduling flexibility is possible once you become a line holder.
Tools and Tips for New Flight Attendants
Commuting:
Crash Pads: Essential for those on reserve to be in base on your on-days.
Flight Aware App: Track flights to ease commuting. Flight Aware Mobile App.
Airline Apps: Download all relevant airline apps for the airlines you will fly with. Some allow you to check in, and others require you to do so on their websites.
Spirit Airlines Non-Rev Listing: Use teamtravel.spirit.com/EmployeeTravel.aspx with the company code. Spirit Access/Verification Code can be found on SWOL - Company - Documents - Bulletins - Cabin Seat Agreements - Participating Cabin Seat Agreements
Jumpseat Agreements: We don't have ANY jump seat agreements with our 4 partners. You can only list as a non rev.
Southwest Airlines - If you list as non rev, it will charge you a minimal fee and it's free if you list as a commuting FA. You have more priority on the standby list as non rev VS a commuting FA
Bidding:
Bid Transparency Report on SWOL: Familiarize yourself with this to improve your bidding strategy. Access it on the Inflight page under scheduling, then PBS bid transparency.
Path: SWOL -> Inflight Home -> Scheduling Home -> PBS Bid Transparency
When you are bidding as mostly likely a reserve, and you are still bidding pairings or pairing properties in the first 3 layers, you should still also add "try to finish at this layer & avoid reserve" in Layer 3.
Lifestyle Tips for Flight Attendants
Being a Flight Attendant offers opportunities to travel and meet diverse people, but it can also be lonely during long layovers. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
Pack Your Hobbies: Bring books or explore new cities during layovers.
Stay Connected: Keep in touch with friends and family.
Take Photos: Capture memories of the places you visit.
Absences and Calling Out
Understanding the company's policy on absences is crucial. SkyWest allows five excused absences during probation but has been known to randomly vary from this policy. Follow these steps:
Policy Familiarity: Review SP2307 in the FA Policy Manual and the "Standards, Expectations & Requirements" on the New Hire Support page on SWOL.
Emergency Absences : Know what qualifies as an emergency and follow the proper submission process through the excused occurrence submission page on SWOL.
LifeLine Support Group: Use this peer support resource for help with calling out, bidding, policy questions, and more.
SkyWest Culture and Union Advocacy
SkyWest has evolved, and while it once prioritized employee care, the focus has shifted more towards cost-saving measures, shareholder profits, and executive bonuses. This change has fueled the need for a real union, SkyWest AFA, to ensure that Flight Attendants have a voice and are protected through a negotiated contract.
Union Benefits:
Improved Working Conditions: Single-occupancy hotel rooms, better pay, benefits, and working hours.
Safety Regulations: Successfully fought to keep knives off planes, ban smoking, and establish regulations for extreme temperatures and poor air quality on aircraft.
Representation: AFA-run unions, led by fellow Flight Attendants, ensure that industry standards are upheld and that the company remains accountable.
Training and Probation
SkyWest's training program is one of the most rigorous in the industry. Be prepared, read everything thoroughly, and adhere to all guidelines. Probation starts after completing your inflight operating experience (IOE) and can be extended by the company for various reasons. A union can help standardize these policies and protect new hires from arbitrary changes.
We are Better Together!
The SkyWest AFA campaign aims to provide Flight Attendants with the representation and protections they deserve. By signing an Authorization Card, you support the effort to establish a real union at SkyWest, which can negotiate better working conditions, pay, and benefits for all Flight Attendants. Engaging with union efforts is your legal right, and management will never see your signed Authorization Card.
For more information and support, visit ooitstime.com. Share this information with your classmates and colleagues to empower everyone with the knowledge needed to succeed and thrive at SkyWest Airlines. Fly safe!
