< Back
SWAPAfamily Waypoint: September 2022

SWAPAfamily Waypoint: September 2022

September 13, 2022

 Hello SWAPAfamilies! First and foremost, I want to thank you for you for your continued support of our Pilots every day while they are out on the line. Without each of your sacrifices, our Pilots wouldn’t be able to support our guests or Southwest Airlines. And SWAPA is here to support its Pilots and you, their loved ones. 

As we recognized Labor Day last week, many of you were able to enjoy quality family time together. Unfortunately, many of you also missed your loved ones, as they were out flying, some doing so thanks to a forced JA assignment. Our Pilots have suffered far too many lost days, missed family events, and calls to home that begin with, “I’m sorry I won’t be home tonight.” Ongoing operational chaos, JAs, and commuter flight cancellations continue to wreak havoc on plans. 

Because of this, SWAPA Pilots will be standing outside the Southwest Airlines Spirit Party in Nashville on September 21 to let management know that celebrating culture while making no meaningful effort to negotiate contracts and support the people who are directly responsible for record revenues contradicts the reasons to have a Spirit Party. And we are not alone. Nine out of 12 labor groups, representing more than 41,000 SWA employees, are working under post-amendable contracts. The culture and tradition celebrated at headquarters is neither known nor felt by its frontline workers.

Our Pilots will be standing together in BNA to let our leaders know that we want a contract that rewards the most productive Pilots in the industry, allows Southwest to recruit and retain talent to support growth, and deliver a more reliable product for our employees and passengers.

It will take all of us, individually, supporting each other and working together to make our goals a reality. And for that, I thank you for all you do.

Casey Murray
SWAPA President


SWAPAfamily Event in LAX: Last Stop on the Reunion Tour!

The last stop of 2022 on our SWAPAfamily Reunion Tour takes place in our LAX domicile on November 3, so please save the date!

Families are invited to attend for an evening of fun, food, and fellowship. Talk with execs and committee members firsthand and hear about negotiations with Southwest and other relevant topics to keep you informed. 

Watch this video for a preview and stay tuned for more information about this event!


Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and share vital information to people affected by suicide.

Remember, there is always someone to talk to. SWAPA Pilots and families have access to Project LIFT, which provides assistance to Pilots and families experiencing any type of non-physical issue that might be affecting flying or daily life, such as grief, depression, stress, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and more.

For more on Project LIFT, listen to this recent SWAPA Number podcast on Pilot suicide or contact them with any questions or help you need.

Project LIFT
lift@swapa.org
855-737-5438


MetLife GVUL Open Enrollment Taking Place Through Sept. 30

 

SWAPA has partnered with MetLife to offer Pilots with Group Variable Universal Life (GVUL) insurance, a policy that stays with them if they go out on medical, switch jobs, or retire.

Open Enrollment for GVUL insurance is currently taking place through September 30, 2022. 

More information can be found on the Benefits page of swapa.org, or through MetLife at 888-726-4402, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CT).


It's been a little more than six months since Bob Jordan became CEO of Southwest Airlines. On this podcast, SWAPA President Casey Murray discusses how he feels things have changed, or not, since Bob took the job.

The SWAPA Number podcasts cover many helpful topics to you and your family. View all episodes here.


Mother Daughter Pilot Duo Make SWA History

 

On July 23, SWA had a mother and daughter duo pilot a flight together for the first time in the airline's 55-year history! Captain Holly Petitt and First Officer Keely Petitt operated flight 3658 from Denver to St. Louis.

“From the second Keely started training at SWA, I knew I wanted to fly with her during her first trip off IOE,” said mother Holly. "It was exhilarating to have her by my side. To be a part of history at SWA, to be the first mother daughter duo, it has been a complete honor.”

For daughter Keely, the flight meant just as much. 

"My mom is the reason I found a passion and career in aviation," said Keely. "Being able to achieve my dreams and fly with her meant more to me than I could ever describe."

Congratulations to Holly and Keely on this notable achievement!

Helpful SWAPA Numbers

SWAPA Main Line:
800-969-7972

Mental Health Support & Incidents:
855-737-5438

Addiction Support:
301-535-9871

Family Outreach:
770-313-0045