What Southwest Looks For in Flight Attendant Candidates

Southwest Airlines hires flight attendants through a formal recruitment process that begins with an online process and moves through multiple interview stages. You must be at least 20 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and hold a valid passport. Southwest also requires that you be able to reach overhead bins and emergency equipment, which means you need to be between 5'0" and 6'1" tall (measured in bare feet). You cannot have visible tattoos on your face, neck, hands, or below the wrist when wearing the uniform.

Beyond the physical requirements, Southwest looks for people who can stay calm under pressure, work as part of a team, and represent the airline's culture of friendliness and humor. The airline receives thousands of applications each year, so standing out means showing genuine interest in safety and customer service, not just the job itself.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 20 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, a valid passport, and meet Southwest's height and appearance standards before you can move forward in the hiring process.
  • The process process includes an online form, a video interview, a group interview, and a one-on-one interview with a hiring manager before a job offer is made.
  • Southwest requires all new flight attendants to complete a five-week training program at their training center in Dallas, Texas, which covers safety procedures, emergency equipment, and customer service.
  • You must pass a background check, medical exam, and drug screening, and you cannot have a fear of flying or certain medical conditions that would prevent you from performing the job.
  • The entire hiring process from process to job offer typically takes two to four months, depending on how quickly you move through each stage.

Step 1: Complete the Online process

Visit Southwest Airlines' careers website and search for "Flight Attendant" positions. The online process asks for your personal information, work history, and education. Be honest and thorough—Southwest's system flags inconsistencies, and dishonesty can disqualify you when ready. The form also includes questions about your availability to work irregular schedules, your willingness to relocate to a crew base, and whether you have any experience in customer service or hospitality.

Save a copy of everything you submit. You will need to reference your answers if you move to the interview stages. The process itself does not take long, but the review process can take anywhere from one to three weeks. Southwest will email you if you advance to the next stage.

Step 2: Record Your Video Interview Response

If your process passes the initial review, Southwest sends you a link to record a video interview. You will see a question on your screen, have a few seconds to prepare, and then record your answer. Typical questions ask why you want to work for Southwest, how you handle difficult customers, or what you would do in a specific safety scenario. You get one take per question—no do-overs.

Dress professionally, speak clearly, and look directly at the camera. Keep your answers to 60 seconds or less. Southwest uses these videos to assess your communication skills and personality fit. The video interview is often the biggest elimination point, so take it seriously. After you submit, expect to wait one to two weeks for a response.

Step 3: Attend the Group Interview

Candidates who pass the video stage are invited to a group interview, usually held at a Southwest crew base or a hotel conference room. You will be in a room with 15 to 30 other candidates and two or three Southwest employees. The group does icebreaker activities, role-play exercises, and team challenges. Southwest is watching how you interact with strangers, whether you listen to others, and how you handle pressure.

Dress in business casual or business professional clothing. Arrive 15 minutes early. Be friendly to other candidates—Southwest staff notice how you treat people when you think it does not matter. The group interview typically lasts two to three hours. You will be told on the spot or via email within a few days whether you move to the final interview.

Step 4: Complete the One-on-One Interview

The final interview is with a Southwest hiring manager or recruiter. This is a traditional sit-down interview where you answer questions about your work history, why you want the job, and how you would handle specific scenarios. Common questions include "Tell me about a time you had to work with someone difficult" or "What would you do if a passenger became angry during a flight?" Have specific examples ready from your past jobs or volunteer work.

Research Southwest's values and culture before this interview. The airline emphasizes safety, customer service, and a fun work environment. Show that you understand what the job actually involves—irregular hours, time away from home, physical demands, and responsibility for passenger safety. This is also your chance to ask questions about training, scheduling, and crew bases. The interview usually lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

Step 5: Pass the Background Check, Medical Exam, and Drug Screening

If you receive a conditional job offer, Southwest requires a background check, a medical exam, and a drug screening before you can start training. The background check looks at your criminal history, driving record, and employment history. The medical exam is performed by a doctor approved by Southwest and checks your overall health, hearing, and vision. The drug screening is a standard urine test.

You must also obtain a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security clearance, which involves fingerprinting and a federal background check. This process can take several weeks. During this time, you are not yet officially hired, but you are moving closer. Any issues discovered during these checks can result in the offer being withdrawn.

Step 6: Complete Flight Attendant Training in Dallas

Once you pass all checks, you report to Southwest's Flight Attendant Training Center in Dallas, Texas, for a five-week residential training program. You cover aircraft safety, emergency procedures, first aid, customer service, and how to use all the equipment on Southwest's Boeing 737 aircraft. Training includes classroom instruction, hands-on practice with emergency slides and evacuation procedures, and role-play scenarios.

You must pass written exams and practical demonstrations to graduate. The training is intensive and mandatory—you cannot skip it or take it part-time. Southwest provides housing during training, though you may have to share a room with another trainee. After you graduate, you are assigned to a crew base (usually a major city where Southwest operates) and begin your probationary period, which typically lasts six months to one year.

What to Expect After You Are Hired

Your first year as a Southwest flight attendant involves building seniority and learning the job. You will work irregular schedules, including early mornings, late nights, and weekends. You start with reserve status, meaning Southwest calls you when they need you, rather than having a fixed schedule. As you gain seniority, you can bid for more predictable routes and schedules.

Southwest flight attendants are represented by the Transport Workers Union of America (TWU), which negotiates pay, benefits, and working conditions. Starting pay varies but is typically in the range of $28,000 to $35,000 per year, plus per diem pay for each flight hour. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and flight benefits for you and your family. Many flight attendants stay with Southwest for decades, building a stable career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous flight attendant experience to work for Southwest?

No. Southwest hires people with no airline experience. Customer service experience in retail, hospitality, or food service is helpful because it shows you can handle difficult situations and work with the public, but it is not required. Southwest trains you on everything specific to the job.

What happens if I do not pass the medical exam?

If the doctor finds a condition that prevents you from performing the job safely, Southwest will not hire you. Common disqualifying conditions include untreated high blood pressure, severe hearing loss, or a fear of flying. If you have a medical condition you are unsure about, you can ask Southwest's medical department before you explore.

Can I choose which crew base I work from?

As a new hire, you are assigned to a crew base based on Southwest's staffing needs, not your preference. Once you have seniority, you can bid for transfers to other bases. Most Southwest crew bases are in major cities like Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

How long does the entire hiring process take?

From the time you submit your process to receiving a job offer typically takes two to four months. The background check and medical exam can add another month or two. Training is five weeks, after which you begin working as a flight attendant.

What is the dress code for interviews?

For the group interview, wear business casual or business professional clothing—dress pants or a skirt with a blouse or button-up shirt. For the one-on-one interview, business professional is better (a suit or blazer with dress pants or a skirt). Avoid excessive jewelry, strong perfume, and overly casual clothing. Your appearance should be neat and professional.