I'm sure they weren't getting the quality and quantity of applicants they wanted. I don't know SWA's training but I can't imagine they have to spend a whole lot more to add a 737 type rating to what they're already doing. Seems like a smart business decision to me.

It's a pilot's market. Fewer and fewer were going to dump the $7k-$10k on a gamble that maybe SWA might call and then hire them when they can spend nothing and be far more likely to be called by DAL/UAL/AA. I know 2 guys who got the 737 type rating safety blanket but to the best of my knowledge SWA didn't call either one before they were scooped up by DAL.

The only real loser in this game is Higher Power and companies like them who provided 737 type ratings (assuming they aren't involved in the new SWA plan to type rate their pilots). Next the airlines need to stop going to job fairs so pilot applicants stop getting raked over the coals there as well.