What Does a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Do?

Southwest Airlines is an American airline that operates domestic and international flights. They are known for their friendly customer service and low fares.

A Southwest Airlines flight attendant is responsible for providing excellent customer service to passengers during their flight. They greet passengers, help them with their luggage, and answer any questions they may have. Flight attendants also ensure the safety of passengers by performing safety checks and demonstrating emergency procedures. They also serve food and drinks, and provide assistance to passengers with special needs.

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Job Duties

A Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Provide exceptional customer service to passengers, ensuring their safety and comfort throughout the flight
• Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of emergency equipment and procedures, including evacuation slides, oxygen masks, and life vests
• Ensure compliance with all FAA regulations and Southwest Airlines policies and procedures
• Provide pre-flight briefings on safety and security measures, as well as in-flight announcements
• Assist passengers with boarding and deplaning, stowing carry-on luggage, and providing assistance during turbulence
• Serve meals and beverages, collect trash, and provide blankets and pillows
• Respond to passenger inquiries and complaints in a professional manner
• Monitor cabin conditions and report any irregularities or maintenance issues to the captain
• Perform first aid and CPR when necessary
• Maintain accurate records of onboard sales transactions
• Complete post-flight duties such as cleaning the aircraft and restocking supplies
• Participate in ongoing training programs to stay up-to-date on new products, services, and safety protocols

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Salary

The salary of a Flight Attendant at Southwest Airlines is determined by a variety of factors, including the length of time the employee has been with the company, the number of hours worked, the number of flights taken, and the location of the flights. Additionally, the employee’s performance and any special qualifications they may possess can also affect their salary.

• Median Annual Salary: $55,657 ($26.76/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $70,040 ($33.67/hour)

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Job Requirements

To be hired as a Flight Attendant at Southwest Airlines, applicants must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid passport, and have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, applicants must be able to pass a background check, drug test, and physical exam. Flight Attendants must also be able to lift up to 50 pounds and be able to stand for long periods of time.

Southwest Airlines also requires Flight Attendants to have a minimum of two years of customer service experience, preferably in the airline industry. Flight Attendants must also be able to speak, read, and write fluently in English. Additionally, Flight Attendants must be able to pass a written exam and complete a training program. The training program includes safety and emergency procedures, customer service, and other topics related to the job.

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Skills

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant employees need the following skills in order to be successful:

Leadership: Leadership skills allow flight attendants to manage their work duties and the needs of their passengers. They can use leadership skills to ensure their team follows company procedures and to ensure their passengers have a safe and comfortable flight. Leadership skills can also help them to train new flight attendants and manage their team.

Adaptability: Flight attendants must be adaptable to changing situations and unexpected circumstances. They must be able to adapt to changing weather conditions, delays, cancellations and other unexpected circumstances. They must also be able to adapt to changes in their work schedule and the duties they perform.

Emergency Response Training: Emergency response training is the ability to respond to an emergency situation on a flight. Flight attendants must be able to assess the situation and take the appropriate action. This may include administering first aid, performing CPR or using emergency equipment. Southwest Airlines requires all flight attendants to complete emergency response training.

Attention to Detail: Attention to detail is the ability to notice small changes in your surroundings. As a flight attendant, you may need to notice changes in passenger behavior or changes in the cabin to ensure the safety of the passengers and the aircraft. You may also need to notice changes in the weather or changes in the aircraft to ensure the safety of the passengers and the aircraft.

Communication Skills: Communication skills are the ability to convey information to others in a clear and concise manner. Flight attendants use their communication skills to relay information to passengers, such as safety procedures, emergency procedures and other important information. They also use their communication skills to communicate with other flight attendants and pilots.

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Work Environment

Flight attendants for Southwest Airlines typically work a 40-hour week, with shifts that can range from four to eight hours. Flight attendants are expected to be available for all flights, including those that depart early in the morning or late at night. Flight attendants may also be required to work overtime, especially during peak travel times. Flight attendants must be able to handle the stress of working in a fast-paced environment and dealing with passengers who may be difficult or uncooperative. Flight attendants must also be able to work in a confined space for long periods of time and be able to lift and carry heavy items. Flight attendants must also be willing to travel, as they may be required to fly to different destinations for work.

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant employees work.

New Airline Routes

As the airline industry continues to evolve, Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants must stay up-to-date on new routes and destinations. With the rise of low-cost carriers, more people are able to travel for leisure or business purposes. This means that there is an increased demand for flights to different locations around the world.

Flight attendants need to be aware of these changes in order to provide passengers with the best possible service. They must also be knowledgeable about the various regulations and safety protocols associated with each route. By understanding the emerging trends in the airline industry, flight attendants can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all passengers.

Globalization

Globalization is an emerging trend that has a direct impact on the job of a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant. As more people travel internationally, flight attendants must be prepared to serve customers from different cultures and backgrounds. They must also understand the regulations and laws of other countries in order to ensure compliance with international standards.

In addition, globalization has led to increased competition among airlines, which means that flight attendants must be able to provide excellent customer service in order to stand out from the competition. This includes being knowledgeable about the airline’s policies and procedures, as well as having the ability to communicate effectively with passengers from all over the world. Understanding these trends will help Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive in the global market.

Airlines Consolidating

The airline industry is undergoing a period of consolidation, with larger airlines buying out smaller ones. This trend has been driven by the need to reduce costs and increase efficiency in order to remain competitive. As a result, Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants may find themselves working for a different company as their employer merges or is acquired.

It is important for Flight Attendants to understand this emerging trend so they can be prepared for any changes that may occur. They should stay informed about the latest news in the industry and be aware of any potential job opportunities that may arise from consolidations. Additionally, they should make sure they are up-to-date on all relevant regulations and safety protocols, as these may change when an airline is acquired.

Advancement Prospects

Flight attendants may be able to move up in their career by taking on additional responsibilities. For example, they may become a lead flight attendant, responsible for managing the other attendants on a flight. They may also become a trainer, responsible for training new flight attendants. In addition, they may be able to move up to a supervisory role, such as a customer service manager or a flight attendant supervisor. Finally, they may be able to move up to a higher-level position, such as a flight attendant manager or a customer service director.

Interview Questions

Here are five common Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant interview questions and answers.

1. If a flight attendant needed help, how would you assist them?

Southwest Airlines wants to know that you are willing to help your fellow employees when they need it. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have a willingness to help others and how you would do so. In your answer, explain what steps you would take to assist another flight attendant.

Example: “If I saw one of my colleagues struggling with something on the plane, I would ask them if there was anything I could do to help. If they needed assistance with an issue, I would offer to help them complete their task or find someone else who could help them.”

2. Tell me about a time when you worked as part of a team. How did that go?

Southwest Airlines flight attendants work as part of a team to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. Employers ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills. Use your answer to explain how you collaborate with others. Share an example of when you worked well with others on a project or task.

Example: “I’ve always been passionate about helping people, so I decided to become a flight attendant. In my first role, I learned that working as part of a team is important because it allows us all to share our unique talents and abilities. For instance, in one situation, I was serving a passenger who needed special assistance. My coworker noticed that I was busy and offered to help me. We were able to provide excellent service to the passenger while also ensuring the other passengers had everything they needed.”

3. We are looking for someone who can problem solve quickly and independently, would you be comfortable doing this?

Southwest Airlines is looking for flight attendants who can think on their feet and solve problems independently. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have the skills to do this in a fast-paced environment like an airport. Use your answer to highlight your problem-solving skills, especially those that are relevant to working as a flight attendant.

Example: “I am very comfortable with solving problems quickly and independently. In my last role, I had to handle many customer complaints by myself since my manager was out of the office. I learned how to prioritize issues and solve them one at a time until my manager returned. I also used my communication skills to help calm customers down so they were more receptive to hearing what I had to say.”

4. What type of experience have you had in customer service?

Southwest Airlines is a customer-focused company, so the interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience interacting with customers. Use examples from previous jobs or volunteer experiences where you helped customers solve problems or find solutions to their needs.

Example: “In my last job as a flight attendant for another airline, I had many opportunities to interact with customers and provide excellent service. For example, one time a passenger called me on the intercom because they needed help finding an item in their bag. I was able to locate the item for them and tell them exactly where it was located in their luggage. Another time, a passenger asked me if I could bring them some ice cream after dinner. I brought them two scoops of ice cream right away.”

5. Describe a time where you were very stressed or under pressure to complete something, what did you do?

This question is an opportunity to show your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure. When answering this question, it can be helpful to describe a specific situation where you had to complete something quickly or solve a challenging problem.

Example: “When I was working as a server at a restaurant, we were very busy one night and the kitchen staff got backed up with orders. This meant that my section of tables didn’t get their food for quite some time. I apologized to each table and offered them free desserts on our house. They all agreed, so I went around to each table and took orders for dessert. Then, I relayed those orders to the kitchen staff who prepared them while they continued to work on dinner orders.”