Southwest Airlines Community

Southwest Airline gives me the Freedom to retire.  After spending 16 years as a stay-at-home mom, one year as a Speech Therapist in the public schools, and five years in a mom and pop business at no pay, I was way behind the curve on retirement.  I recently had five different advisors review my IRA accounts.  They were all amazed at what I have been able to save in 23 years of  systematic savings in Southwest's 401K,  ProfitSharing, and ESSP programs.  I have also maximized my productivity by flying extra trips-- something not all airlines allow their Flight Attendants to do.  On January 9, 2008, I can retire.  A cruise to Tahiti-- $4,000.00.  A well-made rocking chair--$800.00.  Peace of mind--priceless!  ... View more

This would be the title of my Flight Attendant Doctorial Thesis - if there was such a thing!   In  twenty three years, I have never lost interest in observing passengers board the aircraft.   Many are predictable while others have their own style.  Yes, the usual drill is a "Good morning; Good evening; or Hello";  baggage stowed; seat chosen; open book.  I am grateful for the personalities and those who stand out from the crowd.   Could I ever forget the dark haired, dark eyed gentleman with his hat cocked to one side who walked two steps past, and then looked back at me and said, "Hi Toots!"  He must have watched a lot of old Hollywood gangster movies! Families are the most fun to watch as they rush on ready to save the needed seats for the clan.  Now the fun begins.  Who is sitting with whom?  Who needs the window? Who gets the aisle seat? "The middle seat is perfectly fine, now hush!"  Once the luggage is stowed and each settled in a seat, out comes the food.  If I'm lucky, I may score a few M&Ms.  It's fun finding out the purpose of their trip--are they anticipating going?  Or, are they looking forward to coming home?  I now phrase my questions carefully.  When we had the lounge seating arrangement, I had a group of six--obviously a family.  I was monitoring the overwing window exit and wanting to make conversation.  "Did you have a wonderful time in San Antonio?"  A gentleman looked at me and said, "We buried Mother."  I gave him a sincere, "I'm sorry" and have been sorry I asked the question years hence.  Weddings often involve flying.  What was Boeing thinking when they left out the closet for the wedding dresses?  Sharing the excitment of taking the bridal party to Vegas or any of our other cities is fun.  If the flight is long enough, it's nice having the other Customers write on  beverage napkins their tips for a happy marriage.  Many are heartfelt, and I hope the couples enjoy these messages again and again.   Along with weddings come funerals.  We do what we can to make the mourners comfortable when we know this is why they are traveling.  When there are tears, we can bring tissues, and then many want to share their sorrow.  I remember stories and still feel their pain.  I've had a few families bring the departed with them--in the form of ashes in a box about the size of a cookie jar container.  By this time, they are ready for a glass of wine and a toast.  My heroes are the mothers traveling alone--often with several preschool children in tow.  They can multitask like none other.  I've seen a mom with one child in a backpack; the baby on one hip (mom folded the stroller before anyone could help), and the older child pulling a child-size suitcase.  She will have a minimum of four varying sized bags hanging from shoulder to wrist!  "How best can I help you?" I ask as I start to move toward the family.  "It's okay, I've got it!"  she says with a smile.  I often get to hold a baby as the car seat is strapped down.   Every now and then, I find a young military wife who has already flown across an ocean before getting on the final flight home.  Have I just forgotten?  Did I ever have that kind of energy? Young children lift my heart.  Recently, a three-year-old boy looked me in the eye and proclaimed, "Happy Easter!"  I asked a five-year-old how he liked being a big brother.  With knitted brow, he threw his arms out, palms up, and declared, "She gets in my things!"  Kids like to be noticed.  They still enjoy receiving plastic wings and a color book. It's important that our "Customer's of tomorrow" enjoy their flight. On a flight out of San Diego, I was at mid cabin when a recently graduated sailor came back.  "Has it been a long time since you've hugged a woman?" I asked.  He replied, "Yes, maam!"  I told him, "Come here and hug this woman!"  When we got to Lubbock, he insisted I come off and meet his family-- such proud and happy faces.  I love to fly because of the many moments of serendipity created by the Customers of Southwest Airlines!  ... View more

The air was cold and the chili was hot as fun loving Southwest Employees, families and friends gathered for our "34th and Last Southwest Airlines Chili Cookoff" on Saturday, April 14, at Shadow Creek Ranch.  We always say "last" because when the first chili cookoff was held, it was uncertain if Southwest would be around for a second cookoff! There are many stories to be told about this event.  I'd like to let you know what it was like being a chili cooker in Inflight Service's bid to be the chili champion! The dreaded alarm rings early.  I quickly find one sweater that hasn't been stored, dress, and head for the kitchen.  I begin heating breakfast for our group and store it in one of those pizza delivery bags you purchase at Sam's.  My GPS and I hit the road for an hour drive.  I repeat, "This is going to be fun!" until I make my turn heading for the ranch.  I see one cold flag waver directing traffic, which is only me at that hour.  You know the cooks have to get started early! I'm really impressed with the ranch, and as I trudge up the winding road I see a lot of people putting up tents.  It's easy to find Inflight because we have styled ourselves as the "Crazy Hogz" complete with Harleys, an impressive Crazy Hogz Bar handcrafted by our Base Manager Henry Townsend and family, Crazy Hogz T-shirts and "do-rags" tied around our heads! Three cook pots have been set up along with a charcoal grill to prepare lunch!  Our chief cook is Debby Devoe, and she and Henry have obviously worked long and hard in getting the supplies ready.  All the preparation has to be done on site.  Our creative Supervisors are there to help unless they are needed at the airport.  There are Employees, friends, kids, dogs - all there for a good time, and they are determined WE are going to win!  My first assignment is to chop onions - LOTS of onions.  Forty pounds of meat must be browned and then onions, garlic, seasonings, tomatoes, tomato paste, AND our secret ingredient all added and stirred.  When all the pots are bubbling, I pay a visit to other tents to sample the competition's chili.  "Not enough salt."  "Too ordinary!"  "Whole jalapenos floating on top!"  "Squash in chili?"  I go back to the tent feeling we are really going to win!  Our CEO Gary Kelly and his wife visit, test our chili, and we get a thumb's up!  It looks like two to three hundred people are in the Bingo tent playing for a chance to win flight passes to destinations all over the world.  When the last number is called, we get a lot of new visitors testing our chili.  We decide what makes our chili stand out is the after taste.  First you taste the chili flavor, then you detect something sweet, and last a slow burn.  A true taste experience!  We are doing a victory dance! All entries must be delivered to the judges, lead by a retired Vice President Dennis Lardon by 2:30 p.m.  In the meantime, we have dance music, a talent show, and at 4:45 p.m. everyone left gathers under the tent for the winners to be announced!  We are excited when we receive one of the three Showmanship awards for our theme and site.  The top five chili cooks are announced beginning with number five.   We aren't number five.  Great - we scored higher!  We don't get number four.  Okay.  We don't get number three.  Oh my.  I wonder if we TIED someone else?  What?  We don't get number two.  WOW!  Did we get Number One? No.  We did not place in the top five chili cooks!  But, we all exhibited a Fun-LUVing Attitude!  We certainly showed our Warrior Spirit!  And, Servant's Hearts were obvious everywhere!  And, there is alway next year's "35th and Last Southwest Airlines Chili Cookoff!"  (And our secret ingredient!)    ... View more

Our new commercials showing "Wanna Get Away" moments  make me laugh aloud.  When my Flight Attendant friend told me a true story while we were sitting on the jumpseat recently, I knew it was too good not to share! At the time the story took place, the female Flight Attendant uniform included a wrap-around skirt with two fasteners.  My friend (we'll call her Marva for the sake of this story) had to go to the bathroom.  Because of the unique design of the skirt, she was in the habit of taking her skirt off completely and hanging it on the coat hook on the back of the lavatory door.  This made the task at hand a bit easier since, at the time, we were still required to wear panty hose.  Her panty hose were adjusted, and she was getting ready to reach for her skirt when she heard a compartment door fall open behind her.  Turning around she bent forward to close the compartment when--can you guess?--a male Customer pulls the lavatory door open, and I mean WIDE open.  Marva screamed...he screamed...then he slammed the door shut.  Predicament over--right?  Wrong!  Looking up at the coat hook she is horrified to see her skirt is NOT THERE!  It had fallen off when the door was opened wide, and she realized it is now on the wrong side of the door.  Sticking her arm out the door she hissed, "Give me my skirt!" With regained dignity, Marva opened the door.  She and the male Customer passed with neither acknowledging the awkward situation that had just occurred. Please share any of your "Wanna get away" moments.       ... View more

I am working on my second tray of drinks in the forward galley when a woman walks up to me and says, "I don't feel well."  She is feeling weak with pain in her mid-chest and under her arms.  Her seat is near the front, so I ask her to return to her seat and let her know I will follow her there.  I reach for the interphone and call the Captain to start a phone patch to MedLink (the medical company that assists us with inflight medical emergencies).  I also call the other two Flight Attendants to come to the front of the aircraft.  I quickly grab an oxygen bottle from the forward overhead bin and give oxygen to the passenger.  This relaxes her.  Meanwhile the other two Flight Attendants bring me a medical questionnaire pad, MedLink headphones, the Emergency First Aid Kit, CPR mask, gloves, and the defibrillator.  An announcement is made over the PA requesting medical  assistance.  No one responds.  Wearing the headphones and waiting for the MedLink contact, I gather medical information from the Customer.  She is diabetic, has high blood pressure (for which she recently changed medication), and takes medication for anxiety.  This is the third flight of her life. MedLink comes over the headphones, and I begin relating the patient's vital information.  Per the MedLink doctor's instructions, one aspirin is given along with two nitroglycerine tablets.  He says to wait five minutes and repeat the nitro tablets.  If the pain does not disappear, I am to do this a third time.  I am relieved when she tells me she feels much better after taking the fourth tablet.  Her seat is reclined and oxygen continues until landing, which is within thirty minutes.  We are given priority landing and paramedics meet the aircraft.  She is taken to the hospital for observation.  Were we scared?   Concerned for the patient, yes.  Scared, no.  Flight Attendants receive basic first aid instruction during initial training and every year during recurrent training.  MedLink is a 24-hour medical-help hotline in the emergency room of Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix.  A doctor provides recommendations for any inflight medical emergency or medical condition when advice is necessary.  They assume responsibility for the actions of a Flight Attendant or medical volunteer when they are acting under the direction of MedLink.  The addition of the defibrillator on every aircraft is a great help in the event that a Customer has a heart attack. Nearly 200 inflight medical emergencies occur industrywide every day throughout the world.  Many of those emergencies are the result of people boarding who are already seriously ill.  This could be a fatal mistake.  Please encourage your friends and family to travel only when they are feeling well.     ... View more

December--the month that was. It's a love/hate month.  I love the warm feelings, the food, the connecting with friends and relatives, the religous significance. However, there's also the sense of frustration in wanting each gift to convey the love we feel; the expectations of wanting to create a "Martha Stewart experience" for our loved ones; and balancing work with play. Since I blogged about bidding for December, I will give you a brief synopsis.  My last trip in November, I sat on the jumpseat for three days with a Crew Member recovering from the flu.  She passed it on to me, and I in turn passed it to my friend and my sister!  This must be the way you get rid of it!  This necessitated a sick call - hated having to do it.  The highs--a two-day reunion party with Flight Attendant friends from the other bases at Brenda's.  She's the best party giver.  Babysitting my six- and eight-year-old grandchildren.  (This will be repeated in the "Lows".)  While standing in their school waiting to pick them up, I looked at the bright young faces and remembered my own children many years earlier.  My eyes teared.  I attended a party at the Belo Mansion given by a law firm that has to be the party to end all parties.  In additon to the standard great food, live music, and dance floor, they took pictures for key chains, purse mirrors,and gave souvenir pictures and custom spray painted bags. Artists drew sketches, and the hosts passed out tokens for Las Vegas type gaming and distributed cowboy hats, eye glasses, and bracelets with blinking lights!  No way to top THIS party.  My family Christmas was fragmented since each family wanted to celebrate in their own homes for their children.  I enjoyed being the guest instead of the host.  I flew two trips and enjoyed the  baking of every recipe I've ever enjoyed at Christmas.  I still have six packages of cream cheese, a huge bag of chocolate chips, and the good spirits of our Customers.  Friends--both widowed--married on the 23rd.  Their happiness added to The Season.  The lows always begin with the Christmas tree!  The tree is too big for me to handle by myself, and I have gone overboard on the number of ornaments I've collected.  There's a real temptation to merely hang a wreath on the front door so the neighbors won't know The Grinch lives here.  I made Tonia's Tia Maria cake from the Southwest Cookbook.  Somehow, I became confused and thought I was supposed to leave the cake in the pan to cool.  When I tried to remove the cake from the Nordic pan it would not budge.  I put it back in a hot oven thinking it would drop right out when it was warm.  No luck.  I hammered the pan with a mallot--it was still in the pan.  I tried sticking a thin knife and bamboo sticks along the side--nothing.  In desperation (I was leaving for a party), I sliced the cake while still in the pan.  This was not the presentation I was going after.  My lowest point was standing in a parking garage in Houston by my son's van that wouldn't start-- with twenty minutes to meet the grandchildren's school bus!  Yes, I noticed the light on, but I couldn't figure out how to turn it off and didn't think such a little light would run the battery down.  A nice young man in a big red truck stopped when I stepped out in front of it with my hand up.  He jumped the battery, and I was out of there.  The kids had only been at the neighbors a few minutes!  I found the dash button to turn the overhead light off.  The next morning, I couldn't find the car keys.  As I frantically looked for the keys, my eight-year-old grandson "found" them after hiding them in the playroom.  I'll have to wait until he's older to get even with him!  It's over, and I've resolved to start shopping earlier, see the grandchildren more often, buy a prelit Christmas tree, throw out all the sweets, and lose the Christmas weight.  Anybody out there make any resolutions?    ... View more

I am reminded of the day I had my one-on-one interview with Recruiter Trent Ready. When I sat down I said:  "Trent, I've been thinking of you every night after I go to bed." Looking perkier he said, "And what have you been thinking?" You're going to ask "Will I work Christmas?" I told him.  He responded:  "And your reply?" I answered:  "Of course I will work Christmas!!" Well those words have come back to haunt me 22 times! A few weeks ago, after several intense hours, I turned in my bid for my December schedule. Every month there is usually one or two days I need off. But DECEMBER! Referring to my Calendar I need the second off for Ginger and Mickey's party; the 5th is Brenda's party; Carmen's luncheon is the 6th; the 9th is Christmas at my oldest son's house; there's the big party on the 15th; the Christmas program on the 21st; and a friend's wedding on the 23rd. Ooops, I can't forget that I promised my youngest son I would take care of his two children on December 13, 14, and 15 in Houston while they attend a wedding in Cabo San Lucas. These are just the things I know about as I write this on the 8th of November. This is my first Christmas with my new honey - he actually seems to think I will be available Christmas AND New Year's eve! Let's see, how many days does that leave me to work? I do have two things going for me. First, I have vacation December 8 - 14, and I bid to be pulled from two trips. I also have an overlap on the first and can be pulled from a trip. That takes care of the first of the month. The last of the month will take $$$$$. We are blessed with the ability to put our trips into what is called "Trip Trade/Give away". Then if we add, from our own pockets, money - the trip just could disappear from our schedule. So, you ask, what's the problem? Lost income just when taxes are due is my first thought. Then, since Dallas is a very senior base, will I get a line that meets my criteria? Maybe, maybe NOT! Let's not forget, "What if My Company needs me?" The only absolue MUST is babysitting my 6 and 8 year old grandchildren. Home Alone was a cute movie, but... The day after I bid, I called to get the results. Over 8,000 other Flight Attendants did the same. So, in December I hope to see you - but not on the 2, 5, 6, 9, 13, 14, 15, 21, 25, or 31! ... View more

Remember when the phone was our primary communication tool? My son mentioned to me recently that, as a child, he could never understand how I could spend so much time on the phone. Now he says the same about my computer. I love e-mails that make me laugh out loud. I received the following recently and wanted to share since, while obviously exaggerated, the scenarios are familiar. Not all of them apply to Southwest. If you think you might want to become a Flight Attendant, perform the following (smile) before deciding: 1. Go to a resale store and find an old navy suit that an army sergeant might have worn. Add a white shirt and a tie. Wear the same outfit for three consecutive days. 2. Go to an airport and watch airplanes take off for several hours. Pretend you are standing by for them and that they are all full. Go home. Return to the airport the next day; do the same thing again. (Nonreving CAN be a great perk!) 3. Fill several large boxes with rocks. Lift them over your head and place them on the top shelf of a closet. Slam the door shut until the boxes fit. 4. Turn on the radio. Be sure to set it between stations so there is plenty of static. Turn on the vacuum cleaner and garbage disposal. Run them all day. 5. Remove the cover from several TV dinners. Place them in a hot oven. Leave the food in the oven until it's completely dried out. Remove the hot trays with your bare hands. Serve to your family. Don't include anything for yourself. 6. Serve your family a beverage one hour after they've received their meal. Make them remain in their seats during this time. 7. Scrounge uneaten rolls off the plates for you to eat two hours later when you're really hungry. 8. Place a straight-backed chair in a closet facing a blank wall. Use a belt to strap yourself into it. Eat the rolls you saved from your family's meal. 9. Ask your family to use the bathroom as frequently as possible. Tell them to make splashing water a game and see who can leave the most disgusting mess. Clean the bathroom every hour throughout the day. 10. Make a narrow aisle between several dining room chairs and randomly scatter your husband's wing-tips and loafers along the way. Turn off the lights and spend the night walking up and down the aisle while banging your shins against the chair legs and tripping over the shoes. Drink several cups of cold coffee to keep yourself awake. 11. Gently wake your family in the morning and serve them a cold sweet roll. Don't forget to smile and wish them a nice day when they leave for work and school. 12. After the family leaves, take a suitcase and go out in the yard. If it's not raining, turn on the sprinkling system and stand in the cold for 30 minutes pretending like you're waiting for the crew bus to pick you up. Then go inside and wait by your bedroom door for another 30 minutes for an imaginary maid to make up your room. 13. Change into street clothes and shop for five hours. Pick up carry-out food from a local deli. Go back home. Sit on your bed and eat your meal. Set your alarm for 3 a.m. so you'll be ready for your wake-up call. 14. Repeat the above schedule for three days in a row and you'll be ready to work your first trip. I'm reminded of my late husband saying, "I wish you would treat me like you do your passengers." I answered, "Leave in an hour and I WILL!" We all have times in our occupations when humor is the great antidote! We lose and misplace items throughout our day. Let's please not misplace our sense of humor! ... View more

  This year SWA will say good bye to approximately one hundred Pilots due to retirement. Federal Aviation Regulations mandate an Airline Pilot's retirement at age 60. Retiring Pilots are allowed to chose the Crew for their last flight, and I recently had the honor of working Captain Steve Williamson's last flight along with Flight Attendants Laura Freeman and Gina Anderson. Acting as Steve's first officer was Captain Chris Plaisance, a long-time friend of Steve's since their Air Force days. We were wearing T-shirts imprinted with Steve's picture and "Thirty years of Luv". Steve joined SWA in April 1976 and has flown over 29,000 total flight hours. I've known him since 1984. Steve was always a delight to fly with. His smile showed he was happy to see you, his crew briefing was thorough, he assisted when able with passengers, kept the flight attendants briefed on weather and even helped us tidy the aircraft between flights. The only thing I can remember that Steve DIDN'T do was bring candy! It seems just a few short years since his family flew on one of my flights going to one of their young daughter's gymnastic meets. Now Steve and his wife Connie are grandparents. On his last day we met Steve's flight when it came through Dallas on the way to Tulsa. Joining us were Connie, his mother Marge and her husband Lloyd; son Rob, his wife Lisa and their two children; daughter Stephanie, her husband Kevin and their daughter; and daughter Amy and her husband Andy. Also included were his siblings, in-laws and a few close friends.  In fact, half the passengers on the aircraft were there to honor Steve. The rest of the passengers were happy to join the party!   Our decorations included pictures of Steve from his first days of flying until the present. During the flight we played games, awarded prizes, and asked everyone onboard to write retirement advice on index cards to present later. We also handed out biography sheets and Steve gave a brief speech. While taxiing to the gate in Dallas, two fire trucks on opposite sides of the runway sprayed arcs of water across the aircraft nose in salute (a tradition for a Pilot's last flight). Fellow Employees waited in the jetway for a last farewell, handshake, and good luck wishes. Then we headed to the General Offices and the upstairs cafeteria for a farewell party, where there were many active and retired Pilots, their wives, personal friends, and SWA Employees enjoying food and drink (at Steve's expense!) Speeches, gifts, pictures, cake cutting - a good time was had by all. There will continue to be Pilots with whom we enjoy working, but for those who are retired--you may be gone, but you are not forgotten! Thank you for being the Spirit of Southwest. ... View more

With Christmas close at hand, I am content knowing I have the perfect gift for many of my special friends. My gift to you is telling you about the Southwest Airlines 35th Anniversary Keepsake Cookbook. Let me tell you why it is a perfect gift! All proceeds from sales go to our Catastrophic Assistance Charity helping fellow Southwest Employees suffering severe financial hardship resulting from a catastrophic event in their lives. Times when there seems to be nowhere to turn - and then here is a gift! The cookbook itself is a collection of over 737 (as in Boeing 737) favorite family recipes, quotes, pictures, cooking tips, and our Southwest Airlines secret recipe. For collectors of Southwest Memorabilia there are heartwarming stories from Employees. I gave a copy to my daughter-in-law (she was visiting, and I couldn't wait for Christmas!) and she raved about the chocolate peanut butter fudge on page 289 submitted by Keith Hodges in Finance. My friend told me to be sure and make the breakfast granola from Sherri Earnst, a Chicago-based flight attendant (page 372). But, my very favorite recipe brings tears to my eyes as I tell you about it. It is Tania's Tia Maria cake on page 366. Tania Devore was a Dallas Flight Attendant for many years and is remembered for her fun-loving spirit. She died three years ago a few days before Christmas due to complications from Type 1 diabetes. Tania loved the Holidays and would bake this cake to share with her Crew. It became so popular, she started taking orders, selling them in the Dallas Flight Attendant lounge. I coveted this recipe but it was a closely guarded secret. Dallas Flight Attendant Fran Chance published this recipe in memory of Tania. It was found taped inside a cabinet door at Tania's house. This recipe alone is worth the price of the cookbook. I have a dozen of these cookbooks, and I am going to buy more as I continue to think of another deserving friend. Don't tell, but my daughters-in-law, best friends, hair dresser, nail lady, doctor, and any White Elephant gift occasion will all receive this keepsake. Give one as a hostess gift, and it will guarantee you being asked back to another party! The cookbook price with shipping and handling is $25.00. Make checks payable to 35th Anniversary Cookbook and mail to Southwest Airlines 35th Anniversary Cookbook, HDQ/1CB, P.O. Box 36611, Dallas, TX 75235. Please help Chairperson Kelli Bartlett by printing names and addresses clearly. Once these treasures are gone, there will be no second print. No Christmas Eve deliveries, so I encourage you to act now! You, too, can "Feel the Spirit" and "Savor the Fare!" ... View more

Twenty three years ago I announced to my friends and family that I wanted to become a Flight Attendant for Southwest Airlines. This announcement was met with raised eyebrows, as I was considered by some as not being suited for this profession. "Why not?" you say. "You are not going to wear those shorts, are you?" my best friend asked. "What about your degree in speech therapy?" my father questioned. "You are going to abandon me?" my 17-year-old son complained. My only support came from my husband who said, "I always wanted to sleep with a Flight Attendant, but I never thought it would be you!" For Christmas that year, all the gifts had been opened that were under the tree. Ready to disband, my brother said, "Wait - there's one more gift!" He leaves the room for a minute and comes back with a size 2 Southwest Airlines uniform; a pair of plastic Flight Attendant wings, and a roundtrip ticket to Austin. "Put these on and work a round trip to Austin and back. I bet you change your mind!" Every night, I lay in bed thinking about interview questions I might be asked and acceptable answers. I had answers to questions I have yet to be asked! I received my letter asking me to come for a Group Interview. Now came the hard part: What am I going to wear? I decided on a red wool suit that was similar to the Flight Attendant uniform at the time. I bought new camel colored pumps (closed toe and heel) and matching purse. Looking the part, I reported to the Headquarters Building in Dallas. The chairs in the interview room were arranged in a horseshoe shape. I headed for the middle seat. The applicant sitting beside me asked if I would put her keys in my new purse since she didn't bring one. She was to become one of my best friends to this day. We were asked to stand up, spell our names, tell something about ourselves and why we wanted to fly for SWA. When I stood up, I went to the front of the room and just knew I was going to slip and fall on my face. I should have worn those new shoes previously so the soles weren't slick! I told them that, when I reached my midlife crisis, I didn't know whether to go to medical school (the residency for brain surgery was so long) or become a fry cook at Denny's (even though I had lost my taste for that sort of thing). Then I realized I would be a perfect fit for the job of Flight Attendant because I had waited on people hand and foot; I could talk to a wrong number for fifteen minutes; and I had certainly worked for peanuts. I hoped Southwest Airlines would agree!" Well, they did agree and I've been grateful ever since. ... View more

Last year 7,593 applicants were interviewed for the job of Flight Attendant. From this number 880 were hired. The big question: "What are they looking for?" While serving on the Flight Attendant Hiring Team, I was looking for those who stood out from the group. Professional appearance, positive attitude, and enthusiasm. A question I asked myself was, "How will a passenger respond to this person for five hours at 35,000 feet - while strapped down in a seat?" They certainly don't want to be encapsulated with a Flight Attendant they feel is mad at them! If you feel you have what it takes to be a Flight Attendant, what's the next step?  I suggest a person research the job. Many of our applicants have read the book Nuts! written by Kevin Freiberg and Jackie Freiberg. Google "books on the life of a flight attendant" for resources. These can give you an inside look at a working Flight Attendant's job. For all the hilarity there are the sobering topics of commuting, duty hours, irregular operations, no shows, etc. Try to make sure that, before you apply, you have the attitude, flexibility, and stamina this job requires. You still want the job? Great! Go to the Careers Page of southwest.com and follow the instructions for submitting an application online. Then the wait begins. If you meet the basic criteria, you will eventually receive a letter (Flight Attendant hiring is timed with the arrival of new aircraft into the fleet) from our People Department inviting you for a Group Interview. Come prepared with the information for which you are asked, and I recommend getting there early, as there will be paperwork to fill out. Do not be late under any circumstances. If you have a conflict, call the People Department immediately. If you don't know how to get to the interview spot, drive it the day before. If you are flying in, allow enough time to get from the airport to the People Department in our Dallas Headquarters, or to the interview location.  What do you wear? Business attire is always appropriate. Wear something that makes you feel good so you will be relaxed and confident. For women, makeup is required on duty so come to the interview looking like you will if you are hired. Men are not required to buy or borrow a suit, but you want to look starched and business like. Arrive knowing why Southwest should hire you. After the Group Interview you could be asked to remain that afternoon for a one-on-one interview. You could also be scheduled another day for this in-depth interview. If the latter is the case, you will receive a letter giving you the time and date. There is no set time for when you will receive a response, but three to six weeks is a reasonable expectation.  During this second interview, you will spend time with an active duty Flight Attendant and a Company Recruiter. Come prepared with examples of when you have demonstrated being an outstanding Employee at your previous jobs, in a school environment, or times you have interacted with a group. The questions are in a format that begins, "Tell me about a time..." Relax and allow your personality to come through. If you do not get a second interview, or if you do not get hired, please understand that you can interview again in one year. We have many excellent Employees who were turned down the first time but came back and were chosen. A strong desire for the job is a plus and coming back demonstrates that desire. If you are not chosen IT DOES NOT MEAN WE DON'T LIKE YOU. It could merely mean on this given day when interviewed by a given group you were not deemed a JOB FIT. There may even be other jobs in the Company that you may want to consider and apply. I recently flew with an outstanding male Flight Attendant who moved to a city that was hiring and started out on the Ramp at an airport. He wanted to get his foot in the door and was willing to move and take whatever job was available. He enjoyed his job but his goal was to be a Flight Attendant and fly out of Dallas. It took him three years, but he did what it took to make it happen. Do you have a Warrior Spirit? Do you have a Servant's Heart? Do you have a Fun-loving Attitude? If you understand what these three things mean and want to join a team of dedicated Employees striving each day to keep Southwest Airlines successful for our Customers and Employees, please apply! ... View more

The above question that is sometimes asked of Flight Attendants by their parents, significant others, friends, and even someone at a party they have just met.  A possible reason for this may be because many decide to fly for a few years with the thought of seeing more of the world and then going on to more "serious" endeavors.  After all, how stimulating can handing out drinks and smiling all day be?  Some mistake having a good time at work with it not really being a job.  I've heard the words, "What do you mean you're tired.  You must be staying up late partying!"  Sure, traveling different places can be fun, but working out of town does not a vacation make!  Especially when we can be in our hotel as little as ten hours (or less during irregular operations).  The fact that a normal schedule has us flying three or possibly four days a week gives some the feeling it is merely parttime work.  During our two to five weeks of vacation (depending upon seniority), we can bid where we have half the month off.  That adds to the parttime job perception.  I remember the gentleman rushing aboard the aircraft early one morning. He looked at me and said, "Hobby (the airport)?" I replied, "No sir, I do it for a living!" I'd like to tell you what makes this a REAL job:      You may have heard it said, "The Flight Attendants are here primarily for your safety".  Our President, Colleen Barrett, recently wrote, "I assure you that Safety overrides every single thing that we do, without exception, and it has been that way for the 35 years that we have been in operation."  SAFETY.  That is the charge that every professional Flight Attendant takes to heart when we pin on our wings before every flight.  While boarding the aircraft we want to welcome each passenger and make them feel they are our guests.  At the same time, it is important we screen bags for size and weight.  Carryons must fit the sizing box and the overhead bin or slide under the seat where the aisle is clear in case of an evacuation.  This is for passenger safety.  At pushback we ask that all cell phones and battery operated devices be turned off for takeoff and landing.  This is not to annoy passengers, but these devices could possibly interfere with the electrical equipment in the cockpit.  Safety.  As we demonstrate our emergency procedures, many talk, read, sleep or generally ignore the information that makes flying safer.  No matter how many times a person has heard these words, they should be fresh in his or her mind.  Wearing seatbelts, raising seatbacks, stowing tray tables, and not smoking are all rules not to be taken lightly.  During flight, the Flight Attendants are aware of what is happening in the cabin.  This month, I had a female passenger whose lips and fingers had turned blue after we were airborne.  Flight attendants are trained to handle many medical emergencies and our aircraft are equipped with a defibrillator, oxygen, first aid equipment, and very importantly, access to a doctor via a radio patch through a company called Med Link. We are all trained in CPR.  When an emergency evacuation has been necessary, I am proud when the Flight Attendants are singled out as making a difference. We come to work prepared to handle any situation we are presented with. You, the passenger, become our responsibility when you step on the aircraft and remain so until you have deplaned.     Many of us have continued feeling this responsibility by giving assistance off the aircraft by helping with phone calls or giving rides to hotels, relative's homes, or even a hospital.  Add to the safety element of our job the opportunity to improve someone's day.  The opportunity to help physically challenged passengers, children, families, foreign visitors, those fearful of flying, going for medical treatment, or to be with family in times of stress make the job meaningful.     Safety and service give Flight Attendants pride in calling what we do a REAL job.  These aspects surprised many of us who originally thought, "That might be a fun thing to do for a little while."        ... View more

You've never been on a fun flight? You should have been on this one! My best friend Jamie called (we were in the same flight attendant class twenty-two years ago). "Mama's going to be on my flight from Houston to Dallas Friday night. I wish you could fly it with me!" From her mouth to God's ears! One of her crew members wanted a Friday night off and I was able to pick this trip up. The phone rang the night before - "Think of something fun to do!" What can we do to make Jamie's mother feel special? She needs to stand out. A plan is forming. I went to my closet where I found my pink feather boa left over from a flight attendant cruise in October. Just what I need! Look - my bunny slippers! They go great with the boa. I remembered Jamie's jeweled tiara left over from high school - the crowning touch! I filled a gift bag with Southwest prizes such as peanuts, a bag tag, pen, jar opener, etc. I have trouble sleeping I'm so pumped. It's our last leg. We have through passengers from Harlingen onboard. I brief them on our big surprise and tell them we have a very special passenger coming onboard! Jamie and I go out to the preboard area and ask the Operations Agent to page "Wanda, Jamie's mother". We see her coming up looking bewildered. She would never dream of preboarding when she is traveling on a pass. No one wants to lose their pass previleges! I make an announcement to the waiting passengers while Jamie is "dressing" her mother in her special attire. No mistaking that she stands out! "Today is Wanda's day. Please join us in making her feel special!" At the front of the aircraft I introduce her to the through passengers. As she comes on the aircraft, we all chant, "Wanda, Wanda"! She is presented with her bag of goodies. As an added touch, she sits next to one of our original employees, now a vice president. As we demonstrate our safety features, there is no missing Wanda sitting there in all her glory! After the seat belt sign is turned off Wanda does us the honor of passing out our peanuts! Queen Elizabeth could not have done a better job. She turns from side to side with a big smile for her "subjects". We are taking pictures. The mood was picked up by the rest of our passengers. I was amused when, upon deplaning, one of our passengers said, "Next time I want to be Wanda." We can't give this kind of recognition to each of our passengers every flight. But, I hope when you leave our aircraft you have at least received a smile and a "Thank you for flying Southwest." ... View more