Type rating...?
 

As I look to transition from the Air Force to the airlines in the next couple years, is it a significant boost to my application if I were to have a type rating in the aircraft flown by the carrier I'd like to be hired by? ...or is the juice not worth the squeeze in the time and money invested to get the type rating? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

SWA will give you bonus points for a 73 type.

But some other carriers in the past did NOT want to see a 73 type without operating experience because it meant you were gunning for SWA. That may no longer be an issue with demographics the way they are.

As far as other types, it wouldn't hurt but probably not worth the money, unless you need to get current & ATP and have the GI Bill. New hire aircraft assignments would be based on seniority, not relevant experience.

I've read plenty elsewhere that this was more of an urban legend than anything backed up with solid facts. I know plenty of guys with a 737 type that were hired in the 1990s by a non-SWA carrier.

Not that it really matters anymore...

Are you current in something significantly bigger than a 172? Do you have an ATP already?

If yes to both, I wouldn't bother. If no to both, you might as well go regional to get current and get paid to get your ATP.

If you are current, don't have an ATP and really want SWA then perhaps the extra $3-4k for the checkmark would be worth it. The 737 Classic type is about the only one out there possibly worth getting though.

In my case the type was absolutely worth it. I was semi-current and got my ATP/type when SWA still required it. Also, UAL did sim interviews in a Classic, which made it a low stress event for me. But, today I'd probably go right to a regional. Good luck.

Both UA and DL have a question on ther app: Do you have a 737 type rating?

They don't ask about airbus, MD, or any other boeing. Must have been a reason for that.

I believe it is irrelevant today, since nobody would leave a legacy for SWA anymore.

Agree.
Plus, a friend told me new SWAPA email says 100 SWA pilots quit last year to go elsewhere.

How times change.