Photo of Flight Crew and Military Ambassadors in front of Freedom One

Southwest Airlines® at The Pilot Network (TPNx) Conference.

Say hello.

Thanks for flying by! We're so glad you're here. Southwest® and the Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program proudly join TPNx as exhibitors. We're taking registrations for meet and greets with our Team through the TPNx app and offering limited walk-ups.

Visit our Hiring Team at our Southwest Airlines and Destination 225° booth, or join one of our Industry Briefings below.

Friday, April 21

1245 - 1330: Flight Operations briefing
1330 - 1415: Destination 225° briefing

Saturday, April 22

1245 - 1330: Destination 225° briefing
1330 - 1415: Flight Operations briefing

Select your flight path!

Thanking veterans for our freedom to fly

Freedom One is a Boeing 737-800 emblazoned with a stylized flag of the United States of America and features 50 stars and 13 stripes. This aircraft is a high-flying tribute to 50 years of Southwest Airlines service with a symbol of unwavering pride for our Nation and its heroes. 

Photo of Freedom One

Apply as a Southwest Pilot.

We'll post a new Southwest Pilot opportunity on the seventh of each month (e.g., March 7).

During an open hiring window, please apply to the Pilot - First Officer role on Careers.Southwestair.com. You're required to apply for an open position for interview consideration. 

Minimum qualifications for First Officer 

Certificates/Ratings
USA DOT/FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which must display the following:

  • "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings
  • "English Proficient" limitation

USA DOT/FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon.
Flight experience
  • Preferred: 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine aircraft or successfully completed all aspects of a Destination 225° pathway program
  • Preferred: Actively flying for two of the last five years
  • Note: PIC time defined as the Captain or Aircraft Commander of record or pilot signing for the aircraft (not sole manipulator of the controls)
  • Note: Only time in a fixed-wing aircraft is counted, this specifically excludes simulator, helicopter, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO, and UAV
Bridge the gap to a civilian flying through the Destination 225° Military Pathway!
Are you interested in a direct path to a Southwest flight deck but don't meet the current requirements? The Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program, combined with our traditional hiring for First Officers, allows experienced, passionate, and well-trained aviators to learn how to fly The Southwest Way. Southwest Airlines designed this pathway to bridge the gap for fixed-wing military pilots interested in launching their civilian flying career.  

Do I qualify for this pathway?
Eligible applicants for this program are individuals who completed the U.S. Armed Forces undergraduate pilot training school, received a rating qualification as a military pilot, and meets the additional requirements listed below.   

Candidates for the military pathway may:
•    Be an experienced fixed-wing military pilot separating from a non-flying role and doesn't meet traditional pilot hiring currency requirements.
•    Be an experienced fixed-wing military pilot lacking their Unrestricted Multi-Engine ATP Certificate.

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, and 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. 

You've applied for the Pilot role! 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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