127
Posts
Loves Given
86
Loves Received
11
Solutions
01-30-2023
09:41 PM
01-30-2023
09:41 PM
You're welcome to reach out via CampusReach@wnco.com for an update. Usually, they are released mid-late February to mid-March. Be on the lookout at https://careers.southwestair.com/K-12resources.
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It's really easy to lose hope in situations like this, but if there's anything that Southwest is good at - it is making things right. Maybe not today or this week, but you can expect some LUV when this all dies down.
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12-27-2022
02:37 PM
12-27-2022
02:37 PM
In my opinion, given the sentiment from Southwest leadership and station managers on the current situation (and the fact that flights will not go out for another couple of days), $500/person/one-way for a last-minute cross-country flight is reasonable. You may have to provide an explanation for why you could not wait, though, which should not be that difficult. I cannot speak for Southwest, but my intuition is that they would understand and will reimburse you for this expense. Entirely your choice, but my advice would be to wait if you can.
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Hi, everyone,
After reading many of the posts on this board, I cannot imagine what most of you are going through with the recent disruptions. As you are aware, last week's weather left much of Southwest's network in shambles, and many of those repercussions are being dealt with today.
An Explanation of What is Happening (based on my readings of press releases and statements)
Southwest runs its network generally on a point-to-point model, and for this model to work, all aspects must coincide seamlessly. Part of this includes the plane itself and the crewmembers. For example, you may have a flight from BWI to DEN, but the flight may be canceled even though there is no significant disruption between BWI or DEN, which may leave you wondering...why, which is a perfectly logical conclusion. This could be because the plane scheduled to take you on this flight is stuck in another city facing significant disruption, or there is no crew available to take you on the flight. This may seem like a simple solution or fix, but when these issues are repeated on a magnitude this great (affecting almost the entire network), then the teams that are working to improve this are severely overloaded, such as crew scheduling and command centers. Southwest has recognized this issue, and rest assured, this incident will serve as the 'wake-up call' to increase the capabilities of these teams to fix mass issues like this quicker. The same thing is happening to the Customer Service phone number as well, along with baggage tracking. This effort, however, will not be 'fixed' in the next week or so - it will take at least months to implement. What we can do now, though, is to wait. I know this is not the answer many of you are looking for. However, at the moment, all the mayhem is still ensuing and what Southwest needs is time to organize everything, coordinate efforts for re-accommodation, and address your concerns. There will be many lessons learned from this incident, and you can expect Southwest to take dramatic action after this to ensure nothing like it will occur again.
If you're waiting - I know it hurts, and there is nothing that we (the community) can do to help. All we can say (and this is the last thing you want to hear right now) is to keep waiting. Everything will get sorted out in the end, your concerns will be addressed, and if warranted, you will receive your due compensation. It may seem impossible to count on Southwest at the moment, but know that everyone is doing absolutely everything they can. Employees feel the same way right now and are on your side. A lot of the answers are missing, and they may not know as well. Crews are stranded, airplanes are out of service (because of airport closures), delays are occurring, and trust me, the people at the Baggage Service Office and Customer Service are feeling the same way. Many of the answers you need and want are not available right now. It's not your fault, and it's unfortunate.
Below are some answers to frequently asked questions in the community:
My flight was canceled. What can I do?
You can rebook yourself via the Southwest website or app. Please note that if you have bags checked, you cannot rebook through self-service on the app or the web as this is how the infrastructure is set up at the moment, so you will have to contact Southwest by phone or see a Customer Service Agent. The lines are long, and your patience is greatly appreciated. Additionally, keep refreshing your app. Southwest will try to roll you over to the next departure automatically.
If you want a refund (only for canceled flights), you can tell the agent to refund your ticket or call Southwest and request a refund. Calling for a refund may be the best option. If its not time-sensitive, I would consider waiting so that passengers with more urgent issues can be prioritized.
If you checked bags and your flight was canceled, or you cannot find your bags: Please listen for an announcement as to what will happen with your bags. Bags may be checked to the final destination, or they may be available for pick up at baggage claim. This depends on the situation, what time it is (midday or night), and whether you are a local, connecting, or thru passenger. If you are missing your bags, please see a Customer Service Agent, as they can help you track your bags via the online tracking system or file a missing baggage report (or possibly reroute your bags). I have seen that lines for the Baggage Service Office (BSO) are out the door. Lines may take anywhere from 1-4 hours. As many have pointed out, customers cannot track their bags via the app now.
Once you file a missing baggage report with the BSO or Customer Service Agent, all you can do is wait. You will be notified via your preferences of when your bag arrives. Your patience is appreciated.
If you got in before your bags, or your bags are at the airport now: There are rows of bags adjacent to the baggage claim carousel. Check for your bags in those rows. Each group of bags comes from the same flight, so if your bag should have come from Chicago-MDW, carefully look at the bag tags for one of the bags in the group. If they came from Chiacgo-MDW, then you are looking in the right place.
I want my bag re-routed.
See a Customer Service Agent at a station, or contact the Baggage Service Office or phone number.
Will everything be okay?
Yes. As John Lennon said, "Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end."
How much compensation could I expect?
The amount of compensation depends on the circumstance and the causes of the disruption. Compensation can always be issued at a later date, however. You can always write or call Southwest after the incident to request appropriate compensation for warranted disruptions.
As a reminder, this forum is a customer-to-customer forum. Southwest cannot directly address complaints or requests specific to you here. Use the 'Contact Us' link below for that. Thanks!
This is all written from the customer's POV. Southwest employees provide the most up-to-date information.
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They will usually release bags for canceled flights at the baggage carousels. Any bags that remain unclaimed will be checked to the final destination.
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12-21-2022
10:21 PM
Has anyone heard boarding music on the 737-MAX8's lately? Does anyone happen to know what the tracks are? Thanks!
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There are no straws. Many airlines don’t use straws either. I think it’s part of a sustainability initiative and convenience. Southwest does have stirrers, though, but I doubt you can drink from them like a straw. Let us know.
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Fun fact - Southwest has the fastest boarding method (confirmed by Mythbusters): https://youtu.be/ss1S3-Kv6R8
Yes, even a little faster than back to front.
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12-06-2022
06:13 PM
@bec102896 wrote:
@dfwskier wrote:
Earlier this year I had a flight that was delayed by about 4 hours. I asked for a voucher - twice. My request was denied.
Need me to get you a voucher?
The rule is usually three hours for delay compensation (as a “gesture of goodwill”) if the delay is Southwest’s fault (mechanical, crew) but not for weather or ATC, though.
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@wanderlust8706 wrote:
omg thanks for your insight! The most informative info I've gotten from anyone!
I have a couple more questions:
1. Is the turnover rate really high similar to any customer service position?
I currently work as a cashier at a grocery store and I'm so burned out. The turnover rate is insane where I work.
It's very monotonous and you are stuck in the same spot for 8 hours a day doing the same thing... scanning groceries. It's boring! haha.
I like a job with challenge and working as a cashier at a grocery store is not challenging to me. I feel like a robot.
You will definitely be challenged at Southwest, and I can almost guarantee you it is not like the grocery store cashier experience. Yes, you're dealing with people and there will be hard days, but the challenges are unique and the people are different. A lot of what defines the Southwest experience is the comradery, and you'll feel like you are part of a family. When challenges come, you get through them together with other people and everyone wants everybody to succeed. If you don't feel challenged - don't fret, too! There's so many opportunities to grow. Becoming a supervisor for customer service is within reach, so is Operations, Inflight - anything you want to do! You only get that when you work for an organization like Southwest that has everything.
There's a reason why some people have been customer service agents at Southwest for over 30 years. I know a Customer Service Agent who has started their position in their early 20s and are have been doing the same position (Customer Service Agent) for 40 or so years.
The turnover is really good and nothing like a grocery store. That doesn't mean it's 100% though. Some people do not make it through the probation period (during probation, there are restrictions on timeliness, absences, etc.) and some people do not know what they are getting into. It's good to have an understanding of the position and what it may entail (dealing with customers, long shifts/overtime). Southwest is deliberate in their hiring process, though, and they will do their best to hire the people who they think will be in it for the long run and have what it takes to succeed (especially a positive/fun-luving attitude, servant leadership, and warrior spirit). If you give it your all, Southwest will give you everything. The benefits are amazing. There are so many opportunities for growth, if that's what you're looking for, if not, that's fine, too!
2. Are you stuck in the same spot for 8 hours doing the same thing every day?
I consider myself a people person and I'm use to dealing with entitled customers (my store is in a very affluent area and they are super needy and rude).
I'm just trying to figure out if it's like working in retail.
thanks so much!
By 'stuck in the same spot,' I assume you mean doing the same thing. The answer to that is yes, for the most part. As a CSA, you'll be working flights, clearing standbys, making announcements, checking strollers, etc. The people are not the same, though. Also, you get to bid for your shifts and where you want to work. You could end up at a gate one day or the ticket counter, or even the baggage office. The people you deal with are different. There is a sharp learning curve, but you'll have great trainers and mentors. The airline industry is quite a hard one to understand, so it is a lot more involved than ringing up groceries, for example. It's fun work! And, if you feel like you want a bigger challenge or change, you can apply for a supervisor position or move to another role entirely.
Hope this helps!
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11-29-2022
01:25 PM
2 Loves
Here’s the closest thing you’ll get probably: https://youtu.be/ZW4xaHN1otE
You’re welcome to submit your suggestion to Southwest using the Contact Us link below.
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I can concur with you about the font - but I have never had this problem. Did you enter the right KTN into the reservation, or saved the right one to your RR account? If you have TSA PreCheck, the indicator will show up on all your boarding passes.
If this is the case, then the following could be happening:
1) Your KTN is saved incorrectly.
2) It’s been five years and you need to renew TSA.
3) Your TSA has been suspended.
4) The TSA randomly picks you as a TSA PreCheck member to undergo standard screening.
5) The name on your reservation is not the name linked to your PreCheck membership or KTN (different spelling of name, last name changed, etc.)
But yes, you can enter your KTN when booking, through the app/reservation, send service kiosk, and when talking to an agent at the airport.
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Sorry for a delayed response. This is not official in any way, but just what I know from experience and hearing from others.
@wanderlust8706 wrote:
Hi, I'm interested in the Customer Service Agent Position and was able to submit my app before it closed. It looks like it was only open for 4 days.
I have questions for those work as a CSA:
-What is the most challenging part about this job? The angry customers?
Angry customers are one part, but I would say the main thing is adaptability. What do you do when a flight is cancelled last minute, or delayed for many hours? How do you communicate information to customers? Your shift ends at 11 PM, but what if they need you to stay later? (this is known as mandatory overtime by the way) With all these challenges, you still have to smile, show up to work, and bring that fun LUVing attitude Southwest is known for. These responsibilities come really naturally to some people - for others, it might not so being a CSA might not be the best fit.
-How competitive is this job? Do you only interview a small percentage of applicants?
Depends on the station, but CSA postings can be competitive. Most applicants with qualified resumes will receive interviews. Out of those with interviews, only few are chosen. Southwest wants to make sure you have the personality and warrior spirit - also that you are in it for the long run. Southwest doesn’t ‘train’ people to be kind, they hire kind people.
-Apparently the airport i applied for has internal applicants first and then external for a very short period of time. Is this normal?
Internal applicants always receive priority consideration or can apply for positions in the company before they are released to external applicants. This is one way Southwest prioritizes their people and allows for Career Mobility. It’s a saying to ‘get your foot in the door’ at Southwest. Maybe you want to be a flight attendant but they aren’t hiring now. Apply to be a CSA and get your foot in the door - by the time that position opens, you’ll be one of the first to apply and you’ll be more competitive than external applicants.
-Do CSA have unions or is it only pilots and Fa's?
Yep! CSAs have their own union. This union is separate from the pilots, flight attendants, and OPS/ramp/Provo union. (all of these unions are independent)
I know i will have more questions later
Post them and we’ll try to answer them!
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People with the work location “HDQ” are not provided hotel accommodations during training since it is assumed that since you are working at HDQ, you have adequate housing during training there.
Flight attendants are a little different. Southwest has a flight attendant base at DAL (Love Field). Some flight attendants that are based out of DAL do not live in Dallas or anywhere near Dallas - some commute from New Orleans or even Alabama to work although they are ‘based’ in Dallas. It is because of this that Southwest provides hotel accommodations during training for flight attendants based in DAL.
Hope this answers your question. Thanks!
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If your flight is soon, you can also add it at the airport by visiting a Customer Service Agent, and they might be able to override your the discrepancy with the names not matching. I would contact Southwest via phone, though, to avoid this issue for future bookings or to correct the name on the current booking.
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11-27-2022
09:04 PM
11-27-2022
09:04 PM
@dfwskier wrote:
I use android and my app does show travel credits. Are you sure you are looking in the right place?
1) Log on
2) Click the "person" shape on the top right
3) Scroll down to my travel funds
4) Click on view funds
That usually works for me. The app sometimes is buggy with funds, though, so I prefer the web for checking those.
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Southwest employees are known to be in it for the 'people' business because they love to meet and help all kinds of people! Keep doing what you are doing! Every little thing makes a difference. You could try to go up to them and thank them. Something I like to do is get a thank you card for a crewmember/agent (maybe even throw in a Starbucks gift card since those are gold in the aviation world) - for the people on the ramp, I like to write a thank you note on a bag tag which I then affix to my checked bags. Little things like that really mean the world to the people of Southwest. Keep in mind, though, that many absolutely LUV their job, including the good and bad days that come along with it. And, if you feel someone has gone above and beyond, tweet it to Southwest or email/phone them to let them know! Gratitude goes a long way, and employees get recognized because of 'love letters' from customers, which makes their day even more.
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@raja wrote:
Hello fellow community members,
I need help with regard to getting an experience certificate from Southwest Airlines as I am an ex employee. If any one can help it will be appreciated.
Thanks
EmploymentVerification@wnco.com
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11-27-2022
08:47 PM
11-27-2022
08:47 PM
I'm curious as to what flight this is where everyone purchases Early Bird...
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11-25-2022
11:19 PM
Has anyone spotted Heart Carts recently?
https://southwest50.com/our-stories/to-the-gates-making-waiting-fun-the-advent-of-hospitality/
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11-25-2022
11:13 PM
@bec102896 wrote:
I think they usually do cyber Monday sales instead of Black Friday however I think the better sales happen in October and June
Facts. What other time can you get a ticket for $29?
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11-24-2022
11:24 PM
11-24-2022
11:24 PM
Bins don't open during turbulence, but if you mean after you land:
Please exercise caution when opening overhead bins as items may have shifted during the flight, and items could fall out, and as you know, shift happens.
It was a joke that a flight attendant made on one of my flights, and it has been stuck in my head ever since.
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11-24-2022
11:22 PM
1 Love
Just to add on to what's said - once you arrive at the airport, print your boarding pass, and assuming you indicated a need for special assistance (wheelchair), you will see it pop up on your boarding pass. If you want someone to push the chair for your mom, you can go to the "Mobility Assistance Area" near the check-in counter, show them your boarding pass, and a wheelchair pusher will meet you and take you to the gate. If you would rather push the chair for your mom, you can do that, too.* You can also preboard.
*You're free to push the chair around the airport, but when it comes time to board your flight, a Southwest representative will have to push the wheelchair down the jetbridge for you (just out of caution since the jetbridge acts like a ramp).
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11-24-2022
11:15 PM
11-24-2022
11:15 PM
Usually, each station for Ground Operations has around 2-4 high school interns. Dallas has more since more interns can work in the various departments of headquarters. The number of applicants depends on the location, but I would say hundreds apply each year (across the network).
You also don't need any experience with aviation - just an interest will do. The internship is really good if you want to go into aviation in the future, and it's a great way to see what the airline industry is all about. It might help to know why you want to intern at the airport, at Southwest specifically, and where you see yourself in a couple of years. 🙂
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Hi @miazhang!
It’s amazing to see your interest in a Southwest career start as early as high school! The Campus Reach team is still working on the logistics for the high school internship and information about it will likely come in early 2023. Last year, they posted it in March but that is later than they will post this year. The internship was offered at LAX last summer, so yes, it should be offered at LAX again this summer unless changes would occur (unlikely). You would be eligible since you are a current high school junior. You must meet the GPA requirement and any other hiring requirements necessary to work for Southwest, including obtaining a SIDA badge security background. LAX is Ground Operations, so you will be working at the airport daily in the Station Services Office.
While I can only speak from previous experience, the high school internship only requires a resume. No essays or letters of recommendation are required. In addition, all applicants will be interviewed by a recruiter and a member of the station (LAX, in your case). These interviews are around 5 minutes long due to the high volume of applicants. The internship is quite selective, but if you are able to convey your interest in aviation and why Southwest in particular, then you should be all set.
It is an amazing experience and I highly recommend it! It’s life changing, and if you get the opportunity, I would go for it!
Would LUV to answer any more questions about it should they arise. Best of luck!
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You'll hear from your Station Admin Coordinator soon. If not, you can call them at the number they reached out to you at or at the number listed on any email correspondence from your station.
The first week is pretty chill - it's a typical 8 AM to 4:30 PM week with mostly classroom onboarding and some OJT (on-the-job training). It's usually a tour, benefits presentation, uniforms, going out with a supervisor for OJT...all that stuff. Congrats on joining the SWA family!
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@liz22 wrote: It’s and hour and 20 minute layover in Baltimore before we continue to STL. But we’re concerned customs and security will take almost that long. It’s the last flight to STL of the night, meaning if it takes too long we’ll be stuck overnight.
This is entirely from my own assumptions and experiences as a traveler. I do not think customs will take excessively long, given that it is BWI and at night. Since you have 80 minutes, that should give you enough time (40 minutes) to clear customs and re-check your bag and enough time to go through security (40 minutes). This is the worst-case scenario, though. 80-minute connection means you have 50 minutes between the time your plane arrives and the time your next flight boards. I do understand your concern but believe it is reasonable for you to make this connection.
Another thing to consider: this is the last flight of the night, and the later flights are typically delayed. This could be the case with your STL flight, so you may have extra time. Because you are flying into BWI from an international station, these flights are usually always on-time or early (delayed only in rare circumstances, as I know the international stations like to push out planes on-time or early).
I would not be concerned. If all else fails (inbound flight is delayed for a missed connection), you can see a Customer Service Agent, and they can rebook you on the next available flight (early morning) and provide any necessary accommodations or compensation (if deemed applicable by policy). Southwest expects you to make this connection, though, and it is possible.
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11-19-2022
07:08 PM
11-19-2022
07:08 PM
How long is your connection, and through which city are you connecting? Any connection time upwards of seventy-five minutes should be adequate. With international flights, you will have to claim and re-check your bags, but this should not be much of a hassle as there is a re-check counter right next to the baggage claim carousel.
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08-11-2022
09:51 PM
1 Love
The processing on the SIDA can take a variable amount of time depending on background and how busy the badging office is. I would contact your Station Admin Coordinator before your start date to confirm whether the SIDA process is complete or your badge is ready. If it isn't, depending on the station, you might be able to keep your start date and just be escorted into the SIDA area. Contact your admin for details - they should have been the ones who reached out to you to schedule your SIDA appointment or sent you the application.
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08-11-2022
09:49 PM
08-11-2022
09:49 PM
@Justinf83 wrote:
I am currently employed with Southwest and I have a few questions:
1. What incentive does Southwest provide for their current employees to join 225?
2. Will I retain my Southwest seniority if I choose to become a pilot after completion of 225?
3. How many start days does 225 have in a calendar year?
Thank you,
justin
1. I'm not sure if there is an incentive that exists for employees, other than the possibility of being considered for the program with slightly greater preference. D225 does require a lot of time though. I would reach out to Career Mobility to discuss this, or contact the D225 team (or recruiter). Career Mobility can give you the details of who you can contact for further details.
2. It depends. Pilots are under a different contract and union (SWAPA), so any seniority you attain from other contracts (CSA, OPS/Ramp/Provo) will not carry over. You'll have to start fresh seniority-wise when it comes to bids - but you still get to keep your employee ID, original hire date, and all that. TLDR: I believe your job seniority will reset but you keep your company seniority like everyone else.
3. It depends on your pathway and how quickly you want to move through the program. Contact Career Mobility or the D225 team for more insight.
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