First Officer Opportunities

Working at Southwest Airlines^® is more than a career. It’s a calling. And life as a First Officer at Southwest^® is about more than flying airplanes—it is about connecting people to what is important in their lives. First Officers have the unique opportunity to work with some of the best Teams and Crews in the world to deliver our mission to the Customers we serve each and every day.

Our Pilots are not just safe and efficient in their flying skills, although smooth flying and soft landings are important. Our Pilots are overall Leaders who take care of our internal and external customers to create a one-of-a-kind experience only found at Southwest Airlines.

Why Southwest Airlines?

Minimum qualifications

How to apply

When we review applications and select interviewees, we look at both your application and your Pilot Credentials profile.

Once you meet our minimum requirements, create a Pilot Credentials profile at SWA.PilotCredentials.com. We recommend you update this profile monthly.
During an open hiring window, apply to the Pilot-First Officer job on Careers.SouthwestAir.com. You are required to apply to an open position to be considered for an interview. Be sure to use the same email address you used when you created your Pilot Credentials profile. Email addresses must be the same on both sites for consideration.

A complete application consists of an up-to-date Pilot Credentials profile, as well as an application on Careers.SouthwestAir.com.

Frequently asked questions

Is any interview prep recommended?

We encourage coming prepared for your First Officer interview. We look forward to getting to know you, your experience, and your Heart. Please visit our careers page at Careers.SouthwestAir.com to receive the most current information regarding Southwest Airlines, our mission, and our values.

We realize that there are third party services available for hire to assist you in your preparation. Southwest Airlines is not affiliated with any of these services, and unfortunately, we have found some of their information regarding our hiring process to be inaccurate, out of date, and at times, misleading.
We look forward to meeting with you!

Where can I find instructions on creating a Pilot Credentials profile?

Please view the instructions for creating a Pilot Credentials profile here.

Do I have to apply to every application window?

You should apply every time an application window opens on Careers.SouthwestAir.com to be considered for an interview.

How often should I update my Pilot Credentials profile?

We recommend updating your profile once a month, and definitely every time you apply during an application window.

Where are the Southwest Airlines Flight Operations Domiciles?

Southwest domiciles—also referred to as bases—are where a Pilot’s trip begins and ends. Our domicile locations include ATL, BWI, MDW, DAL, DEN, HOU, LAS, LAX, OAK, MCO, and PHX.

Southwest Pilots bid on their domiciles. Opportunities in each city are based on demand, and this process takes into account seniority.

I'm interested in becoming a pilot. Where do I start?

There are a variety of approaches to becoming a pilot.

On a compass rose, 225° is the southwest heading, and Destination 225° was developed to lead aspiring pilots to Southwest Airlines. The Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Program includes various pathways to provide the opportunity to get you to the right seat of a Southwest aircraft. Set your course for 225°.

If you have additional questions check out our Southwest Careers Discussion Forum.

Take your career to new heights

Why Southwest Airlines?

Why Southwest Airlines?

Your first year at Southwest Airlines:

Minimum qualifications

How to apply

Frequently asked questions