How to be competitive?
01-12-2026 | 11:48 AM
#21
On Reserve
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 27
Likes: 26
It’s a points-based system — once you earn enough points, you’re selected for an interview. A bachelor’s degree is heavily weighted, so it takes a significant amount of leadership and flight experience to offset not having one. Yes, you can get hired without a degree, but traditionally it required thousands of hours of TPIC and some additional qualifications, such as check airman, chief pilot, or similar roles, to make up for the absence of a degree.
If you’re serious about Southwest, I’d recommend working on the degree. In addition to receiving credit for your FAA certificates and taking classes at a local community college, you can also test out of many credits through CLEP and DANTES exams. Schools like Thomas Edison and Excelsior College don’t have residency requirements, so you can transfer in as much credit as possible.
If you’re serious about Southwest, I’d recommend working on the degree. In addition to receiving credit for your FAA certificates and taking classes at a local community college, you can also test out of many credits through CLEP and DANTES exams. Schools like Thomas Edison and Excelsior College don’t have residency requirements, so you can transfer in as much credit as possible.
Even though the 737 Type has long since been omitted as a requirement I believe having it is still up there on the point grading system. Probably easier to get the type as opposed a degree.
01-12-2026 | 12:18 PM
#22
At your mom's house
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,611
Likes: 394
From: cpt 737
I've flown with two people on the hiring team so I too have worked with the hiring team. Therefore, I know more than you...which isnt anything really
01-12-2026 | 03:47 PM
#23
Lineholder
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 55
Likes: 6
From: 737CA
Am I close on points
I’m a new captain at SY on the 737 with a bachelors degree in engineering. 4000TT/2500 121 and 100TPIC. I’ve got some good volunteer and leadership experience? Do I currently score well? I’d love to get the opportunity to interview.
01-12-2026 | 03:59 PM
#24
Line Holder
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 744
Likes: 195
Looks like it’s coming together for you. TPIC looks like the only weak point but that will take care of itself quickly. I’d definitely be applying if this is where you want work. Can’t promise you’ll score an interview or the job. Just gotta apply. People have not made it through the door with more than you offer and people have made it with less than you offer. If you have a clean past, no DUIs, history of multiple failures, etc… then I’d be feeling pretty good…. And even better as you stack 121 TPIC.
01-16-2026 | 10:33 AM
#26
On Reserve
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 171
Likes: 3
I received the interview invite with no degree, I've never been to any meet and greet or job fair, just under 3k total time and 1k 121 sic and I served four years in the military. You gotta Wayne Gretzky it, don't say no to yourself.
01-16-2026 | 01:53 PM
#27
Line Holder
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,559
Likes: 125
From: Left
01-26-2026 | 11:24 AM
#29
On Reserve
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: FO E295
Same roughly. 2500tt 500 Jet SIC 500 turbine pic. all foreign airline experience. Headed to interview. no degree. Wayne Gretzky for sure. did not expect to be picked in Q1.
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