American Airlines, based in Fort Worth, announced it is looking to hire 400 reservation call center agents in preparation for a busy summer travel season.
On Monday, the airline reported it would increase its staff nationwide as it gears up for the biggest season of the year for travel. In addition, this summer will be the first since 2019 without COVID-19 regulations.
American Airlines employs around 30,000 people in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including those at its Skyview headquarters in Fort Worth and the neighboring DFW International Airport.
Reservation agents are essential for dealing with spikes in travel demand, as well as rerouting passengers during periods of inclement weather and mass cancellations or delays.
Customers have claimed that wait times to speak with customer service professionals have increased to two to ten hours since the COVID-19 pandemic began, especially during busy weekends with heavy cancellations.
American has attempted to reduce these wait times by hiring more representatives, but it is contending against a countrywide labor shortage.
Based out of American Airlines’ reservations center in Fort Worth, the full-time jobs will be compensated starting at $14.74 an hour, with benefits including travel rewards.
The airline reported some of its busiest selling days ever during March. However, like its competitors, American is still attempting to replace thousands of workers who were laid off during the COVID-19 outbreak.
A recent report from the United States Bureau of Transportation Statistics shows that American Airlines’ total workforce still has approximately 6,700 fewer workers than it did three years ago, even though the aviation industry as a whole has surpassed its 2019 employment levels.
American is now training approximately 100 new reservation agents, intending to hire another 150 in the coming months. The remaining employees are expected to be hired by the middle of May, according to spokeswoman Gianna Urgo.
The company has also revealed that it will be hiring approximately 600 employees at Miami International Airport, which serves as its key gateway to Central and South America.