flyingchicago:
Can anyone tell me what things I should gather to prepare to submit the online application? Should I expect to enter the names, or perhaps the entire text of letters of recommendation? What logbook time break down has SWA required in the past? Are there perhaps going to be essays etc.?
Yes, you should be prepared to physically type in every letter of recommendation, word for word, letter for letter, exactly as written in the original LOR. There is also a requirement for a minimum of a 1500 word essay addressing the "desirable qualities of a 21st century airline pilot." Also, don't forget to include the names of any of your first-born sons. This data will be filed away for use at a later time.
LOL...all kidding aside, I wouldn't be surprised if it looks a bit similar to the online app currently in use at JB. See my previous post as Lindsey Lang sent me an e-mail telling me what the critical items were, and what to have prepared for data input. Scanning LORs as JPG files might be a possibility, but I doubt they will require that as most people do not own a scanner. Good Luck.