how is like working for SOuthwest airlines?

[houstongirl]

I am looking at trying to get a job at SWA. I was looking at CAL, but SWA seems like a better company for me personally. Also, living in Dallas seems really cool. I was wondering some things though!

Is SWA really as fun to work for as people say?

How is the pay? Good or Bad?

How are the travel perks? How much does it cost to travel on other carriers out of the country and other places in the USA-since SWA only flys to certain cities????

Thanxxx 4 all who help!!!!! images/icons/wink.gif

[Chicago9993]

Southwest is a fantastic airline -- you should look at it seriously. They treat their people with significantly more respect than the other major airlines and that really comes across in the way they treat their passengers. For every snarly old hag at United is a fun, upbeat, friendly person at Southwest.

[Julie]

Southwest is awesome! images/icons/confused.gif Don't have to much hope on living in Dallas it is the most Sr. base. Pay is ok but will soon get better. The people are great. Apply online we are hiring a whole bunch right now www.southwest.com (http://www.southwest.com) images/icons/smile.gif

[Studley]

Living in Dallas is really cool, 'cause I'm here. images/icons/wink.gif

Seriously, Dallas is a great place to be. I've loved all 9 1/2 years I've lived here.

Three relatives of mine work for WN in another city. They love it.

Good luck in your quest! images/icons/smile.gif

[carla36f]

Southwest may be a great company to work for, but it is a challenge getting to work for them. I have a friend that was bounced week 3+ because he mispronounced something in his PA.

In training I understand they bring in 200+ people to start, and begin cutting as quickly as they can. You'er late, you'er gone. Forget your red lipstick, you're going home. Fortunately my friend did not have to wear the lipstick.

The instructors will have favorites, who get away with things. I realize that they are normal people, but you would hope that things were on a level playing field.

Made it to graduation day? Maybe you will graduate, unless they have not paired the group down to the 30-40 people they need. 15 people sent home the day of graduation. Brutal!

Be on your guard at all times, 7x24. Watch out for instructors that you have not worked with before, they are likely there to reduce class size. None of them are your friends.

Get ready for sleep deprevation, paranoid dreams, if you get to sleep, and lots of stress. I guess they want you to fight to get the job. Make it through, though, and it might be worth it.

With all that he went through, and the bitter memories he has, he is still interested in a job as a fa, just not at SWA.

[Luv2Fly603]

I have been with Southwest for 7 months... I love it.

[Michael_Deebs]

Hey, houstongirl! images/icons/smile.gif I'm glad to hear that you have an interest in Southwest. I suggest that you only apply if you REALLY want to work there, however. Like carla says, it is VERY brutal. Out of thousands of applicants Southwest hires under 5% of them. Also, once you're in, you're on probation for 6 months. Probation is not as bad as training but the same stringent rules apply so you have to be on your toes all the time. It's very hard to get in. If there was a formula for the admission process I'd gladly tell you but I don't know. I don't even know how some people were invited to training. Anyway, good luck and if you have any questions don't hesitate to email me images/icons/smile.gif

[bridget74]

Houstongirl,
Michael is right. Training is hard, but not as evil or political as Carla makes it out to be. I've been with the company for more than a few years, and I have never seen classes with that low of number graduate. Sounds to me like her friend was embellishing the story to justify why he was cut from the class. images/icons/rolleyes.gif

Timeliness is a must, as it is with any airline. Yes, they will cut you if you come to class late. However, you're staying at a hotel with a shuttle to class, so it's not like you'll get caught in traffic or anything. And of course, they are flexible if someone gets sick or something.

Yes, females are required to wear makeup (including lipstick). It's part of your uniform.

And Instructors do watch for attitude. Those who aren't team players, have attitude problems, and don't work well with others can be cut. Obviously, when you're out on the line, your coworkers depend on you. So anyone who shows a slacker mentality in training is immediately removed.

And yes, people can be cut on the last day if they don't pass their comprehensive. But the tests aren't tricky. Study and you'll do fine.

Training is hard, but I haven't heard anyone complain once they're done. It's like going to boot camp. images/icons/wink.gif A trying time, but you're proud of yourself once you're done. The expectations are made pretty clear from the beginning. Like I said, study your materials, play nicely with others, and keep a positive attitude. You'll do terrific.