Q: What are the minimum requirements to apply?

To participate in the university pathway, you must: Be able to obtain an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate Have successfully completed your Private Pilots License check ride Be enrolled in a professional flight degree program under the school of aviation/aeronautics at a university partner, or be a current or former Southwest Airlines Campus Reach Intern Have completed your freshman year and have your Private Pilots License at the university partner Have a current and complete log book Have or be able to obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the U.S. Have a high school diploma or equivalency Possess a valid driver’s license Be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English Maintain any physical requirements necessary to complete new and ongoing Pilot training throughout the duration of the Destination 225° program Be able to pass the prescreening requirements needed for employment at Southwest Airlines (e.g. drug testing and background check) Be able to relocate for the duration of the program and future job opportunities Demonstrate the ability to pay out-of-pocket or secure financing for costs incurred during the time in the pathway

Q: What are the minimum requirements to apply?

To participate in the university pathway, you must: Be able to obtain an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate Have successfully completed your Private Pilots License check ride Be enrolled in a professional flight degree program under the school of aviation/aeronautics at a university partner, or be a current or former Southwest Airlines Campus Reach Intern Have completed your freshman year and have your Private Pilots License at the university partner Have a current and complete log book Have or be able to obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the U.S. Have a high school diploma or equivalency Possess a valid driver’s license Be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English Maintain any physical requirements necessary to complete new and ongoing Pilot training throughout the duration of the Destination 225° program Be able to pass the prescreening requirements needed for employment at Southwest Airlines (e.g. drug testing and background check) Be able to relocate for the duration of the program and future job opportunities Demonstrate the ability to pay out-of-pocket or secure financing for costs incurred during the time in the pathway

Q: Will I need to relocate for Destination 225°?

Yes. Each flight partner has different locations/bases and we ask that you remain flexible relocating as you collect your flight hours.

Question 1

What are the minimum requirements to apply?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

To participate in the university pathway, you must:&#xa0; Be able to obtain an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate&#xa0; Have successfully completed your Private Pilots License check ride&#xa0; Be enrolled in a professional flight degree program under the school of aviation/aeronautics at a university partner, or&#xa0;be a current or former Southwest Airlines Campus Reach Intern &#xa0; Have completed your freshman year and have your Private Pilots License at the university partner&#xa0; Have a current and complete log book&#xa0; Have or be able to obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the U.S.&#xa0; Have a high school diploma or equivalency &#xa0; Possess a valid driver’s license&#xa0; Be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future&#xa0; Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application&#xa0; Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English&#xa0; Maintain any physical requirements necessary to complete new and ongoing Pilot training throughout the duration of the Destination 225° program&#xa0; Be able to pass the prescreening requirements needed for employment at Southwest Airlines (e.g. drug testing and background check)&#xa0; Be able to relocate for the duration of the program and future job opportunities&#xa0; Demonstrate the ability to pay out-of-pocket or secure financing for costs incurred during the time in the pathway

Question 2

Is there a fee to apply or a cost associated with Destination 225°?

Accepted Answer

There is no cost to apply; however, Candidates advancing through the selection process are responsible for all costs incurred, including but not limited to: &#xa0; Obtaining a USA DOT/FAA First-Class Medical Certificate &#xa0; Completing an aptitude assessment &#xa0; Costs with education at a university partner&#xa0; Besides tuition for a chosen university partner, participants in the university pathway aren't charged for program participation.&#xa0;

Question 3

What are the minimum requirements to apply?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

To participate in the university pathway, you must:&#xa0; Be able to obtain an FAA First-Class Medical Certificate&#xa0; Have successfully completed your Private Pilots License check ride&#xa0; Be enrolled in a professional flight degree program under the school of aviation/aeronautics at a university partner, or&#xa0;be a current or former Southwest Airlines Campus Reach Intern &#xa0; Have completed your freshman year and have your Private Pilots License at the university partner&#xa0; Have a current and complete log book&#xa0; Have or be able to obtain a valid passport with the ability to travel in and out of the U.S.&#xa0; Have a high school diploma or equivalency &#xa0; Possess a valid driver’s license&#xa0; Be authorized to work full-time in the U.S. without the need for company sponsorship of an employment-based visa now or in the future&#xa0; Be at least 18 years of age at the time of application&#xa0; Demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English&#xa0; Maintain any physical requirements necessary to complete new and ongoing Pilot training throughout the duration of the Destination 225° program&#xa0; Be able to pass the prescreening requirements needed for employment at Southwest Airlines (e.g. drug testing and background check)&#xa0; Be able to relocate for the duration of the program and future job opportunities&#xa0; Demonstrate the ability to pay out-of-pocket or secure financing for costs incurred during the time in the pathway

Question 4

Is there a fee to apply or a cost associated with Destination 225°?

Accepted Answer

There is no cost to apply; however, Candidates advancing through the selection process are responsible for all costs incurred, including but not limited to: &#xa0; Obtaining a USA DOT/FAA First-Class Medical Certificate &#xa0; Completing an aptitude assessment &#xa0; Costs with education at a university partner&#xa0; Besides tuition for a chosen university partner, participants in the university pathway aren't charged for program participation.&#xa0;

Question 5

What does the selection process look like?

Accepted Answer

If you're selected to move forward in the process, you're expected to complete an aptitude assessment, and either an in-person or virtual interview. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with the selection process.

Question 6

What should I expect in a Destination 225° university pathway interview?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Applicants will participate in one interview with a Southwest Pilot and Recruiter. The interview is approximately an hour long, allowing the interview team to get to know you and your passion to become a Southwest First Officer. The interview will cover your current flight experience and a review of your logbooks.&#xa0;

Question 7

How do I build the time and experience needed to become a Southwest First Officer?

Accepted Answer

Participants will work to earn their Certified Flight Instructor rating while in school and start their professional flight career earning compensation while working as a Flight Instructor with their university. Participants may need to continue flight instructing after graduation to build flight time.&#xa0; While instructing, Southwest Airlines will facilitate introductions with the flight partners and help participants prepare for their interviews. &#xa0; Destination 225° flight partners interview and select university pathway participants at different hour requirements often before reaching R-ATP. Once selected by a flight partner, you're assigned a base location, aircraft type, and training start date. While time commitments vary, most flight partners currently require only two years before you're prepared to start your career as a Southwest Airlines First Officer. &#xa0;

Question 8

What kind of engagement should I expect from a Southwest First Officer mentor?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Each participant in the program receives a Southwest First Officer mentor. University participants also visit Dallas,&#xa0;and&#xa0;our state-of-the-art training facility multiple&#xa0;times to receive education and professional development facilitated by mentors. This training includes risk and resource management and time spent in our 737 flight simulators.&#xa0;

Question 9

Will I need to relocate for Destination 225°?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Yes.&#xa0;Each flight partner has different locations/bases and we ask that you remain flexible relocating as you collect your flight hours.&#xa0;

Question 10

Does the Destination 225° university pathway guarantee a job at Southwest Airlines? &#xa0;

Accepted Answer

While a job at Southwest Airlines isn’t guaranteed, Destination 225° was created to equip participants with the skills needed to start their career as a Southwest First Officer and is designed to build a pipeline of talented Pilots for Southwest. Neither acceptance into nor successfully completing the program guarantees employment or re-employment at Southwest Airlines.

Question 11

When do I start to earn an income? &#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Once you complete your training and you're hired as a flight instructor with&#xa0;your university, you'll receive your first paycheck. &#xa0;

Question 12

Can I fail out of Destination 225°? &#xa0;​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

The&#xa0;pathways&#xa0;set you up for a successful flying career through a rigorous and challenging training program. Failure to successfully complete any of the requirements, training areas, or meet the expectations of Southwest Airlines or its partners may lead to removal from the program. &#xa0;&#xa0;

Question 13

Do I complete my flight training with the university while in the program?&#xa0;&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll attend classes and flight lessons with your university. You'll also attend three touchpoints at our training facility in Dallas with other Destination 225° university students. During this training, we will teach you about RRM (our version of CRM), learn about Southwest Leadership and Culture and explore aircraft accidents. In addition, you'll fly our CPT (non-motion simulators).

Question 14

What are my options for building flight time?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Instruct until you reach R-ATP minimums, then fly for a 121 flight partner&#xa0; Instruct until you reach around 750 hours, then fly for a 135 flight partner&#xa0;

Question 15

I'm interested in applying to a partner university!&#xa0;What if I already have my Private Pilots License&#xa0;or other ratings?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Each university partner may have different requirements for their programs. Please review each universities’ requirements via their website through the university partner section above.&#xa0;

Question 16

Can I use the GI Bill to pay for the Destination 225° university pathway? &#xa0;

Accepted Answer

We’re excited that Destination 225° provides avenues for veterans who want to pursue a career as a Southwest Airlines Pilot. Payment is dependent on your specific university and payable to your educator. Connect with your university for additional details.

Question 17

What does the selection process look like?

Accepted Answer

If you're selected to move forward in the process, you're expected to complete an aptitude assessment, and either an in-person or virtual interview. Candidates are responsible for all costs associated with the selection process.

Question 18

What should I expect in a Destination 225° university pathway interview?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Applicants will participate in one interview with a Southwest Pilot and Recruiter. The interview is approximately an hour long, allowing the interview team to get to know you and your passion to become a Southwest First Officer. The interview will cover your current flight experience and a review of your logbooks.&#xa0;

Question 19

How do I build the time and experience needed to become a Southwest First Officer?

Accepted Answer

Participants will work to earn their Certified Flight Instructor rating while in school and start their professional flight career earning compensation while working as a Flight Instructor with their university. Participants may need to continue flight instructing after graduation to build flight time.&#xa0; While instructing, Southwest Airlines will facilitate introductions with the flight partners and help participants prepare for their interviews. &#xa0; Destination 225° flight partners interview and select university pathway participants at different hour requirements often before reaching R-ATP. Once selected by a flight partner, you're assigned a base location, aircraft type, and training start date. While time commitments vary, most flight partners currently require only two years before you're prepared to start your career as a Southwest Airlines First Officer. &#xa0;

Question 20

What kind of engagement should I expect from a Southwest First Officer mentor?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Each participant in the program receives a Southwest First Officer mentor. University participants also visit Dallas,&#xa0;and&#xa0;our state-of-the-art training facility multiple&#xa0;times to receive education and professional development facilitated by mentors. This training includes risk and resource management and time spent in our 737 flight simulators.&#xa0;

Question 21

Will I need to relocate for Destination 225°?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Yes.&#xa0;Each flight partner has different locations/bases and we ask that you remain flexible relocating as you collect your flight hours.&#xa0;

Question 22

Does the Destination 225° university pathway guarantee a job at Southwest Airlines? &#xa0;

Accepted Answer

While a job at Southwest Airlines isn’t guaranteed, Destination 225° was created to equip participants with the skills needed to start their career as a Southwest First Officer and is designed to build a pipeline of talented Pilots for Southwest. Neither acceptance into nor successfully completing the program guarantees employment or re-employment at Southwest Airlines.

Question 23

When do I start to earn an income? &#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Once you complete your training and you're hired as a flight instructor with&#xa0;your university, you'll receive your first paycheck. &#xa0;

Question 24

Can I fail out of Destination 225°? &#xa0;​​​​​​​

Accepted Answer

The&#xa0;pathways&#xa0;set you up for a successful flying career through a rigorous and challenging training program. Failure to successfully complete any of the requirements, training areas, or meet the expectations of Southwest Airlines or its partners may lead to removal from the program. &#xa0;&#xa0;

Question 25

Do I complete my flight training with the university while in the program?&#xa0;&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll attend classes and flight lessons with your university. You'll also attend three touchpoints at our training facility in Dallas with other Destination 225° university students. During this training, we will teach you about RRM (our version of CRM), learn about Southwest Leadership and Culture and explore aircraft accidents. In addition, you'll fly our CPT (non-motion simulators).

Question 26

What are my options for building flight time?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Instruct until you reach R-ATP minimums, then fly for a 121 flight partner&#xa0; Instruct until you reach around 750 hours, then fly for a 135 flight partner&#xa0;

Question 27

I'm interested in applying to a partner university!&#xa0;What if I already have my Private Pilots License&#xa0;or other ratings?&#xa0;

Accepted Answer

Each university partner may have different requirements for their programs. Please review each universities’ requirements via their website through the university partner section above.&#xa0;

Question 28

Can I use the GI Bill to pay for the Destination 225° university pathway? &#xa0;

Accepted Answer

We’re excited that Destination 225° provides avenues for veterans who want to pursue a career as a Southwest Airlines Pilot. Payment is dependent on your specific university and payable to your educator. Connect with your university for additional details.

Destination 225°®
University Pathway

Create your own flight path

The program

The program

Fly by the Destination 225° Team!

Mentorship that matters

Pre-flight checklist

University partners

University partners

Learn more about our partners

University pathway FAQs

Destination 225°®University Pathway

Create your own flight path

The program

The program

Fly by the Destination 225° Team!

NGPA - National Gay Pilots Association

WAI - Women In Aviation International

Mentorship that matters

Pre-flight checklist

University partners

University partners

Learn more about our partners

University pathway FAQs

Destination 225°®
University Pathway