Depends on the airline. I think Delta requires the bachelors degree. But even if not required, most it is preferred. It is one more distinguishing factor and has some value assigned to it by the system that each airline uses to select someone for an interview. An associate degree is better than none or even sixty credits but no degree. It is probably less critical than in the past, but I have always told anyone who has asked me about a flying career to get their degree first in something they could live with if they can’t fly some day. It will help you get the job with a major and also a blan B. Today everyone is hiring. One never knows what will happen overnight from personal life to world events.