Productive and fun workplace with a ping-pong table.
The review summary is verbatim what the example summary suggested, because it's true. I actually love being at work (the commute is a whole other beast) and I do feel super productive most nights. Oh, and there is a ping-pong table.
I work in the network operations center as a meteorologist. I work night shift and it is my preference. The overnight shift puts the airline to bed and sets up the board to start a new game tomorrow. There are less people so it's quiet and laid back unless the weather is crazy. On a regular night I show up, take a briefing on the weather expected through the end of the operation, and then weather expected for startup the next morning. I spend the night going through forecast models to see if there are any changes to the forecast, and if so, I notify the chiefs and the dispatchers so they can plan accordingly. If there is a severe weather outbreak, I will send watches and warnings out to the impacted stations so that they can stay safe inside and keep our equipment safe. If there is a hurricane or winter storm, I put together special briefings regarding impacts to the stations in the path. Toward the end of shift, my coworkers arrive to start the day and I brief them on the new forecast and then help them prep some morning paperwork before I head out. We forecast for every Southwest station, so some nights it's nonstop busy, while others there is some down time.
Casual chatter between coworkers and friends is encouraged as long as it doesn't
the public perception of Southwest has not yet caught on to the current reality of working for Southwest
Southwest has been known as the LUV airline since its inception - and that was an applicable adjective for the first 30 or so years of its existence. But as the Company has grown, upper-level management has changed and now believes (by behavior, not be promotion) profits take precedence over People. In business, change is inevitable - especially if you want to grow and expand your business. But you can change your technology, change your practices, change your procedures without having to change your values. And that's where we've missed the mark the last 10-ish years. Herb Kelleher used to say that we are not in the airline business, we're in the Customer Service business - we just happen to fly planes. The Company motto, core value was that People came first (employees then customers, believing that if you take care of your employees they will take care of your customers). And it worked! We've grown exponentially to become the largest domestic carrier in the US. We've been a model in business classes, schools as a great, underdog success story. The ultimate David versus (at the time) 3 Goliaths (American, United, Delta). And while they were all filing for bankruptcy protection and laying people off, Southwest was hiring people and making large profits. We're now the American Goliath. But if you now look at our Mission Statement, our core values, Customer Service is nowhere to be found. We are now most definitely an airline, in the money-making business. Granted, peo
Proslaid-back atmosphere, casual clothing, job security, flying for free(which is harder to do now, though), benefits are great, Company is growing, profit-sharing and company-matching 401K
Consbecoming more unionized, Employees are no longer ahead of profits in priority, feeling pressured to display "fake" Spirit instead of the push to have genuine Spirit
A job sold as being fun and glamourous has not lived up to expectations.
If you're a retiree looking for a job to stay active and make some money I would 100% recommend this job to you. If you're single and have no problem being on the road constantly to make good money I could recommend this job to you. If you're someone trying to make this a career and support a family I would have a difficult time recommending this job to you.
To make good money you pretty much have to dedicate yourself to the job and live on the road until you move up the pay scale. It takes 13 years to reach top pay. It's nice that it's union but because the railway labor act prevents airlines from going on strike contract negotiations are dragged out for years. There hasn't been a contract since 2018 and there's no contract on the horizon. This means there hasn't been pay raises since then, and with the way current inflation is going you're basically taking a step back pay wise every year. It's a very very complicated pay system to explain, so to equate what you make a year vs the "hourly pay" for this job wouldn't be easy. Best way to explain it is that if you worked the minimum necessary without picking up extra trips you're looking at $30k/year and if you were topped out you're about double that. Now you can work about as much as you want to so if you want to completely throw yourself into the job you can easily make double or maybe even triple that kind of money if you really pushed the envelope on how much you work.
People often talk about the glory days of the jo
SWA is a good company, with a great culture, but the culture is not as awesome as it once was. If you could be a fly on the wall in the break areas or even just listen to the conversation employees have with each other, sometimes while on duty, you'd understand what I'm saying.
Many of the co-workers, some of the managers and supervisors are wonderful people to work with, and SWA takes pride in hiring the best, friendliest and internal and external customer service oriented individuals... however, the world is comprised of good and bad people so this just isn't always the case. I've witnessed very, no extremely rude agents handling external customers and unbeknownst to them, internal customers, but because of seniority their job is not at stake so they are essential given a free pass to behave this way.
There are some good, honest, fair managers but some supervisors, who are often promoted from agent positions, are on a power trip and our six month probation period apparently makes it very easy for them to make the life of new agents very difficult. The managers have been ported verbally threatening new agents jobs to get them to do their bidding and if a new agent dares to speak up against any injustice, they are treated poorly, gossiped about between supervisors and agents, then only after being worked a bit more, sometimes ot or a double, they are let go. Supervisors and agents with a bit of seniority are basically allowed to do what they want and treat new ag
Prosflight benefits, holiday pay, good supervisors, good co-workers, youthful, fun luving, job security after probation, ot, off days, scheduling with seniority and granted arrangements
Consprobation threats, pay, power trips, bad supervisors, bad co-workers, mandatory ot, scheduling without seniority
Good benefits. Good opportunity for advancement. Needs improvement in areas of diversity and technology.
Southwest Airlines is definitely a good place to begin a career and in most cases people get hired and NEVER leave (truth). The company offers lots of benefits and perks such as full medical, dental, life, etc. They match your 401k contributions dollar for dollar up to 9.3%. They also give each employee a percentage of profit sharing although most employees only receive it as part of their retirement plans and are only able to access the funds upon leaving the company (in any manner). Every employee and their eligible dependents can fly for free although it is only standby so if there aren’t any seats available you will not get on the flight. This is the same as with all airlines I might add. Southwest now gives the employees the option to receive frequent flyer miles which helps with being able to book tickets instead of waiting for an empty seat. They also give employees several discounted coupon codes to use when booking tickets. Great perks. Southwest does a great job of promoting from within regardless of educational level and experience. This can be both a pro and con since some upper level management team members are highly unqualified to lead. There is also a noticeable lack of diversity among upper level management and also within the Flight Attendant and Pilot workgroups. The company has recently created a Diversity and Equity Committee because of lots of pushback from workgroups but the Committee itself is not diverse. Southwest also lacks current technology in se
ProsFree flights!!!! Great Healthcare Options! Good Salaries and Perks! Fun Parties!
ConsLack of Quality Leadership and Consistent Dismissal of Valid Employee Concerns
Southwest Airlines has a history of being a fantastic employer; and in many ways they are. Imperfect, yes; but corporately their "heart" is in the right place. If the requisition for Ramp Supervisor was anywhere but LAS, I would not hesitate to recommend you submit your resume'. But not in LAS... Sadly, entrenched management - and far too many "mid-level managers" striving to justify their existence; has resulted in a 'management mess' that the ramp supervisors have to deal with daily. The managers have little or no understanding of ramp operations, the few who have worked the ramp did so, so many years ago, as to make their experience more detrimental than beneficial. That, in combination with 'CYA'; makes the job much more difficult than is necessary. They will pay lip service to their supervisors-but not listen to suggestions to improve the operation. They are 'stuck' where they are in their own career, and thus have little or no interest in furthering yours. Much like the saying..."at the end of your rope? tie a knot and hang on." The recent merger with AirTran has made many feel either threatened or proud (for the wrong reasons) and the 'blending' of the companies is hostile at best, in LAS, BWI, MDW, and ATL. That, in combination with a unionized workforce that has not been able to sign a new contract (still in negotiation...) since 2010 or '11; has put the non-union ramp supervisors in the role as "bumpers" between the ramp and management; and thus usually "hung ou
ProsTravel, great corporate mentality, insurance...
ConsLAS management team, low morale, unnecessary infighting after the merger
5.0
Operations Supervisor | Las Vegas, NV | Aug 16, 2020
Southwest Airlines was the best decision I ever made in my life.
After working for three other airlines, I absolutely knew that Southwest Airlines was top shelf. Why? What's not to like about a company that seeks out my opinion on a proactive basis. Southwest called me by my first name. From Day 1, my experience was one of awe. I was met by a team member, who introduced me to everyone. And I mean everyone. People appeared to be very happy--and helpful, not just with each other but also with the flying public. Quite frankly, I was astonished with this alone. I was hired as an Operations Agent--planning the weight and balance of several models of Boeing aircraft. After 17 months, I was promoted to an Operations Supervisor and also selected as a Station Trainer for Operations for a three-year stint, until the company decided to open their own training university at Dallas Love Field in Texas. What kept my job fresh, was that there was no typical day. Every day was an adventure. New faces and new places. Southwest was constantly growing. The environment was fluid and so exciting. It all kept going and the vibe was ultra-positive. New cities opened with thoughtfulness and precision. Soon, we were going international, adding to the fun. Nothing was ever stagnant and there was always something to learn. We worked hard and played hard. We were reminded to GO, SEE, and DO. Workplace culture was legendary. The pay was bar-none. Time flew along with our passengers. Yes, the pace was other worldly, but we were treated like r
ProsMessages to the Field, Spirit Parties, Surprise Gifts, Commendations, Free Lunches, Christmas, Holiday Fetes, Dallas Training, Flight Benefits, Discount Swag
ConsThere were no downsides--not one.
2.0
Inflight Standards Manager | Dallas, TX | Jun 23, 2017
Inflight Operations Needs Improvements
. The VP seems unaware of the situations going on with those employees on the front line and those who are just above front line. Discipline structure is lacking and those who wrote the standards and culture to live by do not live by these standards set for those below them. Granted, not everyone is like this in this area of Southwest but I hate to think what the founders of this great airline would think if they saw what was really happening. One in particular rules by fear and manages by personal feelings and then attempts to use company policy against reports to their leaders' reports. Some managers pour some strong kool-aid here but buyer beware...there may be poison in your cup if you aren't careful. Office politics are stronger than usual here - upper levels encourage an open door policy but realistically do not believe in this without regrets. Lots of complacency and not enough change in some parts where it really matters, too many individual opinions to create change. Signing up for extra committees and finding out later you are unable to balance the work load and then politely declining will send up red flags. I saw this as directors seeing as a sign of weakness and then becoming an immediate target. Unusual amounts of office politics rampant in a company that encourages a great culture and rides on the "Luv" spirit that is so formally pressed from Day 1.
Positively speaking, most of the coworkers are great. During hard times on the front line there is a sense
ProsSome flexibility, flight benefits company wide, insurance and culture below middle management
ConsMicromanaging and a lack of trust among employees; not enough accountability to higher ups
A typical day at work includes making, changing, and cancelling reservations for Corporate Customers, Travel Agents and the General Public, and putting up with numerous Team Leaders who will walk the floors and "listen" for mistakes, like a "witch hunt" or something. They don't layoff per say, but will follow the process to get you out, and if you go to another department or to inflight (like many have) and don't make it thru, they will NOT TAKE YOU BACK, unless you are a favorite. I know 1st hand of jobs that were "found" @ LGA, BUR, LAS, and DAL to name a few places for some of those that were not able to "cut the mustard" of their new position so to speak.I learned that they do have their "favorites" even if your score card is pretty much perfect, they will find ways to get rid of you, or make your life miserable. Co Workers are great, lots of Happy Hours, trips to SeaWorld, Disney, etc... , even though we have lost about 20 on my team since 3rd quarter 2013, from walkouts, firings or forced "retirements". The hardest part of the job is trying to figure out what the various Team Leaders want, and which ones you can "trust", as there is so much inconsistency. Southwest refuses to charge for bags and changes which is great, but their NEED for extra revenue is HIGH, and they have us soliciting for the Chase Visa, Early Bird Check In's, Business Select tickets, Rental Cars and Hotels. Chase, Hotels and Rental Cars pay Southwest a commission for each one that is booke
ProsEasy to get trades and time off in advance. Free flights on Southwest for spouses, partners, kids, and parents. Great insurance, and up to 16 "Buddy Passes" per year for friends and other relatives.
ConsLow Pay, the "pressure" to be 100%, when no one is perfect. Incosistency among Team Leaders and Center Support Leaders. WEAK Union, no backing, and no one to really talk to except among ourselves
Good benefits and decent wages. I've worked for a couple of different airports within the company so being able to transfer within your department or apply for positions in other departments after only six months is a good way to learn new things or see new places. Especially if you're trying to be closer to family. But I definitely wouldn't make it a career if you have other aspirations other than just working and making money. You can buddy bid shifts which is a plus if you have a life outside of Southwest Airlines. If you need to give away your shift right away things can be a little tricky due to the fact that coworkers really want a lot of money in return for picking it up. Most things at Southwest Airlines are seniority based such as: shift bidding, vacation days, and overtime. But if you are at a station with low seniority it won't always be too hard to get a shift or position you like. Don't expect to get a morning time shift right away though. As far as culture goes, the company preaches a lot about that but don't be fooled, it is no different than any other place. There is tons of favoritism(especially when it comes to seniority). I've also noticed coworkers at times doing things that are clearly hazing and bullying. Lots of complaining from senior and junior agents about the most minor things. It is a union job, and overall the union does a good job when you have an issue but I will say, there is way to much "down with management talk". What I mean by that is how e
Questions And Answers about Southwest Airlines
How often do you get a raise at Southwest Airlines?
Asked Aug 13, 2021
Havnt had a raise in 7 years
Answered May 27, 2023
8 years
Answered May 23, 2023
What benefits does Southwest Airlines offer?
Asked Aug 27, 2017
Free flights on Southwest (standby only); 401k Employee contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 9.3% of their eligible earnings.; Profit Sharing; Medical; Dental; Vision; ESPP; other incentives and more!
Answered May 13, 2023
flight benefits - stand by only. Medical, vision, dental, 401k, vacation/ PTO.
Answered May 7, 2023
What is the promotion process like at Southwest Airlines?
Asked Sep 16, 2020
If you acquire more than two occurrences in a year, it is nearly impossible to be promoted in the company.
Answered May 22, 2023
Annualy
Answered May 19, 2023
What is a typical day like for you at the company?
Asked Mar 27, 2020
Busy, busy, busy
Answered Mar 28, 2023
Fast paced job
Answered Mar 27, 2023
What is the best part of working at the company?
Asked Dec 5, 2019
Travel opportunities, great employees and wonderful passengers
