Disaapointing - Anonymous employee Southwest Airlines Employee Review

2.0
Mar 5, 2019
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-SWA does a great job in cultivating a positive culture. It's so competitive to get in, which lets them choose great people. Unfortunately, what is good about the company as a whole doesn't guarantee you're going to get that in your individual department. -Great benefits -Lots of fun activities, from friendly holiday competitions to weekly deck parties -Many opportunities for feedback - they don't act on it, but hey, at least they listen -Great communication from upper management about company priorities and initiatives

Cons

-The senior employees (not management) rule the roost. The company puts a huge honor on those who have worked here 10+ years, and they know it. They set the rules, and you'd better get out of their way. -Advancement is difficult. Again, based on the amount of time you've deposited in the company, not at all on your performance. -Technology is laughably outdated. The company's actively working to improve this, but their slow, disorganized, and honestly downright rude Technology department is not speeding the process up. -Pay is below average. They make up for it with great benefits, but it's good to know going in.

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5.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
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Pros

The flight benefits were great. Highest 401k match I have seen.

Cons

Not many cons from my experience.

1.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The company offers competitive travel benefits, good pay, and the opportunity to work with many dedicated employees. The brand has a strong reputation, and there is potential for a positive work environment if leadership consistently lives up to the company's stated values.

Cons

Southwest Airlines has the potential to be a great company, but the workplace culture falls short of its public image. In my experience as an employee in HR I see the microaggressions are common, and employees of color face barriers to career growth and advancement that are not equally experienced by everyone. Leadership lacks transparency, communication is inconsistent, and employees are often left without clear explanations for important decisions. There is a disconnect between the company's stated commitment to diversity and inclusion and what is experienced in the workplace. The organization would be a much better place to work if leadership fostered a culture of accountability, transparency, respect, and equitable opportunities for all employees.

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