W2 and Quality of life at Southwest

[HHH]

Can any SWA pilots please provide some up to date information for the following questions. Thank you.

What do SWA pilots typically make per year (W2), particularly First Officers? I've seen the pay tables but understand that hourly pay rates are not always an accurate indicator of W2 pay. Also, I have heard that 1st year FO's can make 2nd year pay by picking up trips. Is this true? If so, how likely is it?

What are the junior bases (as of Sept. 2008)? How likely is it for a new hire/reserve to be able to pick up/trade for out of base trips? How long are most trips (2,3,4 days)?

How long does it take to get called for an interview (once application has been submitted)?

Do SWA pilots have their own website forums?

Any other information about the quality of life and compensation of SWA pilots is much appreciated.

 

[Tanker Clown]

They do better than anyone else from what I see. But, they may take a reduction in hours, pay, or even a furlough coming up here in January. Still probably better than anywhere else.

Looks like Oakland is junior. Followed by Las Vegas and PHX.

 

[RedDogC130]

tanker Quit Posting $hit You Have No Clue About It Is Getting Old.

 

[amF16]

They do better than anyone else from what I see. But, they may take a reduction in hours, pay, or even a furlough coming up here in January. Still probably better than anywhere else.

Looks like Oakland is junior. Followed by Las Vegas and PHX.

Nice flame bait

 

[amF16]

Can any SWA pilots please provide some up to date information for the following questions. Thank you.

What do SWA pilots typically make per year (W2), particularly First Officers? I've seen the pay tables but understand that hourly pay rates are not always an accurate indicator of W2 pay. Also, I have heard that 1st year FO's can make 2nd year pay by picking up trips. Is this true? If so, how likely is it?

What are the junior bases (as of Sept. 2008)? How likely is it for a new hire/reserve to be able to pick up/trade for out of base trips? How long are most trips (2,3,4 days)?

How long does it take to get called for an interview (once application has been submitted)?

Do SWA pilots have their own website forums?

Any other information about the quality of life and compensation of SWA pilots is much appreciated.

Yes new hire F/Os get second year pay for picking up trips on their days off. Most first year F/Os probably may around 60K - 80K. By the 4th year its around 120K - 140K. Though I have heard of some senior F/Os making as much as 200k.

 

[FBN0223]

This message is hidden because Tanker Clown is on your ignore list.

 

[Tanker Clown]

Sorry Red Dog,

If you pull your head out of the sand, maybe this will sound better: Hiring should pick up so guys can be out on the line when 190 flight/day are cancelled and the WestJet code share goes into effect. The contract will be signed by then with a 30% pay increase for junior FOs. SWA will get oil hedged at $23/bbl though 2059 while oil hits a super spike of $200/bbl. In other news, hell will also freeze over.

 

[WNC Flyer]

What are the junior bases (as of Sept. 2008)?

OAK, PHX and then LAS.

 

[HHH]

OAK, PHX and then LAS.

Thank you. Is it possible to drop most of your trips and fly out of base (i.e. HOU)? How does flying out of base while on reserve work?

Thanks again.

 

[4 Fan Trashcan]

HHH. I recommend you put Tanker Clown on your ignore list ASAP. You will notice very very quickly that he luvs to hate SW for some reason.

I got called for an interview 10 days after I submitted my app. FWIW, I was typed.

 

[GuppyWN]

You can drop and pick up from ANY base system wide. Problem is if you're on reserve I'd be surprised to see anybody pick up your reserve block.

There's always a big push of guys based out west trying to move east. I see the music slowing down or stopping with minimal opportunity of movement in the next few months because of the announced reduction.

Gup

 

[Double Shot]

Thank you. Is it possible to drop most of your trips and fly out of base (i.e. HOU)? How does flying out of base while on reserve work?

Thanks again.

Yes..

 

[HHH]

HHH. I recommend you put Tanker Clown on your ignore list ASAP. You will notice very very quickly that he luvs to hate SW for some reason.

I got called for an interview 10 days after I submitted my app. FWIW, I was typed.

Yes, I have the type and about 400 hrs in type. Did you have someone walk your resume in? (Tanker Clown is now on the ignore list.)

Thanks to all for the info. Any actual W2's for the first few years as an FO?

One more question. How do vacation privileges work? At one of my old airlines if your vacation touched any of your trips then the trip was dropped. You could turn 7 days into 21 days and still maintain min. guarantee.

Obviously, I am hoping to get called by SWA. I am trying to be as informed as possible. Aside from southwestairlines.com, are there any other sources for the type of information that I am looking for?

 

[RedDogC130]

I live in domicle so guys on reserve like me. I traded a 3 day trip for a guys 4 day reserve block. I flew the first 3 days and I was off today at home and they released me by 2pm so I can have a beer at dinner.

As for pay you will make over $100K your 2nd year and still have 14 days off a month. You just have to be flexible and be able to handle wierd days off schedules. sometimes it is 4 on 1-2 off then a 2 day followed by 5 off, etc.... but you can make good money and still have great time off.

 

[MOCO]

I am a six year FO and am on track to make between 170-175k. Yes I do fly quite a bit more than the average line but it is my choice. 1st year FO's can cwing about 65k and the second year being 100K.
SWA is a great place to work.