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.