Connecting Service to Southwest Heart

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Military Pilots. Military Heart.

Southwest Airlines® is proud to announce an upcoming program designed to engage with and support highly qualified U.S. military aviators who are interested in Pilot careers at Southwest following their military service. More details will be released in the coming months—we invite interested military aviators to complete the form below to join our Talent Community and stay in the loop for future updates.

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Why fly for Southwest Airlines

There's never been a better time to fly at Southwest! We’re proud to take care of our People—especially when it matters most.

Family begins with Heart

Spend time with the people who matter most. Enjoy our newest Southwest-paid parental and maternity leave, with an additional option for extended bonding leave.

Caring for your financial freedom

Your time is valuable, and we know it! Fly confidently with industry-leading B737-700/800/MAX8 Captain and First Officer pay scales to fit the goals–and lifestyle–you want.

Flexibility for the moments that matter

Enjoy unbeatable schedule flexibility and the most guaranteed days off for lineholders and reserves, with options to trade or pick up trips up to FAA limits. The choice is yours—fly when and as much as you want!

Protecting your present and future

We support our Employees for the long haul. Enjoy comprehensive benefits, including 17% Non-elective retirement contributions +1% Market based cash balance plan contributions after your first year, (increasing to 18% and 2% in 2026), excellent medical coverage at industry-leading rates, and Company-provided disability coverage, protecting up to 100% of your income when it’s most needed.

Pilot - First Officer minimum qualifications

All active military applicants must meet the minimum requirements to be considered for our upcoming program.

Photo of a smiling First Officer in the flight deck

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

Photo of Southwest Airlines Pilot smiling in the flight deck

Leading future aviators with veteran, Captain Geoff B.

Learn from Captain Geoff B. about his journey as a Navy pilot and how he dedicates his time to help students discover their passions in aviation through the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy.

Southwest Airlines Pilot First Officer smiling in front of Southwest plane

Our Heart starts with our People.

Southwest Airlines Captain smiling from the flight deck

Legacy that keeps flying on

"To look over and see your loved ones sitting right next to you is a great feeling. It feels like my son was five years old and running around days ago, and now he’s reading me the flight checklist!"

- Ruben F., Captain

Ruben's story