Any SWA CSA's out there?

[SWAMDW]

I really want to become a CSA for SWA in the future. I hope to work my way up to a manager or supervisor of some sort. Are there any SWA CSA's out there that could please give me a run down of the typical day as a CSA at SWA? Also, Is the pay good? What are the schedules like? Hours? Thanks!

 

[SWAInflt]

This is actually a pilot bulletin board but since you started the thread I'll go ahead and answer your question. Flightattendants.org is a good resource for CSA and Inflight Service Information.


Customer Service Supervisor turned flight attendant here. CSA is a tough job but a great foot in the door if you want to do other things with the company. Training is 2 1/2 weeks in Dallas. Unpaid, room and board provided.

CSAs work 3 different positions. Ticket Counter, Gate and Baggage Service. Junior Agents generally work baggage service as it is the uh....least popular position. Nobody steps into the office to thank you for making sure their bag arrived safely. If they are standing in front of you...they have a problem. CSAs work 8.5 hour shifts with 1, 30 minute lunch and 2, 15 minute breaks. Under normal operations the worst part of the job is the tedium. Lots or reptition. During weather and mechanical irregular ops the airport can descend into chaos and is not for the faint of heart. Even though it's not your fault you have to be prepared to take on the wrath of the traveling public with a smile.

Typical schedules begin around 5 am. Most airports will have an agent on duty 1 to 2 hours before the first departure of the day and the ticket counter and baggage service offices must remain open until the last flight arrives...no matter how late. As a new hire expect to work closing baggage service weekends from late afternoon until 12 or 1AM. As you gain seniority the choice of schedules improves.

It's a tough job but if you have good solving problem skills, enjoy public contact you might enjoy the work.

Applications for the CSA position can be submitted via Southwest.com. Currently, we are overstaffed in most of Ground Operations however, applications are kept on file for 6 months and you never know when openings may come up.