Southwest Airlines Community

Congrats and welcome to the SWA team! I was hired in 2021 for the ramp also. If you have any questions, please be sure to ask as there are a couple of us that may be able to answer your questions.   GOOD LUCK!!! ... View more

You can fly anywhere in the SWA system as long as there is an open seat for you. ... View more

Here are the four pathways of Destination 225:    The program offers four different pathways for eligible applicants: Cadet Pathway – a four-year program based in Phoenix for candidates with no previous flying experience. University Pathway – for those currently studying for an aviation degree at one of the program’s seven partner universities. Military Pathway – for those looking to make the transition from military to commercial aviation. Employee Pathway – for existing Southwest Airlines staff members looking for a career change. I would head to this link and apply and see where that takes you.  https://careers.southwestair.com/pilots   Hope that helps and good luck!!!! ... View more

You should probably talk to your supervisor and you should also talk to your airport station manager. Being on probation, I am little shocked that they haven't addressed this with you already. When I was hired for the ramp in 2021 they made it clear about NCNS, late punches, and sick days and that you could be terminated for any one of those if it became a consistent thing.    ... View more

Congrats and Welcome to the SWA Team. When I started I had two days at my airport of computer training. After my computer training I was paired up with a trainer. When you are paired up with a trainer you will follow his/her start time and days off. If you are worried about days off and start times, I would email your station manager or contact person at your station that you have been in communication with for those details. Remember to ask any and all questions while on the ramp. The ramp is a busy place with a lot of moving pieces and safety is number one for you, your fellow employees and any and all equipment. Keep your head on a swivel and be SAFE!  Start studying those city codes if you can. There are a couple of ramp employees for SWA on here and post any and all questions you may have and we will try and answer them.  ... View more

 Congrats and WELCOME to the SWA team!    ... View more

Congrats and WELCOME to the SWA family. What jobs did you guys get and what station will you be located?  ... View more

 Congrats and WELCOME to the SWA team. Please let us know what area you will be working in and airport? Also, keep us updated and ask any questions you may have. I was hired over a year ago for the ramp and glad that I made SWA my choice! GOOD LUCK!!!! ... View more

Good Luck and Welcome to the SWA team. There are a couple of us rampers on here that can answer any questions you may have!  ... View more

What TPArampgirl said is true. I have been at SWA for over a year now. I am at smaller station and my training was in the morning from 0430-1300. I had the same days off as my trainer. Once I was released by my trainer I filled in any open shift until the new bid. When that line bid was over, we had a new one month bid and I was on closing shift for 6-7 months since I was the lowest in seniority. Now with a bunch of new hires below me now, I am on mornings and LUVING it. Good luck and if you have any more questions please be sure to ask.  ... View more

Don't know if you have prior ramp experience, but remember to keep your head on a swivel on the ramp. Listen to what your trainer has to say and don't be afraid to ask any and all questions. Remember locals and throughs in the forward bin and transfers in the back bin. Don't be afraid to ask for help in loading or unloading baggage and freight. The first couple of weeks you are going to have a lot thrown out at you, so please don't get frustrated and ask them questions no matter how small or unimportant it may be. Remember the last thing that safety for you and your co workers as well as the a/c are the most important thing while working out on the ramp!!! Here is a website for city code practicing before you start:     https://www.studystack.com/flashcard-3508643   Good Luck and let us know how you are doing !!!!! ... View more

Congrats on getting out of probation!!  Had my one year anniversary two weeks ago and looking for many more. Took the union almost 3 months after my probation to finally start taking dues out.   ... View more

Congrats and Welcome to the SWA family. Was hired last year for the ramp and enjoy the people I work with. Any questions please be sure to ask and keep that head on a swivel out there!!!! ... View more

Congrats and Welcome to the SWA Team!!  ... View more

Congrats and welcome to the SWA family! Was hired on last year for the ramp and enjoy it so much!  ... View more

Starting pay for SWA ramp is $17.00 hr.  ... View more

Congrats and WELCOME to the SWA team!!!! ... View more

Congrats and Welcome to SWA. Was hired on last August for the ramp also!    ... View more

Exactly what TPArampgirl said. I was hired last year(Aug) and spent 4 weeks with my trainer then was released and given an open line which was a closing line(1600-0030) with Tues/Wed off. I spent 8 months with that same shift and same days off since I was low man on the seniority list. I am now on mornings(0430-1300) with Wed/Thurs off due to all  the new employees SWA has hired and now that they are below me in seniority for our monthly bid. If you have any ramp questions please be sure to ask TPArampgirl or myself. Good luck!!! ... View more

If you ever roll through SDF, be sure to come on down and check in with your fellow rampers here! Good luck!  ... View more

Don't be nervous, you will be fine! I was the same way when I got hired on last August for the ramp. I am also not as young as I used to be(53 now), but I had previous ramp experience and that helped out a lot!  Make sure to ask any questions you may have no matter how insignificant you may think it is. It took my body little over a month to get back into shape. Just make sure to stay hydrated as we are getting into the hotter months. It also helped that I stretched before my first plane arrived. Welcome to the SWA team and be safe and have FUN! ... View more

I work mornings(0500-1330) and my name is Tom. ... View more

Welcome to SWA and SDF! I was hired last August for SDF ramp and have enjoyed it!!!! Stop by the ramp breakroom sometime, we don't bite as some people think,  lol. ... View more

Wow, lived in Joliet and worked at MDW myself. Was hired for the ramp last August after being retired for 11 years. Keep that head on a swivel and ask any questions you may have.  Also here is a link to start studying the 3 letter city codes.    https://www.studystack.com/flashcard-3508643     Welcome to the SWA team!!!! ... View more

It's good to see another old guy on the ramp, lol! There are some older rampers out where I work and we all get along and tease them young guys/gals. We had a bunch of new employees get hired, which gave me some seniority and took my name off the bottom of the mando list. I enjoy working outside and around planes again! I had previous ramp experience which helped out when I got back outside for training. I am glad I picked SWA over some other companies that were hiring at my airport.  ... View more

 Was hired on for the ramp last August and glad I got back to working around planes as it was always my first love! Didn't think at my age(53) SWA wanted a retired ramp guy with previous experience. Remember to keep your head on a swivel and ask plenty of questions no matter how insignificant you think it may be. Have fun and be safe and welcome to the SWA team!!!!! ... View more

Took my body about 6  weeks to get back in shape. If I was younger(53) would have probably been sooner. Been back on the ramp for 8  months now and I enjoy it. Don't be afraid to ask any question how insignificant you may think it is. I am still asking questions and everyone has been great in answering them. Welcome to the SWA family!   ... View more