Careers with Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is based in Dallas, TX, and has been in the air since 1971. The company offers low-cost flights between 70+ cities more than half the states. Southwest is a well-respected corporation that was recognized as being one of the “50 Best Places to Launch a Career.” In the past, Southwest has been named to Fortune magazine’s “Most Admired” list.

Working at Southwest Airlines

The company is looking for people who exhibit a specific work ethic.

The ideal worker is someone with a “Warrior Spirit,” a “Servant’s Heart,” and a “Fun-LUVing attitude.” Having a “Warrior Spirit” is defined as a person who works hard and who strives to be the best. An employee with a “Servant’s Heart” is someone who follows the Golden Rule and treats others with respect. The “Fun-LUVing Attitude” comes into play with employees who have balance in their lives and who don’t take themselves too seriously.

Employee Benefits

Southwest Airlines offers its employees a cafeteria-style health benefits plan so they can choose the type of coverage that is best for their needs. Employees have access to the following options:

• Dental Coverage
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Medical Coverage
• Vision Coverage

The company also offers a 401(k) plan, a profit sharing plan, and an employee stock purchase plan. Free flights on the airline, as well as discounts on flights with other carriers. The airline has agreements with various car rental agencies, hotels, and theme parks to offer discounts to Southwest employees and their families.

Southwest Airlines promotes from within and offers leadership and personal development training to its employees. Courses for staff members interested in taking on a leadership role in the corporation are also provided.

Job Openings at Southwest Airlines

Current job openings at Southwest Airlines are posted in the JobMonkey Job Center. Here are some examples of the types of jobs that may be available at Southwest Airlines:

• A&P Mechanics
• Aircraft Appearance Technician
• Crew Scheduler
• Customer Service Representative
• Desktop/Help Desk Support
• Flight Attendant
• Flight Simulator Technicians
• Ramp Agent
• Software Engineer
• Training Instructors

How to Apply for a Job at Southwest Airlines

Available positions at Southwest Airlines are posted on JobMonkey – go to the Southwest Airlines page and browse the jobs or use a keyword search. Once you have found a position that interests you, you apply for it through the website. All communication about your application from the company will be done by e-mail, so you will need a valid e-mail address before applying.

Internships at Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines hires interns for the summer, as well as for the spring and fall semesters. The company’s “No Limits” internship program offers people chosen to participate the chance to get practical business experience. A good candidate for the internship program will have the following qualities:

• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Commitment to providing exemplary customer service
• Flexibility
• Good sense of humor
• Positive attitude

Southwest hires interns to work in several areas within the company, including:

• Corporate Facilities
• Dispatch
• Executive Office
• Finance
• Flight Operations
• Flight Operations – Publications
• Graphic Design & Creative Services
• Ground Operations Training
• Internal Audit
• Legislative Communications & Grassroots
• Maintenance
• Marketing
• Operations – Financial Analysis
• Operational Safety
• People and Leadership Development
• Public Relations
• Purchasing
• Safety and Environmental
• Technology

All interns who are accepted into the program get to travel anywhere Southwest flies at no charge. With its casual dress code and social functions for interns and other employees, the company helps these workers to feel as if they are part of a team. Another advantage to interning with Southwest is the fact the company offers career development classes, including Myers-Briggs assessments, resume tips, and interview skills workshops.

Job listings for interns are posted on the Southwest Airlines website, and you can apply for the position you are interested in online.

How to Get Hired as a Pilot

If your career goal is to fly 737s for an airline, you may want to consider applying for a pilot opportunity at Southwest. Company pilots are responsible for over 3,300 flights each day. All flights are scheduled for either the morning or evening, which means that pilots working for Southwest have a good quality of life.

Pay is competitive within the industry, and Southwest pilots are also entitled to medical, dental and vision benefits. The company also offers a 401(k), profit sharing plan, and a stock purchase plan.

Applicants for a pilot position with Southwest must have the following qualifications:

• 23 years of age or older
• Current Driver’s License
• Graduates from a four-year university program are preferred
• FAA Class 1 Medical Certificate
• Minimum flight time of 2,500 hours total or 1,500 hours TURBINE total.
• U.S. FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate

All candidates must also pass an FAA-mandated drug test prior to being hired. Three letters of recommendation attesting to the pilot’s abilities in the cockpit are also required as part of the application process.

If you are interested in being considered for a pilot position with Southwest Airlines, you can apply online. Please visit the Pilot Application Manager page to register and fill out an application.