Typhoondiver

I forgot! Wanted to thank OB pilot, Zap Brannigan and E6bpilot for all the good info along the way! You guys helped me along the way with informative posts down to the point!

flyguy81

I got a interview w/o it but it took a long time of applying. Since you'll need a ATP anyway and are not paying for it I'd get it.

FlyingJman

Arouth, just a counter point. I don't have a type rating and I applied in September, got the invite to interview a month later (lets see how that goes in a couple of weeks). 3,300hrs/1,800 TPIC/mil/currently flying/etc... With that said, if uncle sugar is footing it via GI Bill it makes sense to get it if SWA is you goal. However, I've heard others get asked about their commitment to say, Jetblue, in an interview if they have a 737 type rating... but they got the job offer there as well, so there's probably very little downside.

at6d

Some of the upside to it is that training is shorter, and no oral.

I've heard that they are pairing up typed vs. non-typed newhires for sim but can't fully confirm it yet.

FTI in Denver stopped the 737 types due to UAL getting rid of the sims...I think Higher Power is now ATP but the price is double what I paid back in May.

I'm still waiting on some emails, but I suppose I'll get them any time now...starting mid November.

AgCat

So, I've decided to pay for interview coaching after all. Can someone please recommend a good practitioner of this ancient Chinese art... Thank you...

FLY6584

Centerline has an excellent track record with Southwest and helped me get hired.

Spark

Rebekah Krone. Former SWA HR.

at6d

I'm sure any that have been mentioned will suit you well.

I used Judy Tarver at FAPA. She has been around a very very long time, and used to run the hiring at AA.

FAPA.aero | Pilot Interview Preparation

One word of caution: when it comes to the line flying exercise, the interviewers know to look for coaching. You need to be your absolute self during the scenario--they are keen on the companies that prep this particular phase of the interview and really want to see the real you.

I have personally spoken with two candidates that were directly asked why they used x company for the prep (and they were right).

The SWA interview was the most pleasant and welcoming 121 interview I've ever had. I almost felt a little disappointed when I wasn't even able to use my well practiced answers--it was more like having a casual conversation with pleasant friendly people.

Steplanding

This is not entirely accurate. FAR 117 kicks in after your LOFT sim and the absolute minimum is 30 hours free from duty before IOE. That being said, the training scheduling folks are pretty accomodating and you can choose the base from which you will complete IOE (class seniority permitting).
If it were me, I'd bring a car. There have been several issues with the provided bus transportation, and life is much easier if you end up with a late (or early) sim period.

BBHawg

Our class just finished IOE. I started flying 3 days after the last sim and my sim partner started 8 days after. The rest of the class was scattered between 3-8 days.