RJSAviator76

Our commuter policy is 1 Southwest flight that gets you to your domicile at least an hour prior to check-in, or two offline flights from your designated commuter cities.

One bad thing about this is that if you're a commuter on reserve, in order to use the commuter policy, you have to be in domicile 1 hour prior to your reserve availability period (RAP), not your trip start time if you've been assigned a trip. In other words, if you're a PM reserve and your RAP starts at 1100, and you've been assigned a trip that starts at 1700, you still need to be in domicile NLT 1000. Other than that, now that reserve pays per day and not a monthly guarantee, I'd say it's improved a bit, but true trip ownership along with commuter clause reflecting your trip vs. RAP would make it better.

Overwhelming majority of new hires end up in OAK their first month after completing IOE, but you'll have a line that month. A few senior stragglers in the last couple of classes have gone to LAS and PHX their first month and dodged OAK altogether, but I'd count on OAK your first month.

Of the 3 domiciles you mentioned, I'd say DEN and HOU are both about 3-4 months, DAL maybe a month longer. The only domicile that you won't see for years is ATL. You might see MCO towards the end of your first year, but every other domicile is pretty quick.

shoelu

I believe it is any two flights that will you there before report time OR one SWA flight that will get you there one hour before report time.

RJSAviator76

That's correct. Here's the language:

A pilot must attempt to commute on a minimum of two (2) consecutive scheduled flights on Southwest or off-line from the designated city. If, because of flight cancellations, delays, lack of available seating (cabin or jumpseat), or delays beyond the commuter’s control (diversion, etc.), the pilot will be unable to arrive prior to the scheduled report time, the Company will be notified immediately. Alternatively, the second scheduled flight is not required if the primary flight on Southwest is scheduled to arrive in domicile at least one (1) hour prior to check-in.

ZapBrannigan

Nobody mentioned it but if you are accustomed to long/short call language on reserve at your current carrier -- that does not exist at SW. There is no long call reserve. Also, reserves here fly. A lot. So if you live in base and are thinking of bidding reserve to stay home, better re-think that plan.

Most airlines staff reserves as insurance. Kinda like homeowners insurance - they pay for it hoping they'll never have to use it.

Not SW. They use reserves to cover open time they don't want to pay premium for. Then when someone calls in sick they just reschedule half the airline.


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flyguy81

DEN has been stupid senior the last couple months. Not sure if it's because of ski season or what. Prior to Nov it was going around 4 mos seniority.

Tom fooloery

Another question I have is about the DB. I just did the drug screen and references are called so I am going to the boards. I don't have any busts or accidents or incidents. I know that there is a chance of getting told no and that would suck. I am wondering what usually gets people turned down? Also what are the odds of someone with a clean record getting the no? Just kinda unsure what the board looks at if you passed the interview.

flysocal77

If you did a drug test and references have been called its highly likely you will be offered the job.

at6d

Agreed. Being cleared to the whiz quiz is usually a green light from what I've heard.

NVPilot

There is a list published of everyone who is invited to interview. From what I have heard is once you are to the point where you are what can get you the hook is if people start calling their CP to lobby against you as a hire. I don't believe one complaint would justify it, but if you burned a lot of bridges in the past and those people work here and watch that list, well it could be a tough row to hoe. That being said I only know of it happening to one person. A check airmen who was a known PITA and general downer. His reputation was shared from former peers. All in all you should be fine.

RightSeat4Ever

I would have handed him/her the checklist and said, "OK, lets see how well you fly this thing all by yourself...radio calls and all. Oh, you're going to call the CPOC, go ahead, I would love to have this conversation with him."