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Southwest_careers

Southwest Airlines® at the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Annual Conference

Say hello.

Thanks for flying by! We're so glad you're here.

Southwest® and the Destination 225° Pilot Pathways Program are proud to be Sustainer Sponsors of the OBAP Annual Conference. Fly by Booth 407 and meet our Recruiting Team. 

Let us know how to reach you, and we’ll keep you updated on the latest job opportunities.
Ready to fly: First Officer Recruitment
Info Session—Charting the Course: Navigating your Future with Southwest​
Location: Session Room 102A

Wednesday, August 21: 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 22: 3:00 - 3:30 p.m.
Friday, August 23: 10:00 - 10:30 a.m.

Meet and Greets with our Team
We encourage walk-ups, but availability is limited. Please register in advance on the OBAP Conference registration site. 
Location: Booth 407
I'm interested in flying as a First Officer
Gaining experience: Destination 225° Pilot Pathways Program
Info Session—Acing your Pilot Interview
Led by the Destination 225° Pilot Pathways Program
Location: Session Room 102A

Wednesday, August 21: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, August 22: 4:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Friday, August 23: 11:00 - 11:30 a.m.

Meet and Greets with our Team
We encourage walk-ups, but availability is limited. Please register in advance on the OBAP Conference registration site. 
Location: Booth 407
I'm interested in Destination 225°

Event schedule: Learn from the Southwest Team!

​​​21
Wednesday
Flight Forward Panel: Navigating the Future of Commercial Aviation
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Panelist—Chris Johnson, Vice President Ground Operations

Location: Cannon Center
23
Friday
EmpowHer: Black Women in Aerospace presented by Southwest Airlines
Time: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Panelist—Khadija Washington, Dallas OBAP ACE Academy Director and Manager Talent Acquisition 

Opening Speaker—Nicole Sturrett, Pilot—Captain, Southwest Airlines

Location: Lower Level Ballrooms 1-4
Wanna fly as a Southwest Pilot?
Our First Officer role is currently not posted. Stay in the loop by completing our interest forms and being the first to know when our Pilot – First Officer opportunity is available. 
1
Apply on Southwest Careers
During an open hiring window, apply for the Pilot - First Officer role on Careers.Southwestair.com. You're required to apply for an open position for interview consideration.
2
Provide your required documents

We'll ask you to send additional information and files directly to the Southwest Pilot Hiring Team during the application journey. There’s no action required at this time, and we’ll contact you with guidance or requests for information as needed.
Four pathways. One destination. The Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program trains and empowers future Southwest Pilots on how to fly The Southwest Way.

If you've ever dreamed of a career at 35,000 feet, set your course for 225°.
Learn more about our pathways
Carrying on a High-flying Legacy.
Captain Ruben F. was a Southwest Pilot for almost 31 years. Throughout his inspiring career, he shared his passion with many young aviators through the Adopt-A-Pilot program and on his trips. He even mentored his family to pursue a career in the skies too. He’s joined at Southwest Airlines by his brother, Captain Christopher S.; cousin, First Officer Chuck J.; and—most recently—his son, First Officer Ruben F.

​​​​​​​Captain Ruben shared many of his flights before retirement with his family, including his last flight from Omaha, Neb., to Chicago with his son serving in his right-hand seat, as his First Officer.
CA Ruben and FO Ruben Flowers smiling
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Minimum qualifications for First Officer. 

Southwest Airlines Pilots walking on the jet bridge
Certificates/Ratings
USA DOT/FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. The certificate 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.
Southwest Airlines Pilots smiling in front of Southwest plane taking off
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 is defined as 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

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


*401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule.
*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, and 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
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Flight Operations FAQs

Click each question below to learn more about what it's like to be a Pilot at Southwest Airlines.
During New Hire training, you’ll spend approximately two months at our state-of-the-art training facility in Dallas. Known to us as the LEAD Center, our training facility is for Leadership, Education, and Aircrew Development. 

Our LEAD Center, which is growing, currently houses:
  • 13 Boeing 737 MAX simulators 
  • 10 Boeing 737-800 simulators 
  • 3 Boeing 737-700 simulators 
  • 52 simulator briefing rooms to support 26 simulators
  • 24 procedures trainers with briefing rooms
  • 35 classrooms 
  • 240 Flight Instructors dedicated to your success

We’ll provide you with single-occupancy hotel accommodations, transportation to and from the training facility, and full pay during your training. Also, from day one, you and your eligible dependents receive full benefits, including medical and dental insurance, life insurance, and travel benefits. We’ll also provide you with an Electronic Flight Bag iPad and everything you’d need for a world-class training experience.
  • Matched with a Southwest Airlines Pilot mentor
    • Your mentor is a current Southwest First Officer with similar flight experience
  • First day at Southwest Airlines
    • Celebratory welcome dinner with a guest to meet Southwest Leaders
  • 50 days to complete your Initial Training Period
    • Celebrate passing your Boeing 737 Type Rating check ride
  • 25+ flight hours: Initial Operating Experience
    • Fly with a Southwest Check Pilot to build Line Flying experience
  • 30-day period: First month of on-line flying
    • New First Officers are assigned a flying line for the first month to transition to the line with the bonus of not sitting reserve
  • Four months from start date: Check in and get to know your Chief Pilot
  • Six months from start date: First Officer Leadership course in Dallas
    • Two-day event covering CRM/RRM, Safety data and trends, and the opportunity to meet with Senior Leaders
  • Nine months from start date: Meet with your Chief Pilot
    • Another check-in with tips on how to prepare for your upcoming check ride
  • 11 months from start date: Complete your first AQP check ride
  • One year from start date: Celebrate your first Southwest anniversary
    • Receive your second-year pay increase​​​​
  • Atlanta (ATL)
  • Nashville International Airport (BNA) - opened the second quarter of 2024
  • Baltimore/Washington (BWI)
  • Chicago (Midway) (MDW)
  • Dallas Love Field (DAL)
  • Denver (DEN)
  • Houston (Hobby) (HOU)
  • Las Vegas (LAS)
  • Los Angeles (LAX)
  • Oakland (OAK)
  • Orlando (MCO)
  • Phoenix (PHX)

We run a monthly vacancy bid, allowing you an opportunity to change your domicile 12 times per year!

ETOPS Pilot bases include Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX), and Oakland (OAK).
  • Southwest Airlines Pilots enjoy one of the most flexible scheduling policies in the industry. We offer all Pilots, regardless of seniority, the ability to modify their schedule extensively to suit their needs.   
  • We don’t use Preferential Bidding (PBS), so you can see your exact schedule before bidding on it.   
  • Pilots can trade their trips with each other via a web-based system, even with Pilots in a different base. Vacation trading works the same way!
  • Pilots can trade their flying with the Company for various trips that suit their needs.
  • A Pilot can drop their flying line down to zero (with some restrictions)—there’s no minimum you must fly.
  • You can increase your flying amounts up to FAA limits (with some buffers).
  • Pilots are paid 100% credit for every leg they deadhead.
  • We group most of our flying into an a.m. or p.m. pattern for circadian rhythm. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, we have something to suit you!
  • 11% of our trips are a single-day out-and-back
  • 13% of our trips are two days long
  • 60% of our trips are three days long
  • 16% of trips are four days long
  • On average, Pilots fly 2.8 flights per day*
  • Our reserve Pilots average 16 days off per month
  • Our line-holder Pilots average 17.6 days off per month
  • Our average flight is two hours and 30 minutes long*
  • Our shortest flight is 40 minutes long
  • Our longest flight is six hours and 20 minutes long
  • We currently fly 68 ETOPS flights per day between the Mainland and Hawaii*

*Based on 2021 Fourth Quarter
Since 1997, Southwest Airlines Pilots have visited classrooms and led activities demonstrating to students curriculum such as how to apply science, geography, and math in "real life."

Learn more about our Adopt-A-Pilot program.
Check out our route map for the most up-to-date destinations. 
  • We offer Roth and Traditional 401(k) options*
  • We’ll reimburse most of the cost of your FAA Medical and EKG (when required)
  • We’ll pay for your passport renewal expenses
  • Access to CASS to take advantage of multiple jumpseat agreements
  • Enhanced gender transition benefits**
  • Adoption Assistance Expense Reimbursement Program**
  • Employees and eligible dependents receive access to free counseling resources and work/life balance tools

*401(k) and ProfitSharing contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
**Benefits vary depending on the workgroup.
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