Airlines are racing to hire workers as they anticipate more travelers returning to the skies, and some are offering incentives to try to draw new employees.
In Chicago alone, United Airlines is offering a $10,000 signing bonus to new part-time ramp agents, baggage handlers, belt and cargo loaders and other positions. Southwest Airlines will increase starting pay for some Chicago roles to $18 an hour beginning March 1.
Major airlines are looking to add thousands of employees this year, as they continue efforts to build back workforces reduced during the pandemic. At the same time, they are contending with tough hiring markets, and could also face a potential pilot shortage that has loomed since before the pandemic.
