Those with airport aviation jobs are just as much at the mercy of the weather as travelers are. Flight delays or cancellations can become nightmares for those who chose an aviation career, and who may sometimes lightheartedly try to remember why they chose this line of work. One major snowstorm spent in an airport full of weary travelers whose only wishes are to get home is enough to make even the most patient traffic controller make a run for it, snow storm or not and regardless of how many employment opportunities may be lost as a result of such a major walkout. Of course, that's an exaggeration, but a combination of all these factors can sometimes make for abusive passengers. Those who choose aviation as a career must have a large amount of patience and compassion, not to mention a tough skin. In fact, airports provide training for all of their employees in an effort to ensure that airport personnel have the skills to defuse upset travelers.
Still, even with unpredictable weather, tired travelers, and no Diet Coke in any of the vending machines, most airport employees insist that they do indeed love their work. They enjoy the fast pace, the sense of teamwork, and the sense of accomplishment when they've successfully managed and survived another winter storm.
Not only do their jobs require them to come in contact with flight passengers, but when flights are delayed they're often the only source of information for those who've arrived at the airport to meet their loved ones. Many of us know the panic of arriving only to discover the fight hasn't. A sense of urgency takes over and the reassurances from airline employees feel like a life line to those we are waiting for. It doesn't take long before we begin to believe their jobs must be the most noble of all career options. After all, there are times when these very people are the ones who've just alleviated your worst fears.
But what do the statistics reveal? Unfortunately, the airline industry has suffered from financial setbacks along with nearly every other sector in the American economy. September 2008 numbers reveal a 4.5 percent drop in employment from the previous year. These are ''across the board'' numbers and are applicable to jobs such as airline counter employees, air traffic controllers, instructors, engineers, and pilots. Further, these cutbacks weren't limited to full-time employees. Many part-time positions were cut as well, and some were phased-out altogether. Further, the cuts in September constitute a record drop; these numbers haven’t seen such sharp decreases in over two decades. Each year, the total employment for all fields within aviation groups was never below 400,000. This year's numbers, however, have fallen below 40,000. Of course, rising fuel costs have played a major role in these job cuts, despite indicators that tend to point to a long-overdue drop in prices for crude oil. With that said, it's important to know that there is one airline that appears to be taking the hits with few repercussions. That line is Alaska Airlines. Perhaps the fact that it's a small airline plays into its apparently recession-proof existence. The fact that we're currently in the time of year that's known for its heavy travel plans can perhaps offset some of these setbacks as well.
Of course, airlines aren't the only mode of transportation that's affected by winter weather. Automobiles, trains, and buses are just as vulnerable to Mother Nature as the airlines are. These travel methods just don't affect as many people at one time as the airlines do. Nor are the restrictions as tight, which any of us who has flown since September 11th knows all too well. Security guards are sometimes the front line for tired and angry customers, since they're often the ones asking questions, requesting searches, and remaining on high alert for any suspicious travelers. They are also required to participate in some of the same educational courses focusing on displeased and sometimes abusive travelers.
As we brace for another winter and are just weeks from the busy holiday travel season, you can be sure airline employees across the board are preparing themselves for not only unpredictable weather patterns, but unpredictable customers as well.
