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 Diamond Level Sponsors. We're taking registrations for meetings with our Team through the TPNx app.

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

Friday, April 19
2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.: Destination 225° briefing 
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Flight Operations briefing

Saturday, April 20
10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Destination 225° briefing
11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Flight Operations briefing

Select your flight path!

I'm interested in the Destination 225° Military Pathway
I'm interested in applying and flying as
a Southwest First Officer

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

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, which excludes simulator, helicopter, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO, and UAV specifically
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 a transitioning or retired military pilot with flight experience, who doesn’t meet the requirements to become a Southwest First Officer.
•   Be an experienced military pilot with some fixed-wing turbine flight time, who doesn’t meet Southwest’s currency requirements and/or is lacking their fixed-wing unrestricted multi-engine ATP certificate.
•   Be interested in using the SkillBridge program to transition to civilian aviation.
•   Have an interest in utilizing their GI Bill to assist in attaining the requirements needed to become a Southwest Airlines First Officer.
•   Have separated from the military within the last seven years or plan to separate within the next two years. 
Learn about the Destination 225° Military Pathway

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. 

Why Southwest Airlines?

Two Pilots laughing
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We’re committed to a work environment where everyone can be themselves and recognized for the unique perspectives they each bring forward. Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords—they’re woven into how we run our business, and they’re reflected in our world-famous Culture.
Read about our diversity initiatives
Two Southwest Pilots
Culture
Our unique Southwest Culture is woven into all aspects of our business, from how we treat each other to how we provide Next-Level Hospitality to our Customers. All Employees are responsible for preserving and invigorating our Culture, regardless of position or tenure, which strengthens our Culture of caring. It’s a source of pride among Employees and at the Heart of who we are.  
Explore our Culture
Photo of veteran Southwest Flight Attendant
Military
We’re proud to have more than 10,200 veterans and 1,800 military spouses in our Southwest Family. Our colors are red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for red, white, and blue.
Learn about our military programs
Photo of Southwest Pilot
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

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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