Planes, Passengers and Great Service: They Go Together, Right?

So I recently experienced a rather shocking event within the airline industry....

I recently attended an open house hiring event in Chicago for a rather significant player in the airline industry. Upon reaching the group interviews, I discovered that this airline carrier, one you've probably flown more than once this summer on your family vacations, is not interested in customer service professionals. Here are my observations, which might some shed light upon why customer service sadly seems to be lacking in the airline industry....

Upon arriving at the hiring event, I encountered the traditional applicants awaiting their turn for an interview. Typical dress included business suits, dresses and pants suits. These are to be expected, as, after all, we are customer service professionals wishing to acquire the distinct privilege of representing this airline's professional image to its clientele. Unexpectedly, though, I also encountered the male applicant dressed in black jeans and cowboy boots and reeking of alcohol. While perhaps I am not up on my perfumes and colognes, I am guessing there are no such colognes entitled "Budweiser" or "Coors Light." Again, maybe I need to brush up on my scents counters at my local Macy's. Even more shocking was to see several key company personnel walking up and down the extensive line of applicants, shaking this gentleman's hand, with hugs and back slaps all around. No acknowledgment of the professional dressed female standing directly behind him.