The SWAPA Number

Today's SWAPA number is 70. That's the number of projects IT is currently overseeing that will come to fruition in 2025. Some of these projects are happening behind the scenes, but still bring value and security to the organization and others like contract AI will be very pilot facing.

So on today's episode, we sat down with Information Technology chair Will Young, IT committee member Thomas Lowery and IT di...

In this week’s edition, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants breaks down all the scheduling headlines you’ve seen in the past few weeks. From ELITT Direct Drop/Direct Pickup data to the “why” behind line quality, listen in to learn more after you make sure you have the latest version of the Scheduling Handbook. He also points to the Aviation Medical Advisory Service (AMAS) links on the SWAPA Benefits page, and what to do if ...

Today's SWAPA Number is 175. That's the number of hours associated with being a new first officer at Southwest Airlines, which is the change from the 100 hours we previously used. The restrictions as part of being a new first officer is part of a comprehensive change in training and standards that both SWAPA and the Company are committed to, and we're seeing that in a number of places.

We've seen a lot of forward...

In this week’s edition, Communications Manager Casey Casteel takes the membership through the latest contract implementation item: ELITT direct drop and pick up and a few highlights for using that new tool.

 Casey gives a recap of the latest news on the Market Based Cash Balance Plan, and an update from the settlement of grievance 2024-004.  Contract Q&A this week covers several questions concerning LRO vs LCO and future impleme...

Today's SWAPA Number is 13. That's the number of pilots on staff at SWAPA Safety. This includes investigations, the Aviation Safety Action Program or ASAP and Air Traffic Services to name a few. Safety covers a lot of topics and is at the core of what we do on every flight. So today we're sitting down with SWAPA Safety chair, Gary Niemann and SWAPA investigation specialist, Craig Jakubowski to talk all things flight ...

In this week’s edition, Multimedia Manager Jason Davis, from the SWAPA Communications staff, discusses the settlement of grievance 2024-004, latest vacancy results and the additional displacements that resulted, and the move up of implementation for 100% Domicile Right of Return (DRR).

Jason also updates the membership on the roll out of Reserve Release Until Check In and the temporary manual work around due to automation difficulti...

Today's SWAPA number is 1.1. That's the percentage of pay that Southwest will distribute in profit sharing from 2024.

So today, we're sitting down to talk with NC member and retirement and benefits subject matter expert Damian Jennette, and 401(k) and investments director Mike Haynes about profit sharing and updates on other items that affect pilot retirement accounts in 2025.

If you have any feedback for us ...

In this week’s scheduling-centric edition, SWAPA Communications staff member Alexis Thomas updates the membership on all things displacements and Domicile Right of Return for the May vacancy. There are a lot of moving parts here, so take a listen to understand the options on the table and continue to reference the Displacement Resources page.

She also gives the membership a status update on Release Until Check In, ELITT enhancements...

Today's SWAPA Number is 18. That's the number of SWAPA presidents that we've had since SWAPA's inception in 1978. So in today's episode, we sat down with SWAPA President, Jody Reven. With the first board meeting of the year in the rear view mirror, and a lot of Company news of late, it's time to look down the road and see what's in store for SWAPA in 2025.

If you have any feedback for us at all, pl...

In this week’s edition, SWAPA Communications staff member Ella Ziober updates the membership on the displacements that resulted from the April vacancy and important eligibility requirements for having Domicile Right of Return (DRR). There are currently 141 Pilots across the system in both seats who have a DRR.

She also highlights a few points from our Benefits & Aeromedical Committee and Government Affairs Committee, including t...

In this week’s edition, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants summarizes this week’s Board of Directors meetings. From the Scheduling & Analytics Committee highlights to the Q&A session with Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan, this episode covers all the briefings that your domicile representatives received. 

Your Board of Directors will have more details on these briefings, including links to useful resources on the ma...

Today's SWAPA number is 86%. That's the percentage of pilots who open each email SWAPA sends out to the membership, but that doesn't tell the whole story. There's a lot of data that we gather on the comm channels, and now's a good time to dive into those numbers and what they mean.

Today we're joined by American Airlines Captain Andrea Hoover, Communications chair at the Allied Pilots Associat...

In this week’s edition, Captain Tony Mulhare points to resources for recently displaced pilots that have been produced by the Scheduling Analytics Committee, how to find your Open Time Priority Range in CWA, and newly implemented limitations on RAP changes.

He also covers several high frequency questions fielded by our Contract Admin staff this week on topics including Domicile Right of Return (DRR),  POT before Reserve, and the upc...

Today's SWAPA Number is 5. That's the number of US National Aerobatics Championships that Kirby Chambliss has earned, along with 13 medals at the World Aerobatic Championships and two season championships in the Red Bull Racing series. So today, we are sitting down on location with Kirby in his Chandler, Arizona hangar to talk about his life in an airplane, his passion for inspiring the next generation, and what comes nex...

In this week’s episode, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants describes the technology maintenance and timeline, pointing to January’s RP for more details on what SWAPA IT does for the membership. If you’re thinking of flying red-eye pairings, you’ll want to hear how the ELITT mechanics work for now, and everyone should listen in for the quick reminders from Professional Standards. The Contract Q&A this week covers a lot ...

Today's SWAPA Number is 2. That's the number of pilots that belong on the flight deck. Your Government Affairs Committee is actively engaged on Capitol Hill, informing and educating Congress on this issue along with many others that affect our careers as airline pilots.

If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.

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In this week’s edition, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare discusses the annual increase to pay rates, per diem, and flight physical reimbursements.  He also reminds pilots that your uniform allotment is tied to your anniversary date, not the new year.

 He also gives a recap of the several top questions that contract admin fielded in 2024 including what happens to GTO if you arrange to stay at the hotel when your first fli...

Today's SWAPA Number is 1,460. That's the total number of days that Casey Murray will have been in office when his presidency comes to a close on December 31st.  So, to close the year out, we sat down with Casey to put a bow on his terms as president and life at SWAPA. We'll contrast what the organization looked like when he started and what it will be as we look into the future. 

If you have any feedback for us at al...

In this week’s edition, Matt McCants from the Communications Committee teases the multiple scheduling implementation items coming in early 2025. From Release to Check-In to ELITT enhancements, all Pilots should be aware of how the Q1 and Q2 schedules could be affected by the upcoming changes. There’s also a quick tip on how to access the last 10 emails on the SWAPA App, and the Contract Administration Q&A covers several popular...