The SWAPA Number

Today's SWAPA Number is 11. That's the number of pilots we've lost to suicide since 2019. And while that's not an easy thing to say out loud, ignoring it won't make the number smaller. Mental health just isn't at the forefront of the greater national healthcare conversation. It's an ongoing discussion in the aviation community as well.So today we're sitting down with Project LIFT chair, Captain Ty Dimeff. LIFT, which stands for Life Incident Family Team, provides peer-to-peer support for SWAPA pilots and their families. There's a lot to cover when it comes to mental health and wellness and unfortunately there's several stigmas surrounding it. Let's hear from Ty on how to break those stigmas down and discuss ways to stay mentally fit to fly.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's show, Communications Director Amy Robinson hits the high points of new scheduling features like Open Time Priority (OTP) self service, the upcoming ability to participate in Reserve Voluntary Double Time (VDT), and ELITT across bid periods. She also points to the Schwab Retirement Savings Plan brochure, and gives some quick tips from Professional Standards on staying cool in and out of the jet as we enter the summer months. A lot of pilots have been participating in Reserve Release to Check In (RTCI) and this week's Q&A has some excellent examples of when you may (or may not) want to utilize this C2020 gain. Listen in so you can make the right call!If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA number is 49-114. That's the section of US Code that guides the operations of the TSA. Today, we are sitting down with Brian Hagedorn and John Nolan from the Security and Cockpit Defense Committee to talk about upcoming changes to the TSA screening process for flight crew, as well as an update for our Federal Flight Deck Officers, or FFDOs.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's extended episode, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants explains the new expectations for red-eye pairings when it comes to QOL TR pulls during a CQT month. He also goes deep on all things vacation shifting and how shifts have performed since being implemented last year. What is the average increase in pay per pilot vacation week? How does shifting put a new spin on month to month vacation weeks? Maybe there's TFP on the table for you to pick up. He also adds key context and backstory to the announcement of the China Airlines partnership. What's changed behind the scenes to finally kick airline partnerships into gear? What's the connection between your CBA's Section 1 language and the Company's push for low-cost revenue?  And most importantly, what does this mean to you as a Southwest Pilot? Listen in and find out.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 537. That's the number of pilots that have used Release to Check-in since it was implemented on April 1st. So today we are sitting down with Scott Plyler and Meagan Nelan from the Scheduling and Analytics committee to discuss recently implemented items, the upcoming implementation schedule and how that's going, along with a look at some other scheduling hot topics.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's episode, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants points back to highlights in the bevvy of information we covered in the BOD meeting recap and teases the upcoming deep dive with the SAC. Also in this episode: a heads-up on the SWAPA Constitution modernization, and a call to action for those interested in serving as a representative in this fall's elections—these reps will help shape the platform for our next contract.What happens if your flight is delayed while on your overnight—can you stay at the hotel longer? Does it affect your pay?  Is an early call from Scheduling during a delay an interruption of rest? What's the difference between LIMO-only duty periods and CX pairings? The answers to these questions and more are in this week's Contract Q&A.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 1200. That's the number of cases that Professional Standards has worked in the last 12 months. That's about 100 per month or about three a day. Those are high numbers and well within our control, but we'd much rather see that number of cases go here than over to company channels.So today we sit down for our annual chat with Professional Standards chair, Captain Jon Ross, to update the membership on a must-listen episode about how pilots need to be as familiar with Professional Standards as they are with any other part of the Company or SWAPA.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Captain Tony Mulhare takes the membership through some recently implemented contract touches, updates to the automated release to check in process as well as SWAPA pay audit improvements.  He also does a deep dive into the DRR process and vacancy bidding and why senior pilots are placed into a base when there are more junior pilots with Domicile Right of Return.  Contract Admin's commonly asked questions this week cover the vacancy process, how pay multiples apply to duty period rigs versus trip rigs, and a question concerning holiday override pay. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA number is 70. That's the number of projects IT is currently overseeing that will come to fruition in 2025. Some of these projects are happening behind the scenes, but still bring value and security to the organization and others like contract AI will be very pilot facing.So on today's episode, we sat down with Information Technology chair Will Young, IT committee member Thomas Lowery and IT director Leigh Sperberg to talk about what is on the docket for this year as well as in the future.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants breaks down all the scheduling headlines you've seen in the past few weeks. From ELITT Direct Drop/Direct Pickup data to the “why” behind line quality, listen in to learn more after you make sure you have the latest version of the Scheduling Handbook. He also points to the Aviation Medical Advisory Service (AMAS) links on the SWAPA Benefits page, and what to do if you are having claims issues or returning from a leave of absence.  The Contract Q&A this week stems from the recent scheduling updates. What are your deadhead and TTGA options while on RTCI? How does your bid category come into play with ELITT Direct Drop and Direct Pickup? What is the recommended way to respond to a missed call from scheduling while on reserve and why? Tune in to find out.  If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 175. That's the number of hours associated with being a new first officer at Southwest Airlines, which is the change from the 100 hours we previously used. The restrictions as part of being a new first officer is part of a comprehensive change in training and standards that both SWAPA and the Company are committed to, and we're seeing that in a number of places.We've seen a lot of forward-facing news on the training front in the last 12 months, and even more internal activity as the airline undergoes a shakeup top to bottom. From CHEP inspections to op stay, SWAPA has had some collaboration with the Company on these events and processes. Today we're sitting down the SWAPA Training and Standards Chair Greg Bowen to get the inside baseball on what's transpired and what's to come.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Communications Manager Casey Casteel takes the membership through the latest contract implementation item: ELITT direct drop and pick up and a few highlights for using that new tool. Casey gives a recap of the latest news on the Market Based Cash Balance Plan, and an update from the settlement of grievance 2024-004.  Contract Q&A this week covers several questions concerning LRO vs LCO and future implementation of unscheduled overnights not counting toward the CAP.  She wraps up this week's podcast with questions on trading a reserve-assigned pairing after selecting Release Until Check In and a question about pay for DOT testing at the end of a pairing.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 13. That's the number of pilots on staff at SWAPA Safety. This includes investigations, the Aviation Safety Action Program or ASAP and Air Traffic Services to name a few. Safety covers a lot of topics and is at the core of what we do on every flight. So today we're sitting down with SWAPA Safety chair, Gary Niemann and SWAPA investigation specialist, Craig Jakubowski to talk all things flight safety.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Multimedia Manager Jason Davis, from the SWAPA Communications staff, discusses the settlement of grievance 2024-004, latest vacancy results and the additional displacements that resulted, and the move up of implementation for 100% Domicile Right of Return (DRR).Jason also updates the membership on the roll out of Reserve Release Until Check In and the temporary manual work around due to automation difficulties.  He closes with a Q&A section from Contract Admin, including questions on deadhead versus must-ride travel, open time trips in Trip Trade/Give Away, and release from deadhead while still on a Reserve duty period.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA number is 1.1. That's the percentage of pay that Southwest will distribute in profit sharing from 2024.So today, we're sitting down to talk with NC member and retirement and benefits subject matter expert Damian Jennette, and 401(k) and investments director Mike Haynes about profit sharing and updates on other items that affect pilot retirement accounts in 2025.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's scheduling-centric edition, SWAPA Communications staff member Alexis Thomas updates the membership on all things displacements and Domicile Right of Return for the May vacancy. There are a lot of moving parts here, so take a listen to understand the options on the table and continue to reference the Displacement Resources page.She also gives the membership a status update on Release Until Check In, ELITT enhancements like direct drop and direct pickup, separate bid lines, and the shift in east coast RAPs. The Contract Q&A also has scheduling touches that the most senior captains and junior first officers will likely see.  If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 18. That's the number of SWAPA presidents that we've had since SWAPA's inception in 1978. So in today's episode, we sat down with SWAPA President, Jody Reven. With the first board meeting of the year in the rear view mirror, and a lot of Company news of late, it's time to look down the road and see what's in store for SWAPA in 2025.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, SWAPA Communications staff member Ella Ziober updates the membership on the displacements that resulted from the April vacancy and important eligibility requirements for having Domicile Right of Return (DRR). There are currently 141 Pilots across the system in both seats who have a DRR.She also highlights a few points from our Benefits & Aeromedical Committee and Government Affairs Committee, including the recent FAA decision to indefinitely delay the implementation of denial letters for airmen required to submit for information on a medical certificate application. She quickly touches on the first meetings between SWAPA and the Company on its partnership with Icelandair before diving into this week's top five questions from Contract Admin. This week's Q&A includes questions about pay on vacation month-to-month overlap, training travel pay, and JA versus an unscheduled overnight. The podcast notes provide links to the relevant sections of the Contract and the Scheduling Handbook for easy reference.Displacement Resources pageAirline Partnerships - Section 1 videoSection 15.C.7.b.5 - Hotel AccommodationsSection 2.T - Vacation PayScheduling HandbookSection 2.K.3 - On-line Scheduled PaySection 14.E - Vacation AdjustmentsSection 9.K.4.m - Monthly Overlap CorrectionIf you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants summarizes this week's Board of Directors meetings. From the Scheduling & Analytics Committee highlights to the Q&A session with Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan, this episode covers all the briefings that your domicile representatives received. Your Board of Directors will have more details on these briefings, including links to useful resources on the material presented. Be on the lookout for their email! If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA number is 86%. That's the percentage of pilots who open each email SWAPA sends out to the membership, but that doesn't tell the whole story. There's a lot of data that we gather on the comm channels, and now's a good time to dive into those numbers and what they mean.Today we're joined by American Airlines Captain Andrea Hoover, Communications chair at the Allied Pilots Association, along with our own Communications director, Amy Robinson, to compare some notes on comm data, talk about what's working, and what we can improve on in 2025.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Captain Tony Mulhare points to resources for recently displaced pilots that have been produced by the Scheduling Analytics Committee, how to find your Open Time Priority Range in CWA, and newly implemented limitations on RAP changes.He also covers several high frequency questions fielded by our Contract Admin staff this week on topics including Domicile Right of Return (DRR),  POT before Reserve, and the upcoming end of eligibility for paid moves to Nashville.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 5. That's the number of US National Aerobatics Championships that Kirby Chambliss has earned, along with 13 medals at the World Aerobatic Championships and two season championships in the Red Bull Racing series. So today, we are sitting down on location with Kirby in his Chandler, Arizona hangar to talk about his life in an airplane, his passion for inspiring the next generation, and what comes next.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's episode, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants describes the technology maintenance and timeline, pointing to January's RP for more details on what SWAPA IT does for the membership. If you're thinking of flying red-eye pairings, you'll want to hear how the ELITT mechanics work for now, and everyone should listen in for the quick reminders from Professional Standards. The Contract Q&A this week covers a lot of ground from minimum rest legalities to what you'll be paid if an additional duty is added to the end of your assignment…and then cancels.    If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 2. That's the number of pilots that belong on the flight deck. Your Government Affairs Committee is actively engaged on Capitol Hill, informing and educating Congress on this issue along with many others that affect our careers as airline pilots.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare discusses the annual increase to pay rates, per diem, and flight physical reimbursements.  He also reminds pilots that your uniform allotment is tied to your anniversary date, not the new year. He also gives a recap of the several top questions that contract admin fielded in 2024 including what happens to GTO if you arrange to stay at the hotel when your first flight of the day is delayed, a question on monthly overlap rules and how they apply to reserve blocks, and finally how LCO works when you weather divert.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 1,460. That's the total number of days that Casey Murray will have been in office when his presidency comes to a close on December 31st.  So, to close the year out, we sat down with Casey to put a bow on his terms as president and life at SWAPA. We'll contrast what the organization looked like when he started and what it will be as we look into the future. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Matt McCants from the Communications Committee teases the multiple scheduling implementation items coming in early 2025. From Release to Check-In to ELITT enhancements, all Pilots should be aware of how the Q1 and Q2 schedules could be affected by the upcoming changes. There's also a quick tip on how to access the last 10 emails on the SWAPA App, and the Contract Administration Q&A covers several popular scheduling topics like short notice reserve assignments, and how to properly use Training Golden Days Off (TGDOs).If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Captain Tony Mulhare discusses where to find Holiday Override Pay, particularly over the New Year that could span two months.  He also covers highlights of questions fielded by your Contract Admin staff this week including error pay for two pilots awarded the same leg, when scheduling might extend your duty period due to hotel transportation delays, and an important difference in planned vs executed minimum connection times.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 200. That's the number of pilots currently in monitoring of the HIMS program at Southwest Airlines. Today, we're sitting down with the HIMS Committee chair, Tom Stanley, to talk about all things the HIMS Committee is engaged in and some of the great success stories of the program. Now, maybe you don't feel like you need to know about this program, but mutual support has always been a part of flying, so let's dive in and talk about an important resource to SWAPA Pilots.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

The latest episode of the SWAPA Ride Report is now available!In this week's edition, Matt McCants from the Communications Committee goes over the multiple scheduling touches that are on deck in the next several quarters. He also speaks to the Joint Implementation Committee's progress on Side Letter 2. The Contract Administration Q&A also covers several popular scheduling topics like the 12-hour RAP, short notice open time (SNOT) awards, and the mysterious vacation week disappearances some members have seen in CWA. He also plugs the new SWAPA App, which became available on Wednesday and is already being used by over a third of the Pilots.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 8. That's the number of new faces that have joined the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors since Elliot announced its investment in June with five Elliot nominees being seated as part of a comprehensive agreement between the Company and Elliot Investment Management. This was the final announcement in a slew of headlines over the last several weeks that included the Company's third quarter financials as well as the investor day in late September. So on today's show we spoke with Greg Auld and Eric Schnitzler from the Economic and Financial Analysis Committee and second VP Hank Ketchum about these events and to take a look at what's on the horizon for the industry as well as what all this means for the membership. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Communications Manager Casey Casteel takes the membership through the new duty limits and connections requirement that went into effect this week. She also reminds Pilots that schedule changes due to the reduction in services at Florida airports may drive Leg Change Override, even if those changes happen prior to your reporting in for the pairing. Finally, she walks our Pilots through several questions that Contract Admin has dealt with recently, including month-to-month reserve block overlap, marketing timing adjustments, as well as release from deadhead only on a holiday.You can find this episode of the SWAPA Ride Report, as well as the rest of the season, on swapa.org under Communications > Podcasts or on your favorite streaming service under The SWAPA Number profile. As always, the full transcript is available online as well. The next edition of the SWAPA Ride Report will drop on November 22nd.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 10. That's the number of panels featured during this year's International Conference of Pilot Unions. Subject matter experts from Wall Street, the FAA, and four pilot association representatives were in attendance alongside SWAPA teams, as we not only addressed common issues in the industry, but the proposed solutions and way forward.Also joining us were president of the Allied Pilots Association, Nick Silva, NETJETS Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots, Vice President, Paulette Gilbert, President Yngve Paulsen of Local 2750 of the International Aviation Professionals, and SWAPA president Casey Murray. We sat down with them for a frank discussion about why independent unions are so important, how and why we collaborate, and what is on the horizon for the industry at large.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Matt McCants from the Communications Committee gives a recap of this past week's events at the International Conference of Pilot Unions and the coming comm products from the panels you may have seen on social media. This will include a SWAPA Number episode featuring multiple pilot union presidents, and an article we will release next week. There is also some gouge on the scheduling changes you'll see starting in November, as well as some quick reminders about OPS day and your Training Golden Days Off (TGDOs). The contract Q&A this week covers flight cancellations during a commute, inconvenient van times, and some reminders about blank line bidding and Golden Days Off (GDOs).  If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 163,649. That's the number of CAS events or times the jumpseat was utilized on Southwest aircraft just by Southwest Pilots in the last 12 months. That's almost 450 per day, illustrating just how highly utilized of a resource our jumpsuit is. Jumpseating will always be a part of being a SWAPA pilot. So today we're sitting down with Jumpseat Committee chair, Captain Brian Ross, for a 360 degree view of the jumpsuit world and what you need to know moving forward. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Alexis Thomas from our Communications staff takes the membership through several highlights regarding open enrollment season and election season.She also gives a recap of the latest Contract Admin hot topics to include Premium before Reserve bidding, what happens if you call Crew Scheduling back after your fifteen minute call back time is up, and commuter rules for waived deadheads that start a pairing. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is three. That's the number of avenues that SWAPA has pursued between CBA cycles to address issues that inevitably arise in membership business with the Company. These agreements of the association are brought forward when there is a need for corrective action or clarification, and they are highly dependent on the condition of the events. Whether these are letters of agreement, memorandums of understanding, or side letters, the breadth and depth of these issues can dictate the options on the table. We've already seen some examples of these things happening since Contract 2020 was ratified. So today we're talking with Negotiating Committee chair Jody Reven, and NC member, Kurt Heidemann, about what these different agreements are, how their mechanisms work, and why these processes are an important part of how SWAPA does business. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Communications Committee member Matt McCants takes the membership around the big take aways following last week's SWAPA Board of Directors meetings. From Aeromedical/Benefits and Safety information, to scheduling tips and where all the 2025 budget resources live, you'll be up to speed on what's happening across the committees.    In the Q&A section, topics include reserve credit for canceled assignments, fatigue call policies, vacation shifts around holidays, LDO triggers, and ETOPS recurrent training requirements. Good questions from unique situations out on the line continue to come in.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA number is $37 million. That's the total proposed operating expenses in the budget for 2025. SWAPA pilots will have an opportunity to vote on the budget in the upcoming fall general election. So on today's show we talk to SWAPA second vice President, Hank Ketchum, and our SWAPA Director of Finance, Brian Hickman about all things finance. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare discusses some vacation accrual errors that have been made for Pilots out on a medical leave of absence and how to check that the numbers in CWA are correct. Round 1 of vacation bidding closes tomorrow, so time is of the essence.He also recaps several questions that were fielded by Contract Admin this week, including how LCO works with a diversion as well as a move-up. There is also a great question regarding a jetway trade to training, a pro tip on vacation shifting into holiday weeks, and a reminder to all probationary Pilots that second-year pay language for OT is now in effect.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 86. That's the percentage of Contract 2020 provisions that will be implemented by the end of the third quarter of 2024.  That said, the remaining 14 percent includes some very big ticket items like a training bid, major changes to ELITT, and a new vacation bidding process. So on today's show, we're going to talk to Scheduling and Analytics Manager Meagan Nelan, new SAC member Eric Gavin and SAC Chair Scott Plyler about where Contract 2020 scheduling implementation stands now, what has been accomplished so far and what's coming over the next year.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

In this week's edition, Captain Matt McCants takes the membership through the high points of the latest update to the Annotated CBA. This revision touches on a lot of sections, so be sure to download the latest version to your mobile device. He also gives a recap of the latest IT summit between the Scheduling and Analytics Committee and the Company team. Take a listen to find out what percentage of duty periods were already executed within the lower duty limit restrictions this year. The answer might surprise you. With vacation bidding coming up, this episode's Q&A focuses on the C2020 vacation touches, and what to look forward to down the road. The show notes will point you to even more vacation bidding resources, like the TA education podcast and August RP article.LINKS:Annotated CBAVacation Bidding - Section 14 | Contract 2020 TA EducationVacation Bidding for 2025If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 153. That's the number of emails, education materials, videos, and podcasts you've received from SWAPA in 2024 so far. And each one has passed through the Communications Committee before you saw or heard it.So today's podcast is about exactly that. We're sitting down with Communications Chair, Mike Panebianco and Communications Director, Amy Robinson, to talk about all the different areas the Communications Committee works in, what we're doing to improve those products and what you can expect down the road.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

This week, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare takes a deep dive into how your sick bank and vacation accrual are related if you were to go out on disability and the importance of making sure you don't get awarded a line for a month that you won't fly in (unless you have vacation, of course).He also discusses LRO and the SWA Payroll audit process, a question about repositions, and a question about when a reserve pilot can be assigned a pairing instead of using a premium open time bidder.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 6,529. That's the number of our pilots who are qualified to participate in this year's profit sharing transfer. A new provision in Contract 2020 allows pilots a one-time transfer of their profit sharing balances into the top ranked SWAPA 401(k) plan. Since it's a one-time benefit, it's important that our pilots understand the process and the details that could trip them up. So today on the show, we're going to talk with 401(k) committee chair, Drew Payne, and 401(k) director, Mike Haynes, about the transfer window, the process, and whether or not this year's transfer is the right time for you.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 4. That's the number of different generations in Southwest cockpits on any given day around the system. Today we're sitting down with Jon Ross, Chair of the Professional Standards Committee, to talk about how we can keep conflict resolution at the lowest level and safety at the highest.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

This week, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare updates the membership on the Market Based Cash Balance Plan as well as the upcoming transfer window from Empower to Schwab accounts.  He also continues the deep dive into vacation shifts and the timing required for those shifts. Several pilot questions about Legal Duty, Ground Transportation in lieu of a double deadhead as well as a recurring question on LRO vs LCO are also discussed.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

Today's SWAPA Number is 15. That is the size of the expanded Southwest Airlines Board of Directors, Now that Rakesh Gangwal, a familiar name to those in our ranks with US Air history was added to the board.Two weeks ago, we released a SWAPA Number podcast about Elliot Investment Management's initial 12% equity position in Southwest. But it's been a busy couple of weeks with several headlines, so today, we're back in the studio with SWAPA President Casey Murray, 2nd Vice President, Hank Ketchum, as well as Economic and Financial Analysis Committee Chair, Erich Schnitzler to continue our discussions on the latest developments. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737

This week, Captain Matt McCants tells the membership what to look forward to during third quarter implementation. The landscape of the duty day will look different whether you are on reserve or a line holder, so listen in to hear the details and timelines with the coming changes. He also does a deep dive into vacation shifts. From how much more TFP pilots have seen so far, changes in the blank lines, and multiple secondary advantages that are built into a shift, pilots of all seniority types can benefit from this C2020 addition. Boost your SA on the perks of vacation shifting and catch up on the latest Q&A from the Contract Administration Committee in this extended edition of the show.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.orgFollow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737