Don't believe the hype - Senior Software Engineer Southwest Airlines Employee Review

2.0
Mar 26, 2014
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good health benefits, great 401k matching, good flight benefits if you can use them. Salary is OK but below average.

Cons

Southwest Airlines is becoming Outsource Airlines, at least for the Technology area at headquarters. Leadership is poor and they are putting the final nails in the coffin of the SWA culture. They only pay lip service to supporting their employees. Perks have disappeared rapidly over the late couple years. They ask for feedback and when it is all negative, they inform you that they are telling you to do it and not asking (so why ask for feedback in the first place). They say they are moving to industry standards but only cherry pick the part of "standards" they want to enforce and ignore the other factors that go along with it that makes it work for other companies. SWA is fast becoming an industry follower and not a leader. The principals in the book about SWA, "Nuts!", is being thrown out the window and it's not for the better.

Explore other reviews about Southwest Airlines

5.0
Jul 16, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

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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