So you're thinking about becoming a Southwest flight attendant? Smart move. I remember chatting with a Southwest FA during a delayed flight last year—her genuine excitement about the job stuck with me. This ain't your typical airline gig, and I'll break down exactly why.
What Southwest Really Wants in Flight Attendants
Southwest doesn't just hire flight attendants—they hire personality ambassadors. Forget robotic safety speeches; they want storytellers who can make a 2-hour flight feel like happy hour. During my research, I noticed candidates often underestimate how much they value humor and authenticity.
Must-Have Qualifications
| Requirement | Details | Flexible? |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Must be 20+ at time of application | No exceptions |
| Language | Fluent English (bilingual Spanish huge plus) | Mandatory |
| Education | High school diploma or GED minimum | College not required |
| Physical Ability | Reach overhead bins, lift 50lb, fit jumpseat | No wiggle room |
| Travel Documents | Valid passport with 30+ months validity | Non-negotiable |
That last one trips people up—I've heard of great candidates getting rejected because their passport expired in 22 months. Renew early!
Soft Skills That Make You Stand Out
- Comedy timing: Seriously. They'll notice if you can diffuse tension with humor during group interviews
- Empathy radar: Spotting anxious flyers before they melt down
- Team glue: How you support colleagues during chaos
- Decision stamina: Making 50+ safety calls daily without fatigue
The Real Deal Application Timeline
From submitting your Southwest Airlines careers flight attendant application to wings on your lapel, here's the real schedule based on 2023 hires:
| Phase | Duration | What Actually Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Online Application | 1-4 weeks screening | Resume scan by algorithms before human eyes |
| Virtual Interview | 45-minute video call | Recorded answers to "Tell about a conflict" questions |
| Face-to-Face Event | 4-6 hour group assessment | Role plays where they watch how you treat "difficult passengers" |
| Conditional Offer | Within 72 hours | Contingent on passing drug test and fingerprints |
| Training Start | 4-8 weeks after offer | They'll fly you to Dallas (economy, naturally) |
A former recruiter told me they reject 96% at the video stage—mainly for canned answers. Don't memorize responses; just be your most engaging self.
Training Tip: Southwest's 4-week training is notoriously intense. One trainee washed out because she kept saying "water" instead of "water service"—terminology matters. Study their Flight Attendant Manual PDF beforehand.
Paycheck Details They Don't Advertise
Let's talk money. Starting pay is $27.88 per flight hour (2024 rate), but your actual paycheck depends entirely on:
- Trip rigs: Guaranteed 4.5 hours pay for any flight under 400 miles
- Per diem: $2.35/hour when away from base
- Profit sharing: Averaged 12% of salary last 3 years
A new hire flying 85 hours monthly typically clears $36k year one. By year five? Over $65k with international routes.
Schedule Realities
Junior flight attendants get crushed with:
- Red-eyes
- 4-day trips with 13-hour layovers
- Last-minute reassignments
My neighbor just transferred from Chicago to Denver base—took her 11 months to get weekends off. Still, the non-rev travel perks heal many wounds.
Perks vs. Tradeoffs
| Perk | Benefit Level | Catch |
|---|---|---|
| Free Flights | Unlimited standby on SWA + 16 partners | You board dead last. I once sat on a suitcase! |
| Health Insurance | Premiums 100% covered for individual | Dental plan is just okay |
| 401k Match | 9.3% automatic contribution | Vesting takes 3 years |
| Hotel Points | Status matches with Marriott/Hilton | Only during work trips |
Career Growth Paths
Few know Southwest promotes internally like crazy. After 18 months, you can pivot to:
- Recruiter roles
- Inflight supervisor
- Corporate training
- Marketing ambassador
One flight attendant switched to tech support after helping design their crew app—Southwest loves repurposing talent.
Application Power Moves
Having reviewed dozens of Southwest Airlines careers flight attendant applications, here's what works:
- Mention specific culture values like "Warrior Spirit" in video interviews
- Wear Southwest colors (gold/yellow) subtly to interview events
- Ask interviewers about their best "laugh break" moment mid-flight
Most importantly? Show how you've calmed chaotic situations. One candidate landed the job by describing how she organized passengers to sing Disney songs during a 5-hour tarmac delay.
Burning Questions About Southwest Flight Attendant Careers
Q: Do I need aviation experience?
A: Surprisingly no. My cousin got hired straight from her bartending job. Southwest prefers hospitality backgrounds over aviation degrees.
Q: How strict are the tattoo policies?
A: Extremely. Any visible ink larger than a credit card during uniform fittings means disqualification. I've seen great candidates dismissed over wrist tattoos.
Q: Can I choose my base city?
A: New hires get assigned where needed—usually BWI, DEN, or MDW. Transfers open after 6 months, but Orlando and Austin have 2+ year waitlists.
Q: What's training washout rate?
A: About 8% fail the emergency drills. Pro tip: Practice opening aircraft doors blindfolded—that's the killer test.
Look, is being a Southwest flight attendant glamorous? On Instagram maybe. Reality involves cleaning up spills and surviving holiday rushes. But when you get that handwritten thank-you note from a nervous first-time flyer? That's the magic no other airline captures quite like Southwest.
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