description

In its 49th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 60,000 Employees to more than 130 million passengers annually. Southwest operates a network of 103 destinations in the U.S. and 10 additional countries with more than 4,000 weekday departures.
With over 8,200 Employees either currently serving in the National Guard or Military Reserves or who are veterans and over 1,600 military spouses, Southwest proudly supports our men and women in uniform and their families. The airline has been recognized for efforts to recruit
and retain former and current members of the armed services and reserves by Viqtory Media, U.S. Veterans Magazine, Military Times, and the Department of Labor. Southwest proudly supports military-focused nonprofits, chosen strategically to represent a variety of services to military personnel, veterans, and their families.
With 47 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall
commitment to efficiency and the planet.

military culture

Southwest offers a Now Onboarding class, where every new Employee learns about our history, Culture, and the many perks of working at Southwest. During the orientation, we recognize our veterans for their service, and when they self-identify, they receive a military pin to designate their military service. This pin is both a symbol of our gratitude for our Employees who serve or have served in America's military forces and also a designation for Customers and fellow Employees to be able to recognize this service.
Southwest Airlines University, located in Southwest's state-of-the art training facility, provides technical training and personal and professional opportunities through classroom and online formats. Our work hard, play hard mentality at Southwest is very similar to the family atmosphere in the military.

military spouse recruitment and hiring

Southwest is a member of the Military Spouse Employer Partnership (MSEP) and works with MSEP and other organizations like Hiring Our Heroes that are dedicated specifically to finding employment for veterans and spouses. We also work with military bases, family readiness offices, transition assistance programs, and participate in career fairs for military spouses. Southwest employs over 1,600 military spouses and is proud of their military service to our country.

retention support

We offer a retention support program for all military connected employees regardless of the sub groups people may belong to,We offer retention support programming designed specifically for minority veterans (minority veterans include but are not limited to people of color, women, LGBTQ, and (non) religious minorities)

orientation training and onboarding

• New Employee Orientation
• New Employee Training
• On-boarding program
• Mentorship program

military connected assistance

At Southwest Airlines, our voluntary turnover is around two percent. Training and retention initiatives provide tactical ways to maintain our Culture and contribute to overall retention rates. As previously stated, we have a Military Ambassador Program that launched in 2017. The overall goal of the program is to attract, hire, onboard, and retain veterans. Military Ambassadors are a team of 48 active and former military Cohearts who serve as liaisons between the Operating Groups and Headquarters. They are a point of contact for onboarding veterans, as well as veterans who are currently employed at Southwest. Military Ambassadors help veterans with their transition into the workforce and assist with questions regarding the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act for our active guard and reserve teammates.
The Southwest Executive Office also has a full time Internal Customer Care (ICC) Team. This Team sends notes and gifts to Employees during life events like military duty, to let them know we’re thinking of them, and grateful for their service. Lastly, Southwest offers a Military
Appreciation Program as a means for the Company to express gratitude for our Employees who serve. Eligible Employees who elect to participate are awarded Southwest Airlines Gratitude (SWAG) points each month the Employee continues to remain actively affiliated. SWAG Points can be redeemed for Guest Passes, Rapid Rewards Points, merchandise, gift cards, or event tickets.
At Southwest, diversity means having a modern and multi-faceted workforce which gives us a key competitive advantage in the national marketplace. Our Diversity and Inclusion Team, which supports and helps retain our veterans, is comprised of Employees representing a variety of backgrounds whose individual experiences help form our unique Corporate Culture. Fostering an environment that encourages diversity of ideas, knowledge, and actions is paramount to our operational excellence.

civilian credential support

We offer tuition assistance or other financial support toward the preparation, attainment, and/or maintaining of an academic or professional certificate, degree, or another civilian credential,We offer apprenticeships, internships, or other formalized, structured training program/s to assist with the attainment of a civilian credential

senior leadership

Andrew Watterson-Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer and US Army Veteran
Andrew's quote on our website: "Living the Southwest Way involves Warrior Spirit, Servant's Heart, and Fun-LUVing Attitude. In the rest of the world, these three would be in direct conflict with each other, but at Southwest, we can be all three at once! These guide me and motivate me every day in my work."