Southwest Newhire questions..

[T-1GUY]

Can someone from Southwest give me an idea of what bases and timelines are for a new hire. Also, how difficult would the commute from Dallas be to OAK ? Any and all pertinent information would be appreciated. Hoping to be in the new 140....

 

[bri5150]

I also have a question. Does my time on the International Space Station and time in orbit count as "Space Shuttle" time?

 

[Fubijaakr]

Don't forget to pony up $8K for a 737 type rating....

 

[Flyer1015]

It was $4995 at Pan Am Academy just a few months ago. Don't know if it's still the going price.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Wow, a bargain...only $5K to buy an interview.

 

[bri5150]

Wow, a bargain...only $5K to buy the very unlikely chance at an interview.

There ya go. You forgot a few words there.

 

[Fubijaakr]

Thanks for fixing it. You're right.

 

[bri5150]

I have a friend that has his type, is a check airman on a jet, is a volunteer firefighter, owns his own business and knows 15 guys on the inside. He too is not getting his hopes up. I am not sure what else he could do.

 

[Whataburger]

FYI. ALL pilots called in for the interview earlier this year already had their types. I imagine it will be the same this time around. Good luck. It's worth it.

 

[scoreboardII]

resign yourself to a 20 plus year upgrade.

 

[Stifler's Mom]

Not a Flame

FYI. ALL pilots called in for the interview earlier this year already had their types. I imagine it will be the same this time around. Good luck. It's worth it.

I understand what you are saying, but can anybody chime in on the feeling of dropping $7K on a type rating only to be told no thanks?

I would love to work at SWA, but spending that type of money, only to feel as if it was wasted is kind of gut wrenching, especially when I am trying to provide for a family.

If I was offered a position in class I wouldn't hesitate to get the type, but it feels like putting the cart before the horse.

 

[Juniority]

Wow, a bargain...only $5K to buy an interview.

Worked for me 12 years ago... Been enjoying the ride since then.

(actually feels like a smart move if the alternative is hanging around Flightinfo for years spewing SWA-hatred)

 

[Fubijaakr]

So predictable...point out a negative FACT about SWA and you're a HATER.

You guys really need to get over yourselves.

 

[shootr]

Fudge,

A SWA thread about getting hired (no SLI and no AK mention) with 13 post and you already have 4 posts? Dude!? How hard is it to get on with AK? I heard you have to a be a hometown boy...is that true? Sounds hard...

shootr

 

[dillfer]

So predictable...point out a negative FACT about SWA and you're a HATER.

You guys really need to get over yourselves.

Seems like you're kind of a hater anyways. Don't come on here much, but aren't you the guy that's always fighting with the Virgin crowd too?

 

[Gearmonkey]

FYI. ALL pilots called in for the interview earlier this year already had their types. I imagine it will be the same this time around. Good luck. It's worth it.

In the past, around 2008 or so if I remember correctly, you could apply and get hired contingent upon getting the 737 type in "x" amount of time prior to start date. The way I'm reading it now are they only looking for guys that already have the type possibly just to have some quick classes. Is that correct?

 

[Fubijaakr]

How hard is it to get on with AK? I heard you have to a be a hometown boy...is that true? Sounds hard...

Obviously too hard for you. Personally, I was based in NGU when I got hired. So much for that theory...

Seems like you're kind of a hater anyways.

Not really. I just can't stomach arrogance. Particularly when it comes from non-Union scum willing to undercut my contract.

At least the SWAPA boys are RAISING the bar for the rest of us. Of course, that raise is costing a bunch of AAI guys their seniority...

 

[shootr]

That's #5! Keep 'em coming squid!

 

[flint4xx]

Not one answer to the original question...

DAL is very senior so most newbies will be commuting to OAK. WIth additional hiring, LAS, HOU, PHX or MDW in relatively short order. No hiring=OAK reserve for way too long...

Two legs to OAK most likely. No sugar coating it, commuting to OAK sucks if you live on the east side.

 

[GoodTimes]

You're a real class act Fubi.

 

[T-1GUY]

Wow,

One useful reply. Thanks Flintxx for the only piece of useful information. I am already typed on the 737 for what it is worth.

T-1

 

[Whataburger]

In the past, around 2008 or so if I remember correctly, you could apply and get hired contingent upon getting the 737 type in "x" amount of time prior to start date. The way I'm reading it now are they only looking for guys that already have the type possibly just to have some quick classes. Is that correct?

I say yes you are corrct. HOWEVER, I am only a line-dog with an opinion. If I did not have the type, I would definetly still apply. NOBODY knows the real quals in which this next group will get interviewed.

 

[xjhawk]

forget Alaska if you are a tobacco user-they will not even look at you if you are-good thing I quit last year! After that-heck I do not have any contacts at Alaska and no type for SWA but either option would be a better life than working for Pinnacle Inc. SWA has better bases for my immediate future but I would love to move my family to the west coast so Alaska's bases are okay too. I like both options for a future

 

[Fubijaakr]

You're a real class act Fubi.

Again, truth hurts?

 

[GoodTimes]

No Fubi, the truth doesn't hurt one bit. What hurts is watching you make an ass out of yourself on every single SWA thread that pops up. You're like an obsessed teenager.

I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like for you on the line....having to hear "southwest" over and over again on the radio. Sharing the taxiways and airspace with us must be shaving days off your life.

And a three day chorus of anti-SWA ramblings must be an absolute joy for the guy sitting next to you.

 

[texman]

Again, truth hurts?

Idiot of FI, and a hater to all airlines except his own. Mental issues?

 

[Bake]

I think it is more like "NGL issues". ie, Not Getting Laid

 

[TXDanno]

Can someone from Southwest give me an idea of what bases and timelines are for a new hire. Also, how difficult would the commute from Dallas be to OAK ? Any and all pertinent information would be appreciated. Hoping to be in the new 140....

FO Juniority for domiciles start with OAK, then LAS and PHX. Those bases give the soonest chance to hold a line (or blank line/MIL Drop+vacation trip drops). AS LONG AS more are hired behind you. MDW, HOU, BWI, MCO have had super junior folks get there, but sitting reserve, and displaced out during monthly/seasonal manning corrections.

As to commute, until the Wright Amendment fully expires in 2014, any flights out of DAL to non-adjoining states require a stop. A PITA. But no restrictions out of DFW off-line.

I've been commuting from South Texas west-bound for 3 yrs, on-line and off-line. Very often I'm riding jumpseat, sometimes with another JSer. NOT real comfortable, but it gets me to work and home.

I have not yet missed work because I couldn't get on an airplane--not counting the fuel pump failure on the way to the airport. In rush hour traffic. In the TX summer. But I digress. SWA's commuter policy is very good, IMHO.

For reference, this is my only airline, after 20+ mil service.

 

[Tejas-Jet]

I spent one month in OAK...then 7 months in MDW...the a year in HOU...then to DAL...gave away a bunch and picked up in DAL....sometimes it worked and sometimes it didn't.

 

[T-1GUY]

Thank you my Texas brothers... This is the type of information I needed..