The inaugural Crew to fly Freedom One, comprised of all former or current military members.
Service with LUV.
Service with LUV.
"I spent my entire 24 years in the military flying fighters—16 years in the F-16 Viper and my final six years in the F-22 Raptor. Many separate from full service because they're looking for more time at home. Southwest Airlines provides flexibility to fly as much or as little as you want. Whether you enjoy bouncing around all day (like I do) or flying longer legs, you can influence your trips.
Southwest's Culture creates the close, caring, and empathetic working relationships that make our airline different, unique, and an amazing place to work. The icing on the cake is getting to do what I do and love best—fly airplanes while working for a Company and with work friends who care about me and my family."
- Bryan T.,
BWI-based Captain, Air Force (14 years) and National Guard
(10 years) Veteran and Pilot Recruitment Team Member
"Right out of high school I joined the Marine Corps. That’s where my career in aviation started as I became a CH-46 Helicopter Mechanic. After my time in the Marines, my fascination and love for helicopters compelled me to continue working on them. I transitioned into fixed-wing aircraft and hoped to gain enough experience to meet the qualifications and eventually end up at Southwest—and that’s what I did. This Company allows you to have a career with Heart."
- Clayton L.,
HOU-based Aircraft Maintenance Technician
and Marine Corps Veteran
Our Warrior Hire program.
In partnership with the Microsoft Software and Systems Academy (MSSA), Southwest actively supports the transition of military veterans from active duty and reserves to careers in our Technology Department. Throughout the years, dozens of Southwest Warrior Hires have successfully transitioned and received the full support of technical and career skill training, along with a "battle buddy" from a previous class, a transition mentor, and direct guidance from the Warrior Hire Steering Committee.
“You won’t find a closer family of veterans anywhere in the workforce than Southwest’s Warrior Hire program, which is comprised of every branch of service. Someone is always willing to help whenever you have a question or need support, and that’s the contagious Culture at Southwest.”
“You won’t find a closer family of veterans anywhere in the workforce than Southwest’s Warrior Hire program, which is comprised of every branch of service. Someone is always willing to help whenever you have a question or need support, and that’s the contagious Culture at Southwest.”
- Ron G., Senior Manager, Technology
and 18th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas/USMC/Released
and 18th Sergeant Major of the United States Marine Corps
U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Greg Thomas/USMC/Released
Minimum qualifications for First Officer.
Minimum qualifications for First Officer.
Certificates/Ratings
USA DOT/FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, which display the following:
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.
- "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 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
Why Southwest Airlines?
Why Southwest Airlines?
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.
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.
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.
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.