Why do you (want to / like to) work for SWA?

[SWA/FO]

I was thinking more of a UAL, NWA & AA type of wait to get into the heavy iron. I didn't even think about you guys at FedEx/UPS.

I sometimes do 1 leg and go to the hotel, however our overnights are 11 hours - 23 hours with most being 14 hours on average.

 

[On Your Six]

Yipppeee - I'm going to Midland/Odessa!!!!!!!!

Who would want to go to culturally-dead places like Paris, Rome and Shanghai when they could instead fly to culturally-rich places like El Paso, Spokane and Buffalo????????????? After all, I feel refreshed after my 6th leg of the day having just flown through peaceful LAX 2-3 times that day...

Personally, I think I would enjoy flying for SWA for the first few years. The pay would be outstanding and the job security is the best out there... Plus, the work environment is fun from what I have heard - that would be a great change.

However, the idea of flying the same aircraft (even if it is a nifty 737-700) and flying to the same destinations for the next 20 years is not that appealing. How many SWA pilots have memorized every approach frequency after their 5th year? At what point do you become so jaded that you just don't care where you are flying anymore? Sure, you could say that about most airlines and their limited route systems. But I like the idea of route variety and looking forward to new equipment and new cultures - but that's just me. I didn't get into flying because of the money or the "security." I like both, but I want to also enjoy what I do and maintain that "excitement" factor if possible. I don't want to be jaded and have 15 years to go before retirement where I am just focusing on the non-flying aspect of my life. I enjoy flying and I'd like to hear from SWA people out there who believe SWA contributes to that enjoyment after 5+ years on the job....

I remember reading a post from an SWA guy named Balley who previously flew a BBJ worldwide and now he is super-bored at SWA. Is that the case with a lot of the SWA pilots after a few years on the job?

 

[SWA/FO]

That guy that is super-bored at SWA probably misses his expense account. You don't think those international guys memorize any of their frequencies?

 

[canyonblue]

Not at 5 years yet, but this place is the best place to work, period. I have a family and that is the first priority in my life. Sorry, it's not the airplane, it's not the layovers and it's not the flying either. This company has the best management in the business and that is why I chose, and was lucky enough to be hired at Southwest. Job security, Days off and a fun place to work with great people make every day I spend at work fun, and not work. For some the idea of flying the same seat and flying to the same destinations for the next 20 years is not that appealing either. If I want to go to Paris, Rome and Shanghai I'll buy a ticket. I imagine after the 10th overnight there it starts to feel like El Paso, but if that is what you like, then enjoy. If you are the type of person who likes to layover at the cultural hot spots in Europe, do not apply here. But then again I'm just an average American guy who watches football on Sunday, unlike some pilots on this board. The safety and security of my family comes first, if you are not at that point in your life yet then it will not matter, if you are then you know what I mean.