Have you ever dreamt of a career where every day is an adventure, where you meet fascinating people, and where the sky truly is your office? Becoming a Flight Attendant for Southwest Airlines isn't just a job; it's an opportunity to become a part of a vibrant, "Heart"-felt culture that prioritizes people, fun, and exceptional customer service. If you're ready to take flight with one of the most beloved airlines in the world, then buckle up, because this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the journey!
How to Become a Flight Attendant for Southwest Airlines: A Step-by-Step Guide
The path to becoming a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant is competitive but incredibly rewarding. It requires dedication, a passion for service, and a willingness to embrace their unique company culture. Let's break down the process.
 |
| How Do You Become A Flight Attendant For Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Are You Ready to Fly with Heart? Understanding the Southwest Spirit
Before you even think about submitting an application, ask yourself: "Do I genuinely embody the Southwest spirit?" Southwest Airlines is renowned for its unique, fun-loving, and customer-centric culture. They don't just hire for skills; they hire for attitude.
What does "flying with Heart" mean? It means being a genuinely friendly, caring, and engaging individual. Southwest Flight Attendants are known for their humor, their ability to connect with passengers, and their unwavering commitment to safety with a smile. They are empowered to go above and beyond to make a customer's day.
Self-Assessment: Do you thrive in dynamic environments? Are you a natural problem-solver who can remain calm under pressure? Do you genuinely enjoy helping people, even in challenging situations? Can you bring your authentic, positive self to work every single day? If your answer is a resounding yes, then you're off to a great start!
Step 2: Meeting the Essential Requirements – Your Foundation for Flight
Southwest Airlines, like all airlines, has specific requirements that must be met by all aspiring Flight Attendants. These are non-negotiable and form the bedrock of your eligibility.
2.1: Age and Authorization to Work
Age: You must be at least 20 years of age at the time of application.
Work Authorization: You must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986.
2.2: Education and Passport
Education: A High School Diploma or GED is required. While not mandatory, college coursework or a degree is preferred and can certainly give you an edge.
Passport: You must possess a valid, unexpired passport. This is crucial for both domestic and potential international travel duties.
2.3: Physical Abilities and Appearance Standards
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
Flight Attendant roles are physically demanding. You'll be on your feet for long periods, lifting, bending, and assisting passengers.
Physical Fitness: You must be able to:
Lift items up to 50 pounds from floor to above shoulder level.
Assist passengers with carry-on items, including lifting them into overhead bins.
Reach above your head with arms fully extended to operate overhead bins and manipulate emergency equipment.
Bend down to the ground and assume a squatting position for various emergency tasks (e.g., arming/disarming doors, CPR/First Aid).
Perform an emergency water evacuation, which includes jumping into water with a life vest and climbing into a raft.
Lift, balance, and carry a full drink tray while walking down an aisle.
Expeditiously move through the cabin aisle and exits in emergency and non-emergency situations.
Fit quickly through the overwing window exit and fit into a jumpseat harness without modification (including closure without a seatbelt extension).
Appearance: Weight must be proportional to height to maintain a neat appearance and not hinder physical ability. You will be expected to adhere to Southwest's appearance standards and fit comfortably into the largest uniform size without modification.
Step 3: Crafting Your Application – Making a Lasting First Impression
Once you've confirmed you meet the basic requirements, it's time to put your best foot forward in the application process.
3.1: Resume Preparation – Highlight Your Strengths
Tailor Your Resume: Don't use a generic resume. Customize it specifically for a Flight Attendant role. Focus on highlighting transferable skills.
Key Skills to Emphasize:
Customer Service: Provide concrete examples of how you've delivered exceptional customer service, resolved conflicts, or gone above and beyond for a client.
Communication: Showcase your ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Problem-Solving: Illustrate situations where you've thought on your feet and found effective solutions.
Teamwork: Demonstrate your capacity to work effectively within a team.
Adaptability & Flexibility: Flight attendant schedules can be unpredictable, so highlight your ability to adjust to changing circumstances.
Safety Awareness: If you have any experience with safety protocols or emergency procedures, be sure to include it.
Format: Keep it concise, easy to read, and professional.
3.2: Online Application – Be Vigilant!
Monitor Southwest Careers Website: Southwest Airlines opens applications for Flight Attendants periodically and often for very short windows. It's crucial to sign up for job alerts on the Southwest Careers website (
careers.southwestair.com/flight-attendants Apply Immediately: When the application window opens, apply as soon as possible. Some past openings have been as short as an hour.
Complete Your Profile: If possible, create your profile and upload your resume beforehand so that when the application opens, you can apply quickly.
Step 4: The Interview Process – Showcase Your Southwest Heart
If your application stands out, you'll be invited to interview. Southwest's interview process is designed to assess your skills, personality, and alignment with their unique culture.
4.1: Initial Screening (Phone or Virtual)
Be Prepared: You may have a phone screen or a virtual interview as a first step. Be in a quiet, well-lit environment, and ensure your internet connection is stable for virtual interviews.
Practice Common Questions: Be ready to discuss your customer service experience, how you handle stressful situations, your understanding of the Flight Attendant role, and why you want to work for Southwest specifically.
Show Enthusiasm: Let your personality shine through, even in an initial screen.
4.2: Face-to-Face Interview (In-Person)
Reminder: Reading twice often makes things clearer.
Location: Candidates selected for an in-person interview are typically invited to Dallas, Texas.
Format: This session will likely include an information session, a Q&A with the Flight Attendant Interview Team, and a panel interview with a Recruiter and a current Southwest Flight Attendant. Southwest generally does not conduct group interviews.
Preparation is Key:
Research Southwest: Deeply understand their values, history, and "Culture of Caring." Know their mission to connect people through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.
Behavioral Questions: Be ready for behavioral questions (e.g., "Tell me about a time when you...") that assess how you've handled situations in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, providing concrete examples that highlight your relevant skills.
Show Your Personality: Southwest wants to see the real you. Be friendly, energetic, and authentic. They hire for attitude as much as aptitude.
Dress Professionally: While Southwest is known for its fun culture, a professional appearance is essential for the interview.
Ask Thoughtful Questions: Prepare a few insightful questions to ask the interviewers. This demonstrates your genuine interest and engagement.
Step 5: Pre-Employment Screening – The Final Hurdles
If you successfully navigate the interviews, a contingent offer will likely be extended, pending the completion of pre-employment screening.
Background Check: This will include a comprehensive review of your criminal history, employment verification, and possibly a credit check.
Drug Test: A drug screening is mandatory.
Medical Examination: You will undergo a medical exam to ensure you meet the physical requirements for the role and can perform all job functions safely.
Step 6: Flight Attendant Training – Earning Your Wings
Congratulations! Once you've passed the pre-employment screening, you'll receive an official offer and be invited to Southwest's rigorous Flight Attendant training program.
Location and Duration: This intensive training typically takes place at Southwest's headquarters in Dallas, Texas, and usually lasts several weeks (often 3-6 weeks). It's a full-time commitment.
Curriculum: The training covers a wide range of essential topics:
FAA-mandated safety and emergency procedures: This is paramount. You'll learn everything from operating emergency exits and slides to handling medical emergencies, fires, and unruly passengers.
First Aid and CPR certification: You'll be certified in life-saving techniques.
Customer service techniques: Enhancing Southwest's legendary hospitality.
Aircraft-specific training: Familiarization with the Boeing 737, the sole aircraft type in Southwest's fleet.
Company policies and procedures: Understanding Southwest's operational guidelines.
Memorization: You'll be required to memorize Southwest Airport City Codes and Public Announcements word-for-word.
Assessments and Proficiency: You will undergo various proficiencies and assessments throughout training, requiring a minimum of 90% on exams.
Attendance and Attitude: Strict attendance, reliability, and a positive attitude are crucial during training. It's not recommended to work another job during this period.
Living Arrangements: During training, you may be provided with a prepaid card for meal expenses, but it's wise to plan for additional personal expenses. Professional behavior is expected at all times, including at the hotel.
Step 7: Reserve Status and Beyond – Starting Your Career
Upon successful completion of training and passing the FAA certification exam, you'll officially be a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant!
Reserve Status: As a new Flight Attendant, you will typically start on "reserve" status. This means you are on-call and cover flights when other Flight Attendants are unavailable.
Types of Reserve: This can include Ready Reserve (24-hour on-call with 2-hour report notice), Morning Reserve (on-call 3 AM - 11 AM), or Afternoon Reserve (on-call 10 AM - 6 PM).
Schedule: Reserve lines often follow a three-workday, four-day-off pattern.
Seniority: You will remain on reserve until you gain enough seniority within your base (often reaching the top 35% of seniority).
Building Your Career: As you gain seniority, you'll have more control over your schedule and can bid for specific routes and layovers. Opportunities for advancement include becoming a Senior Flight Attendant, Purser, or even moving into management roles within Inflight Services, safety instruction, or recruitment.
Benefits of a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Career
Beyond the exciting travel and dynamic work environment, Southwest Airlines offers a comprehensive benefits package that makes it a highly desirable employer.
Competitive Salary: Average annual pay ranges, with potential for significant increases with experience and seniority. The starting pay can be around $31.67 per flight hour, with annual increases based on contracts.
Health & Welfare: Competitive health insurance for you and eligible dependents, with coverage starting from your first day of employment.
Profit Sharing: Potential for an annual profit-sharing contribution to your Southwest Retirement Savings Plan, recognizing employee contributions to company profitability.
Retirement & Investment: Participation in the Southwest Airlines Retirement Savings Plan, including a 401(k) Company match contribution up to 9.3% for eligible earnings.
Travel Privileges: One of the most sought-after perks! Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest flights, and your eligible dependents often enjoy this privilege too. You also receive an unlimited 20% discount on purchased Southwest flights for yourself and eligible travelers.
Company Culture: A supportive, fun, and caring work environment known for its "Heart" and valuing its employees.
10 Related FAQ Questions
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
How to prepare for the Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant interview?
Prepare by researching Southwest's culture, practicing behavioral questions using the STAR method, highlighting customer service experiences, and demonstrating enthusiasm for the company and the role.
How to find Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant job openings?
Monitor the official Southwest Careers website (
How to make your resume stand out for a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant position?
Tailor your resume to emphasize customer service, communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, providing specific examples of your skills and achievements.
How to handle the physical requirements of a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant?
Maintain good physical fitness, including strength for lifting, flexibility for bending, and stamina for long periods of standing and walking, as these are critical for safety and service duties.
How to succeed in Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant training?
Focus on academics (90% minimum on exams), maintain strict attendance and punctuality, uphold a positive attitude, adhere to appearance standards, and be attentive in all class activities.
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
How to manage the reserve schedule as a new Southwest Flight Attendant?
Be adaptable and prepared for last-minute schedule changes, as new Flight Attendants typically start on reserve status with varying on-call shifts.
How to dress for a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant interview?
Dress in professional business attire that conveys a polished and respectful image, suitable for a corporate interview setting.
How to demonstrate alignment with Southwest's company culture during the hiring process?
Showcase your friendly, outgoing, and service-oriented personality, share examples of how you embody their "Heart" philosophy, and express your genuine enthusiasm for their unique work environment.
How to become a senior Flight Attendant at Southwest Airlines?
Seniority is typically based on length of service, which allows you to bid for more desirable schedules, bases, and potential advancement into leadership roles like Purser.
How to maintain a work-life balance as a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant?
While initial reserve schedules can be challenging, gaining seniority allows for more control over your schedule, and the travel benefits can enhance your personal life, fostering a balance between work and leisure.
 |
