Southwest Operations Agent speaking into microphone to announce boarding instructions.

Our Operations Agents are the Heart of Southwest®.​
Our Operations Agents carry out important tasks “above the wing” in the airport, including finalizing details of the weight and balance of aircraft, providing an efficient and hospitable boarding experience for Customers, and coordinating with other workgroups to facilitate a flight’s departure.

​​​​​​They play a quarterback role in preparing a flight for departure while providing Hospitality to Internal and External Customers daily. Operations Agents are strong communicators who enjoy working as a part of a Team in a dynamic, safe environment.  
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"What I like about being an Operations Agent is interacting more with the Crew, the airplane, and the ramp."  
Check out what it's like to be a Southwest Operations Agent with Tatiana V.A. 

Requirements for our Operations Agents

Southwest Operations Agent closing the door of an aircraft.
Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to routinely lift and move items weighing 70 pounds or more and carry items up and down jetway stairs.
  • Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop frequently and for extended periods.
Southwest Operations Agent giving thumbs up to Pilot.
Age and Legal Requirements
  • Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application.  
  • Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.  

  • Must be able to work various shifts and/or overtime.
Operations Agent smiling handing passenger a boarding pass.
Education and Qualifications
  • Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license.  
  • Must be able to pass all required background clearances.  

How to apply

If you see an open Operations Agent position posted, you can apply on careers.southwestair.com.  If you don’t see any open Operations Agent positions posted, we're not currently interviewing for that job.

You can only apply for a job at Southwest Airlines through this site. Fees don't fly here—we’ll never ask for a form of payment for your application or training. 

Why Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Operations Agents smiling holding the Southwest Heart logo.
Inclusion & Belonging
No matter where you're flying from or what area of Southwest interests you, we're connecting you to what matters most. By fostering a Culture of Belonging that cares for and embraces all, we recognize that every experience, perspective, and background makes an incredible impact on our Company.
Read about our Inclusion & Belonging initiatives
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Culture
Our Culture is integral to all aspects of our business and our Employees’ lives, from the way Employees treat each other to the way our Company puts our Employees first. Three vital elements of our Culture are appreciation, recognition, and celebration.
Explore our Culture
Operations Agent smiling.
Military
We're proud to have more than 9,600 veterans and 1,600 military spouses on our Southwest Team. Our colors may be red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for the red, white, and blue.
*As of August 2025
Learn about our military programs
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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

Questions we get a lot.

Click each frequently asked question below to learn more about what it's like to work as an Operations Agent at Southwest.  
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