Do you want to work for Southwest as a Flight Attendant? A life-changing job is just an interview away! Our comprehensive guide will help you understand what are the essential Southwest Flight Attendant qualifications.
Southwest Airlines is a major low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas, United States. It has scheduled service to 121 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. The airline was established on March 15, 1967 by Herb Kelleher as Air Southwest Co.
Headquarter: Dallas, Texas, United States
Operating Bases:
- Atlanta,
- Baltimore,
- Chicago–Midway,
- Dallas–Love,
- Denver,
- Houston–Hobby,
- Las Vegas,
- Los Angeles,
- Nashville (from 2024),
- Oakland,
- Orlando,
- Phoenix–Sky Harbor,
- St. Louis,
- Tampa
Table of Contents
Southwest Flight Attendant Qualifications
- At least 20 years.
- Legal right to work in the United States.
- Valid and unexpired passport.
- Well-groomed appearance following the Company’s guidelines.
- High School Diploma, GED, or an equivalent level of education.
- College coursework or a degree is a plus.
- Weight proportional to your height for a neat appearance and to perform all job functions comfortably.
- Walk forward comfortably down the aircraft aisle, fit through the overwing window exit swiftly, and fit into a jumpseat harness without any changes, including closing it without a seatbelt extension.
- Lift items weighing up to 50 pounds from the floor to shoulder level when needed.
Video: A Day in the Life of a Southwest Flight Attendant
Salary
When you start as a new Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant, you earn $24.41 for every trip during the first six months after training. After completing the probationary period, the pay increases to $24.72 per trip for the next six months. A “trip” is about 243 nautical miles or roughly every 55 minutes of flight time.
Here’s more about the pay:
- On reserve, Flight Attendants are typically scheduled for about 72 trips per month. For a scheduled “line” of assignments, it’s around 80 trips per month.
- Southwest Flight Attendants get an hourly per diem allowance for hours away from their base. It starts at required check-in and ends 30 minutes after the last trip. Currently, the per diem is $2.30 per hour.
- If working or deadheading on a Near International flight (within North America but outside the contiguous 48 United States), the per diem rate is $2.85 per hour. It begins at the report time and continues until the pairing ends.
Video: Southwest Flight Attendant Rapping the Safety Briefing
Benefits
- Health coverage for medical, prescriptions, dental, vision, and support for mental health through the Employee Assistance Program.
- Life insurance and accidental death coverage. You can also choose additional life coverage and other optional benefits.
- Short-term disability support. Pilots with loss of license and other employees with long-term disability are covered too.
- Financial benefits, including a 401(k) Plan with company match, an Employee Stock Purchase plan, and a ProfitSharing Plan.
- Paid time off, covering vacations, personal time, sick leave, and holidays. Non-contract employees also get parental leave.
Photos: Southwest Flight Attendants in Pictures
Take a look at the awesome uniforms worn by Southwest Cabin Crew members. Get a glimpse of what you could be wearing if you become part of the Southwest team.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the basic qualifications to become a Southwest Flight Attendant?
To be eligible, you should be at least 20 years old, legally able to work in the United States, possess a valid and unexpired passport, maintain a well-groomed appearance following company guidelines, and have a High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent education. Meeting physical requirements, such as weight proportional to height and the ability to perform various tasks, is also essential.
2. What is the starting salary for a new Southwest Flight Attendant?
New Southwest Flight Attendants earn $24.41 for every trip during the first six months after training. After the probationary period, the pay increases to $24.72 per trip for the next six months. The term “trip” is approximately 243 nautical miles or every 55 minutes of flight time.
Latest Cabin Crew jobs
Explore the latest Flight Attendant job opportunities from various airlines in one place. Visit our Cabin Crew Job Board.
3. What benefits does Southwest offer to its Flight Attendants?
Southwest provides health coverage for medical, prescriptions, dental, vision, and mental health support. Flight Attendants receive life insurance, accidental death coverage, short-term disability support, and financial benefits like a 401(k) Plan with company match, an Employee Stock Purchase plan, and a ProfitSharing Plan. Additional benefits include paid time off and parental leave for non-contract employees.
4. How many trips are Southwest Flight Attendants typically scheduled for in a month?
Flight Attendants on reserve are usually scheduled for about 72 trips per month, while those on a scheduled “line” of assignments have around 80 trips per month.
5. Is there a per diem allowance for Southwest Flight Attendants?
Yes, Southwest Flight Attendants receive an hourly per diem allowance for hours away from their base. The per diem rate is $2.30 per hour, and for Near International flights, it increases to $2.85 per hour.
Company Facts
Founded: 1967
Frequent-flyer program: Rapid Rewards
Fleet Size: 815
Southwest Contact Information
Address: 2702 Love Field Drive, Dallas, Texas 75235, USA
Phone number: (214) 792-4000
Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided is accurate as of the time of writing and is based on publicly available sources. However, airline requirements, hiring processes, and other details are subject to change. We recommend visiting the official Southwest website or contacting their official channels for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
