Interview Medicals….
 

Ladies and Gents…

Was wondering if some recent interviewees or current flyers can give me an idea of the medical received during the interview process at SWA? As I'm no spring chicken anymore and take a pill or two a day for a few things, just wondering if that may be a hindrance to employment at Southwest? In a previous airline, it was an amazing thing and we called it the astronaut physical. I passed but that was a "few years ago".

Also, would a mid 50's guy be looked at seriously for a SWA position? Not sure how this plays out when the hiring starts again.

Thanks for any information guys….

Kap

Some of the more recent new-hires please correct me if I'm wrong, but if you are holding a 1st class medical, you're GTG medically as far as SWA is concerned.

SWA has, and continues to hire plenty of 50-somethings. Just know you will likely be a career first officer.

SWA does not do medical exams. I have worked for them for 21 years. You just need a FAA Class I.

SWA takes your first class. I was offered a class date with a SODA....not even a topic during the interview.

Why do I keep hearing this? The most junior captain on the property is 9 years, (Jan. 05 hire date.) Rumors abound that SWA will start expansion that makes the early 2000s look tame.

First class during interview and through training.

I would absolutely love for that to be the reality however, I think 10% growth is most definitely a thing of the past never to be seen again. With close to 150 classics on property, they will most likely all need to be replaced before a single "growth" aircraft is added to the fleet. Capacity is being greatly increased as 117 seat 717's are being replaced with 175 seat -800's and 143 seat -700's, but that does not add one single pilot seat for that huge increase in capacity. Growth aircraft are most likely somewhere in the future IF and when international departures warrant growth aircraft.

Thanks all for the replies. Much appreciated guys.

Kap

That'll change as soon as "we" vote in a "flattish" contract. :D