Join a Company with Heart.

Say hello.

Southwest Airlines® is a Diamond Level sponsor of the National Gay Pilots Association (NGPA). Let us know how to reach you and we’ll keep you updated on the latest job opportunities.
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We're proud to be recognized as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality.

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index recognized us as one of the Best Places to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality for the eighth consecutive year.
Read more

Bring your whole self to work.

"Southwest Airlines strives to foster a safe and welcoming environment where everyone can feel comfortable and valued regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity."
Headshot of VP of Ground Operations, Chris Johnson in front of a grey background. Chris started as a Ramp Agent in Detroit.

Steven Tustin

 Southwest Captain and NGPA Board Chair

"Southwest Airlines is a Company that encourages you to be yourself no matter your race, gender, orientation, creed, color, or religion."
Headshot of VP of Ground Operations, Chris Johnson in front of a grey background. Chris started as a Ramp Agent in Detroit.

Anita Weaver

 Customer Service Supervisor

"I'm proud to be an LGBTQ Employee at Southwest because our passion for spreading love and acceptance isn't limited on our aircraft."
Headshot of VP of Ground Operations, Chris Johnson in front of a grey background. Chris started as a Ramp Agent in Detroit.

Tom Eisele

 Flight Attendant

Our Heart starts with our People.

Want to work in a unique, People-first Culture, with competitive benefits and a solid record of job security? Southwest Airlines is growing, and we’re looking for top-notch Employees to grow with us.


Benefits for First Officers you'll love: 
  • Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights, see all the destinations Southwest serves (your eligible dependents fly, too)
  • 15% non-elective contribution (B-Fund) deposited into your 401(k)*
  • A ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement—when we profit, you profit*
  • Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
  • Opportunity to purchase 10% off Southwest Airlines common stock, LUV, traded on NYSE
  • Company-paid Loss of License

*ProfitSharing contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company. 

Every. Single. One. Of. Us.

At Southwest Airlines, we’re committed to our diversity journey, we value equity among our Employees and Customers, and we drive for an inclusive workplace and business.

Why Southwest?

Portrait of female ramp agent smiling and standing in front of a full baggage cart.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We’re committed to a work environment where everyone can be themselves and be recognized for the unique perspectives they each bring forward. Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re woven into the way we run our business, and they’re reflected in our world-famous Culture.
Read about our diversity initiatives
Image of two ramp agents laughing in a cargo bin.
Culture
Our Culture is integral to all aspects of our business and our Employees’ lives from the way Employees treat each other to the way that our Company puts our Employees first. Three vital elements of our Culture are appreciation, recognition, and celebration.​​​​​​​
Explore our Culture
Military
In addition to the Cohearts photographed above, we’re proud to have more than 7,200 veterans and 1,550 military spouses in our Southwest Family. Our colors may be red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for the red, white, and blue.
Learn about our military programs
Image of female ramp agent stacking bags inside the belly of an airplane.
Benefits
More than just a paycheck, a career at Southwest Airlines comes with several benefits, from our legendary Culture to travel privileges for Employees and their eligible dependents.
See our benefits

How to apply:
Apply to an open job posting at careers.southwestair.com.
Using the same email address create and update your profile at swa.pilotcredentials.com.
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Licensing/Certification
  • U.S. FAA ATP/AMEL
  • FCC - RTOP
  • U.S. Driver's License
  • Passport
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Education
  • Four-year college degree preferred
  • High School Diploma or GED required
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Medical
  • Must possess a current FAA First Class Medical Certificate
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Flight Experience
  • 1,000 hours of fixed-wing turbine flight time required
  • 1,000 hours fixed-wing turbine PIC preferred
  • Actively flying two of the last five years preferred
Pro tips:
  • Don’t include simulator or rotorcraft flight time.  
  • Time logged as WSO, RIO, FE NAV, EWO, or UAV also doesn’t count.
  • If applicable, don’t forget to select High School Diploma or GED on Pilot Credentials, as this is a minimum requirement.

You've applied! What's next?

Flight Operations FAQs

Click each question below to learn more about what it's like to be a Pilot at Southwest Airlines.
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