❤️ SOUTHWEST AIRLINES - THE COMPLETE INSIDER'S GUIDE Company Overview: - Fleet: 815+ aircraft (all Boeing 737, largest 737 operator in the world) - Bases: ATL, BNA, BWI, DAL, DEN, HOU, LAS, LAX, MCO, MDW, OAK, PHX, AUS (coming in ‘26) - Pilot Group: ~10,500+ pilots - Culture: "LUV" culture, employee-first, unique point-to-point model LIFESTYLE REALITIES Scheduling System: Line Bidding - Unique trip-trading culture with the company ELITT (Electronic Line Improvement Trip Trade) system including reserve and amongst pilots (Trip Trade Give Away) - More control over your schedule than traditional line bidding - Ability to move your vacation left or right up to 3 days  - Junior pilots: 17-19 days off, reserve likely for the first year - Senior pilots: 18-22 days off possible with efficient trip trading - Key difference: Can trade trips with company and other pilots freely Base Quality of Life: - DAL (Dallas Love Field): Large base, senior-friendly, central location - HOU (Houston Hobby): Major base, lower cost of living, Texas tax benefits - DEN (Denver): Lifestyle base, growing rapidly, mountain access - BWI (Baltimore): East Coast hub, expensive area, senior base - MDW (Chicago Midway): Major base, weather challenges, all 737 variants - PHX (Phoenix): Fast growing, excellent weather, lifestyle destination - LAS (Las Vegas): Lifestyle base, ETOPS/domestic flying, growing, moderate seniority - LAX (Los Angeles): CA base, ETOPS flying, high cost of living - OAK (Oakland): CA base, ETOPS flying, Bay Area access, expensive to live, high cost of living - MCO (Orlando): Newest major base, theme parks, humid climate - ATL (Atlanta): Smallest base, predominantly former AirTran pilots - AUS (Austin): Opening March ‘26 Pay & Progression: - Industry-leading Year 1 pay - Year 1 FO: ~$126/TFP (~$150K annually) HIGHEST Year 1 in industry  - Topped out FO ~$258/TFP (~$310K annually) - Year 12 Captain: ~$343/TFP now, ~$368 beginning 2028. (~$410 - $500 annually) - Profit sharing: Historically strong (6-8% of annual earnings) - 18% 401k match with a spillover Monthly Based Cash Balance Plan of 2% for any earnings above the IRS limit - TFP Note: in order to make an apples to apples comparison, multiply TFP by 1.15 to equal hourly pay rate  - Unique benefit: Free unlimited travel for employee + eligible passengers