Shows
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: 401(k) Plan Transfer, Scheduling Updates, and Contract Q&AIn this week’s show, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants walks the membership through the upcoming opportunity to transfer your Profit Sharing Account at Empower to the Southwest Airlines Pilots Retirement Savings Plan at Schwab. He also teases the upcoming 401(k) production coming in early August – from how your retirement dollars flow to frequently asked questions that the committee receives, be on the lookout for this evergreen resource in the coming weeks. He also talks about the multiple projects that the SAC is handling, including the feedback and guidance we give to the Company with line and pairi...2025-07-1808 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: RPP & PBR, Pay Audit Tool update and Contract Q&AIn this week’s edition, Communications Committee Member Tony Mulhare takes the membership through the connection between the Reserve Proffer Process and Premium Before Reserve. He also gives an update on the addition of the SWAPA Pay Audit Tool to the SWAPA app and covers several questions Contract Admin fielded about Golden Days Off, Late Return Override, Domicile Right of Return, Holiday Override pay for deadhead only duty periods, and how to update your medical on your EFB. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org...2025-07-0307 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Tools On Deck + Release to Check In Q&AIn 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 wh...2025-06-2009 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Red-Eye CQT Pulls, VA Shift Strategies & The China Airlines PartnershipIn 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 Airli...2025-06-0618 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: ICYMI, Coming Soon, and Contract Q&AIn 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...2025-05-2307 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: DRR Process Explained, Updated Pay Audit and MoreIn 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...2025-05-0907 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling 360, Benefits Reminders, and Contract Q&AIn 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 sch...2025-04-2507 min
The SWAPA Number175 (Training and Standards, Greg Bowen)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...2025-04-2130 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: ELITT Direct Drop & Pick Up, MBCBP and moreIn 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 C...2025-04-1108 min
The SWAPA Number13 (Safety, Gary Niemann, Craig Jakubowski)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...2025-03-3142 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Grievance settlement, more displacements, and Reserve Release Until Check InIn 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...2025-03-2807 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: A Lap Around the Scheduling PatternIn 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 se...2025-03-1408 min
The SWAPA Number18 (The Way Forward, Jody Reven)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:...2025-03-0328 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Displacements Update, FAA Denial Letters Update, and Contract Q&AIn 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 an...2025-02-2809 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: BOD Meetings RecapIn 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 tap here to send u...2025-02-1411 min
The SWAPA Number86% (APA/SWAPA Communications, Andrea Hoover, Amy Robinson)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...2025-02-1033 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Displacement info, Open Time Priority Range, and Contract Admin Q&AIn 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...2025-01-3107 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: SWAPA IT, Pro Standards Trends, and Contract Q&AIn 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. ...2025-01-1709 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: New Pay Rates and Top Contract Questions from 2024In 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...2025-01-0306 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Upcoming Scheduling Implementation and Contract Q&AIn 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...2024-12-2007 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Holiday Override Pay and Contract Admin Q&AIn 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 tap here to send us a tex...2024-12-0604 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Implementation, Contract Q&A, and the new SWAPA AppThe 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 alre...2024-11-2206 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: New Duty Limits in Effect and Contract Admin Q&AIn 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 fin...2024-11-0807 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: International Conference of Pilot Unions, Scheduling and OPS Day, and Contract Q&AIn 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 we...2024-10-2507 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Premium Before Reserve Bidding and MoreIn this week’s edition, Communications Assistant Editor Alexis Thomas takes the membership through several highlights regarding open enrollment and the 2024 Fall General Election.She also gives a recap of the latest Contract Admin hot topics, including “Premium before Reserve” bidding, what happens if you call Crew Scheduling back after your 15-minute callback 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.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us onl...2024-10-1106 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: BOD Week Recap and Round Robin Contract Q&AIn 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...2024-09-2709 min
The SWAPA Number$37 Million (Budget 2025, Hank Ketchum, Brian Hickman)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.org or tap here to send us a text.Follow us online:Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilotsFacebook...2024-09-2330 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Vacation Bidding AccrualIn 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, an...2024-09-1307 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Annotated CBA Overview, Scheduling IT Update & Vacation Bidding Q&AIn 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...2024-08-3007 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Vacation Accrual, Payroll Audit Process & Contract Q&AThis 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). Check the Benefits Committee page on swapa.org for a more in-depth discussion and additional products related to this topic.He also discusses LRO and the SWA Payroll audit process, answers a question about repositions, and explains when a reserve Pilo...2024-08-1610 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: 401k and MBCBP Recap, Grievance Update, & Contract Q&AIf 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/swapa7372024-08-0209 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Market Based Cash Balance Plan Update, Vacation Shifts, & Contract Q&AThis 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.org or tap here to send us a t...2024-07-1907 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Q3 Implementation Preview, Vacation Shift How-To-Guide, & Contract Q&AThis 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...2024-07-0510 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Contract Housekeeping, Reserve Q&A, and Overrides RefresherThis week, guest host Ella Ziober reviews the most recent versions of the CBA source documents as we near the end of the second quarter. With Q3 around the corner, take a listen to hear about the mountain of IT work being done for the next phase of implementation. The Q&A has something for everyone this week. Whether you’re contemplating a Nashville move, have some reserve scheduling questions, or just need a recap on overrides and their differences, make sure you tune in to re-hack those currencies. If you have any feedback for us a...2024-06-2106 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Tech Development, SWAPA App Update, and 401K RecapThis week, guest host Alexis Thomas reviews the recent Empower accounts merger, and points to all the resources that Pilots have at their disposal when the ability to move funds to the Schwab 401k becomes available. It was a big tech week for SWAPA as the Scheduling and Analytics Committee presented at the Flight Ops IT kickoff, and the revamped SWAPA App reached several key milestones. Tune in to find out how the Company and SAC collaboration is shaping up, and what's coming your way as new app functionality moves into the testing phase. If yo...2024-06-0706 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Training Elections & Side Letter OneThis week, Casey Casteel from SWAPA Communications discusses upcoming implementation items like the training elections form that will go live soon as well as several items that were clarified or added in Side Letter One to the CBA, including open time pay multiples, open time alert timelines, and document-based training.If you’ve ever had a question on how day rooms and Ground Time Override interplay, you’ll want to listen for Casey’s detailed discussion for an explanation on how that issue differs from a delayed reporting situation.If you have any feedback for us at...2024-05-2405 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Handbook Highlights and Pro Tips for Open Time Priority and Vacation OverlapThis week, host Captain Matt McCants gives us the high points of the newly released Scheduling Handbook – a must have in a Pilot’s tool box to resume own navigation through the new CBA. He also covers how much error pay and fixed audit pay have been recovered by SWAPA since date of ratification. The Q&A this week has topics ranging from online legality changes to some great techniques to maximize your opportunities in Open Time Priority and Vacation Overlap. How can you boost your TFP? Take a listen and find out.If you have...2024-05-1008 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: TTGA / ELITT Expansion and Overrides Q&AThis week, guest host and Communications Director Amy Robinson walks us through the newest expansion of Trip Trade Giveaway and ELITT. If you’ve ever wanted to pick up or trade with the company over a non-fly or vacation event, you’ll want to listen in and understand how that works. 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/swapa737If you have any feedback for us at...2024-04-2606 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Membership Polling, Crew Meals, and new Annotated CBAThis week, host First Officer Tony Mulhare from SWAPA Communications discusses a potential shift in position by the Company regarding early morning crew meals. This week's Contract Admin Q&A covers several topics, including bereavement leave and why overfly credit can sometimes be absorbed by daily rigs.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/swapa7372024-04-1904 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Polling/Implementation, a Grievance, and Reroute Q&AThis week, host Captain Matt McCants from SWAPA Communications outlines the next high points in April’s implementation schedule. He also plugs the upcoming SWAPA polling event, and gives the membership a look into active debates, including a grievance between SWAPA and the Company.If you have been part of an online reroute, you’ll want to listen in to this week’s Q&A, which covers a number of common and some not-so-common reroute scenarios, as well as how overrides come into play with the Junior Assigned (JA) process. These questions and answers should let you know w...2024-04-1210 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans, ELITT Umbra, Ground Time OverrideIn this episode, host First Officer Tony Mulhare from SWAPA Communications discusses frequently asked questions about STD and LTD and the special open enrollment period, which closes April 12. He gives an update on implementation items for April, including sick trip accrual and the reduction in the ELITT Umbra, otherwise known as the gray bar, and covers several questions from our Contract Adminteam regarding special qualifications and Ground Time Override.-If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to send u...2024-04-0509 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Open Enrollment, Scheduling and Pay, Contract Admin Q&AIn this episode, host Captain Matt McCants from SWAPA Communications discusses the three education products available to Pilots that explain changes in the new Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans, and the actions Pilots may need to take.He also covers some very common scheduling and pay scenarios, along with some great Q&As that Contract Administration has fielded from the line. If you're considering ELITT for a trip that falls on April 1, you'll want to listen to this week's edition.You can find this episode of The SWAPA Ride Report, as well as...2024-03-2908 min
The SWAPA Number50% (New STD/LTD Plans, Damian Jennette, Brent Weisner)Today's SWAPA Number is 50%. That's the percentage of monthly base earnings a SWAPA pilot will receive while on disability under our new contract. That benefit begins 60 days and lasts until FAA retirement age, if necessary. This major improvement from our old LOL plan was a key pillar of Contract 2020, but that begs the question, do we even need a SWAPA disability plan anymore? So today on the show we're talking with frequent guest and NC member Damian Jennette, along with Benefits chair Brent Weisner, who will tell us all about the new SWAPA STD and LTD plans, ho...2024-03-2526 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Open Enrollment, Audit Tool, Split to Cover, and MoreIn this episode, host First Officer Tony Mulhare from SWAPA Communications discusses the upcoming open enrollment period for the newly negotiated MetLife disability plans and some associated questions. He also goes over several unique Contract scenarios, including ones pertaining to split-to-cover reserve assignments, the SWAPA Pay Audit tool, and Ground Time Overrides.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.f...2024-03-2207 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Benefits, Disability and Open EnrollmentIn this episode, host Captain Matt McCants from SWAPA Communications discusses the road ahead for the new disability plans and the education that will help inform pilots about the changes. He also answers several unique contract questions, including ones with March scheduling and pay provisions. With Spring Break flying ramping up, you won’t want to miss this week’s content. 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...2024-03-1508 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Overrides, Benefits, Compensation and ExpensesThis is the SWAPA Ride Report for Friday, March 8th, 2024.In this episode, host First Officer Tony Mulhare from SWAPA Communications discusses some common questions about Ground Time Override and how to find overrides on your payroll report. Tony also provides a brief update on the current open enrollment period for the company provided life insurance benefit as well as some frequently asked questions regarding uniform accounts and per diem.Check back every Friday for the next edition of The SWAPA Ride Report. If you have any feedback for us at all, pl...2024-03-0808 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Implementation Update, FAQs from SRC and BenefitsThis is the SWAPA Ride Report for Friday, March 1st, 2024. In this episode, host Captain Matt McCants from SWAPA Communications discusses some common concerns about the short-term and long-term disability plans on the horizon. Matt also provides a brief update on what can be expected in the new versions of the Annotated CBA, the big-ticket scheduling items being implemented in March, how to shift vacation block bids, and some guidance on the preboarding policy while on deadhead duty. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at com...2024-02-2909 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: FAQs from Benefits, Retirement, Contract Admin and SRCThis is the SWAPA Ride Report for Friday, February 23rd, 2024. The SWAPA Ride Report is your source for headlines, updates, and answers to frequently asked questions regarding your new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This week we answer some frequently asked questions from Benefits, Retirement, Contract Admin and SRC.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/swapa7372024-02-2308 min
The SWAPA NumberThe SWAPA Ride Report: Implementation Update (401(k), Scheduling, and Contract Administration)Introducing: The SWAPA Ride Report, a new must-listen podcast to understand the latest developments with the new CBA, including frequently asked questions from pilots on the line. Check in for the Ride Report every Thursday. This week's edition focuses on Implementation updates and popular topics in the 401K, Scheduling, and Contract Administration world. 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.c...2024-02-1510 min
The SWAPA Number92.7% (The Future of SWAPA, Casey Murray and Tom Nekouei)Today's SWAPA Number is 92.7. That's the percentage of pilots that voted to make the Tentative Agreement between SWAPA and Southwest Airlines, a Collective Bargaining Agreement, in the vote that closed last week. On today's podcast, we're talking with SWAPA president, Captain Casey Murray and SWAPA VP, Captain Tom Nekouei, about what comes next for SWAPA and its members in a post contract 2024.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://t...2024-01-2932 min
The SWAPA Number11/30 (Expectations, Casey Murray, Jody Reven)Today's SWAPA Number is 11/30. That's the date the federal mediators assigned to our negotiation have indicated that they expect Southwest and SWAPA will have a deal. So on today's show, we'll speak with SWAPA President, Casey Murray and Negotiating Committee Chair, Jody Reven. about what that date could mean and what our members can expect as that date arrives.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/swapapilots2023-11-1331 min
The SWAPA Number5 (Nationwide Picket, Pilot Sentiment)Today's SWAPA Number is 5. Last week, SWAPA pilots participated in our first ever nationwide picket at 5 domiciles, Atlanta, Chicago, Baltimore, Houston and Los Angeles. On this Labor Day edition of the SWAPA Number, we're going to talk to those pilots who came together to show their support for an industry-leading contract and to demonstrate their unity and resolve.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/s...2023-09-0413 min
The SWAPA Number402 (Matt Minguela, Tony Caparella, Benefits)Today's SWAPA number is $402. That's the dollar amount that SWAPA members pay for their long-term and short-term disability per month. Today on the show we're going to talk to SWAPA pilot Matt Minguela about his experience on disability, as well as Benefits Committee member Tony Caparella, to give us more information on what is lacking in your benefits, what you can do to make the process easier and what needs to change to be competitive in today's marketplace.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or...2023-07-3135 min
The SWAPA Number117 (Fatigue, Scott Hutchinson)Today's SWAPA number is 117. FAR Part 117 is the regulation that governs flight time, duty time, and rest rules for airline pilots. So on today's episode, we'll be talking with Captain Scott Hutchinson, member of the SWAPA Safety Committee and the Fatigue Safety Advisory Group about fatigue issues that not only impact SWAPA pilots, but are industry-wide issues.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...2023-07-0330 min
The SWAPA Number100 (Kurt Heidemann, SWAPA Number Recap)As we approach 100 episodes of the SWAPA Number podcast, we're going to look back on some highlights including some never before heard clips that will give you, our listeners, some insight into the process it takes to bring you information directly from the source- our SWAPA subject matter experts and leaders - since August 2019. 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.f...2023-04-0114 min
The SWAPA Number45 (The History of SWAPA with Frank Schmuck)Today’s SWAPA Number is 45. That’s the number of years since the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association was formally recognized by the National Labor Relations Board on March 27, 1978. You’ve heard the expression that history repeats itself, so for the SWAPA anniversary, we wanted look back at some of the events that have happened at our Union and see what they tell us about what we’re experiencing today in 2023.So on today’s show, we’re talking with Phoenix Captain Frank Schmuck who has been with Southwest Airlines since 1994. About four years ago, he started the “Southwest Pilo...2023-03-2027 min
The SWAPA Number27 (Senate Hearing)Today's SWAPA Number is 27. That's the number of Senators on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This week, that committee held a hearing to investigate the airline industry and invited SWAPA President Casey Murray to testify. If you had any doubt about the value of SWAPA’s Government Affairs Committee, this hearing should be all the proof you need. GAC’s relationships and their credibility in DC opened the door and our Union's data-driven analysis got Casey a seat at the table which allowed Casey to reach a nationwide audience. This week was proof that having a stro...2023-02-1020 min
The SWAPA Number33 (Mike Panebianco, History and Message Moving Forward)Today's SWAPA number is 33. That's the percentage of pilots who have joined Southwest Airlines since our last contract cycle between 2012 and 2016, which led to our current CBA and ended our last trip through mediation. So on today's show, we're talking to SWAPA's Communications Committee Chair, Mike Panebianco, about SWAPA's message moving forward.We'll also ask him to share with our newer members some of the history of SWAPA, what he sees as the most important thing our pilot group can do to help achieve Contract 2020, and what we can expect from the communications group as we roll through...2023-02-0634 min
The SWAPA Number825 million (Casey Murray, Mike Santoro, Tom Nekouei, Christmas Meltdown)Today's SWAPA Number is 825 million. That's the negative impact the meltdown will have to our fourth quarter earnings according to an 8-K, the Company filed on January 6th. I don't have to tell you that SWAPA has been super busy communicating with our members over the last couple of weeks. Our reps and our execs have written extensively about the leadership failures, while our committees have been trying to make sure that you get the information you need to help navigate this crisis. And speaking of committees, I want to give a special shout out to Scott Plyler and...2023-01-091h 03
The SWAPA Number12/7 (Casey Murray, Looking Ahead)Today’s SWAPA number is 12/7. That’s the date of the next SWAPA Informational Picket that will be held on Wall Street in New York City.So on today’s show we talked to President Casey Murray about the state of the operation, last quarter’s financial results, and the relationship between SWAPA and the Company's new leadership.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/swapapilotsFace...2022-11-1432 min
The SWAPA Number$3.5 million (Kerrey Hunt, Resolute Health Care Advisors)Today's SWAPA number is $3.5 million. That's the amount of money Resolute Healthcare Advisors have recovered for pilots since 2012 when they began working with SWAPA. This is a benefit that SWAPA provides for all of our pilots and is available for anyone to use regardless of their healthcare benefit plan.On today's show, we spoke with Kerrey Hunt from Resolute Healthcare about some of the things she's seeing on what Resolute Healthcare provides and how they can potentially help you get your medical claim covered.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop u...2022-10-1719 min
The SWAPA Number50 (Jody Reven, Damian Jennette, Kurt Heidemann, Negotiations)Today's SWAPA Number is 50. That's the number of recently hired pilots who have voluntarily left Southwest Airlines so far in 2022. This record number shows that without an industry leading contract, Southwest Airlines cannot attract and retain the pilots needed to grow and sustain this network.SWAPA has been in formal negotiations for more than two years, since January of 2020, when we presented our pilot's full contract proposal. And just last month SWAPA filed for federal mediation with the National Mediation Board.So on today's show we talked to NC chair, Jody Reven and NC members, Damian Jennette...2022-10-0343 min
The SWAPA Number1.31 (Tom Nekouei, Hank Ketchum, Budget)Today’s SWAPA number is 1.31. That’s the new temporary dues structure that SWAPA is proposing on the fall general election ballot. This marks the first time the board has voted to increase dues during times of negotiations.So on today’s show, we spoke with SWAPA's 2nd Vice President, Tom Nekouei, and Executive Operating Committee Member, Hank Ketchum, about this year’s budget, that dues increase, and what it could mean for our pilots in the upcoming election.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or ta...2022-09-1927 min
The SWAPA Number802 (SWAPA Live - Pilot Sentiment)Today's SWAPA number is 802. That's the number of pilots, spouses, volunteers, other Southwest employees, and SWAPA staff who attended the pre-picket party at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas on June 20th. As you might expect, anytime you get a large group of pilots in one room, it was a festive atmosphere, but there was also a serious tone and a purpose among those in attendance.On most SWAPA Number episodes, we talk to subject matter experts about their specific areas of expertise. This time we decided to do something different. We talked directly to the...2022-07-2522 min
The SWAPA Number1,654 (Brent Weisner, AMAS and Other Benefits)Today’s SWAPA Number is 1,654. That’s the number of pilots Aviation Medicine Advisory Services or AMAS, has talked to since they became our vendor in January of 2021. AMAS is one of many services SWAPA provides and since it helps us maintain our medicals, it’s one we all should be very familiar with.On today’s show we talked to SWAPA Benefits Chair Brent Weisner about AMAS, Resolute Health Care, the Mayo Clinic, and some other benefits topics that our pilots need to be aware of, but that may not be top of mind.If you have...2022-06-2723 min
The SWAPA Number43 (John Murphy, Brian Marin, SPC)Today’s SWAPA number is 43. That’s the number of SPC Committee members and Pilot volunteers who will be overseeing nearly 1,000 SWAPA pilots during the June 21 Informational Picket. They will be instrumental in ensuring a successfully executed event.On today’s show we talked to SWAPA Strike Preparedness Vice Chair John Murphy and committee member Brian Marin about the committee’s purpose, what it takes to pull off a picket of this size, and what is down the road.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.or...2022-06-1326 min
The SWAPA Number706 (Casey Murray, Tom Nekouei, DAL Picket)Today's SWAPA Number is 706. That's the number of pilots currently signed up for the picket in Dallas on June 21st, and that's just a mere two weeks after we announced it. So on today's show, we talk to SWAPA president, Casey Murray, and second Vice President, Tom Nekouei, about pilot sentiment, Bob Jordan's recent visit to SWAPA, and what's coming next.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...2022-05-1633 min
The SWAPA Number58,014 (Casey Murray, Mike Santoro, Flight Ops Leadership)Today’s SWAPA Number is 58,014. That’s the number of times the Company has told SWAPA they would circle back on a SWAPA proposal or request for information or solution. Though maybe a little exaggerated, it’s still a frustratingly high number. Today on the show we’re going to talk to SWAPA President Casey Murray and Vice President Mike Santoro about their frustrations with SWAPA's current relationship with Flight Ops and what they see as the solution moving forward.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or t...2022-01-3133 min
The SWAPA Number76 (Stella Dulanya, Mike Panebianco, Jon Ross, Disciplinary Action)Today’s SWAPA Number is 76. That’s the number of resolutions passed by your Board of Directors in 2021. Many of them are for internal business, such as Pilot committee nominations, and do not normally generate much discussion within the Pilot group. However, the final resolution passed at the December Board meeting surprised a few of our Pilots, because it tasked the Negotiating and EFA Committees with studying the feasibility of splitting from any other Southwest Airlines work group for hotels and transportation. So in an effort to discuss how that resolution even came to pass, we want to talk...2022-01-1739 min
The SWAPA Number$8.7 Billion (Andrew Payne, Brian August, Retirement Plans)Today’s SWAPA Number is $8.7 billion. That’s the amount of money our Pilots have invested in the SWAPA Pilot 401(K). It’s a big chunk of money that our 401K Committee oversees. In addition to two SWAPA staff members, the committee consists of three pilots: Chairman Andrew Payne, Brian August, and Jon Athans. Today on the show, we’re going to talk to Andrew and Brian about their work to preserve and grow our Pilots’ retirement savings.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here...2022-01-0334 min
The SWAPA Number3 (Introducing The New Members of the SWAPA Board of Directors)Today’s SWAPA Number is 3. That’s the number of new board members joining us today to discuss what they’ve learned so far, what they hope to accomplish in their time on the board, their background, and who encouraged them to run for Rep in the first place.With us today are new board members elected to serve as vice-chair in their bases. Mike Piscitelli representing Baltimore, Mark Powers representing Denver, and Kevin Reece representing Phoenix.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap h...2021-12-2113 min
The SWAPA Number3 (Introducing The New Members of the SWAPA Board of Directors)Today’s SWAPA Number is 3. That’s the number of new board members joining us today to discuss what they’ve learned so far, what they hope to accomplish in their time on the board, their background, and who encouraged them to run for Rep in the first place.With us today are new board members elected to serve as vice-chair in their bases. Mike Piscitelli representing Baltimore, Mark Powers representing Denver, and Kevin Reece representing Phoenix.2021-12-2013 min
The SWAPA Number12-8 (Casey Murray, Mike Santoro, Vaccine Mandate)Today’s SWAPA Number is 12/8. That’s the date that the federal government expects all Southwest employees to be vaccinated. SWAPA has been engaged with Southwest on this issue for months now, but the pace of things has picked up dramatically in the last week. So today on the show, we’re going to talk to SWAPA President Casey Murray and Vice President Mike Santoro who will help us catch up on all of the news on COVID and vaccine mandates while giving us their perspective on SWAPA’s relationship with SWA.If you have any feedb...2021-10-1136 min
The SWAPA Number231 (Open Enrollment, Brent Weisner, Damian Jennette)Today’s SWAPA number is $28 million. That’s the amount of money Pilots pay into the SWAPA offered STD and LTD plans per year. With SWAPA Benefits Open Enrollment quickly approaching, we are going to talk to Benefits Chair Brent Weisner and the NC’s benefits expert Damian Jennette about all of the SWAPA-provided Benefits plans, how to pick the option that’s best for you, and what the expectation is as far as benefits in Contract 2020.If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org or tap here to s...2021-09-1026 min
The SWAPA Number40 (Communications Team)Today’s SWAPA number is 40 That’s about the average number of comm pieces SWAPA distributes to our members, the media, and other outside audiences on a monthly basis.SWAPA SMEs produce a huge amount of information and it’s our Communications Team’s job to turn it from a rough draft into a polished product, usually with very short deadlines.On our 50th episode a while back, Kurt Heidemann and Amy Robinson talked about their role in Comm. Today on the show, we’re going to talk with the rest of the members of the Comm Team...2021-08-0232 min
The SWAPA Number23.7% (Seth Kornblum and Lexi Taylor, Training)Today’s SWAPA number is 23.7%. That’s the number of Pilots who got their preferred training week in 2018, our baseline year for Contract 2020. You don’t need a math degree to realize that it’s worse than if the schedule were picked randomly out of a hat. Lack of adherence to training preferences are just one problem we hear about from our pilots every month.When I’m talking to guys outside of SWAPA, they are generally surprised by how much of SWAPA’s time and resources are spent handling training issues. While each of us go usually go t...2021-07-1922 min
The SWAPA Number4 (Scott Plyler, Meagan Nelan, SRC)Today’s SWAPA Number is 4. That’s the number of sections of Contract 2020 that SWAPA has dedicated to scheduling and work rules. That tells you how important scheduling is to our pilots because it directly impacts our productivity, pay, and quality of life. Since Section 6 negotiations resumed in the spring, SWAPA has painstakingly walked through our scheduling proposals line by line with Labor Relations. With those sections completed in June, we thought we’d bring back frequent guest Scott and Meagan to review with us the many improvements SWAPA is seeking in Contract 2020.If you have an...2021-07-0527 min
The SWAPA Number50 (Kurt Heidemann and Amy Robinson, Communications)Today’s SWAPA number is 50. That’s the amount of SWAPA Number podcasts we’ve produced for our pilots since we started in August of 2019. We’ve gotten a lot of great feedback about them because they let us talk directly with our SMEs about subjects in an easy-to-follow format. So today on the show we’re going to celebrate that milestone by turning our mics around and interviewing our long-time hosts Kurt and Amy so they can give a look into the inner workings of SWAPA Communications.If you have any feedback for us at all, please dro...2021-06-2127 min
The SWAPA Number2013 (Hank Ketchum, Internal Audit Committee)Today’s SWAPA number is 2013. That was the last year SWAPA’s Internal Audit Committee made a formal report to our board of directors. As a member-driven organization, SWAPA owes it to our pilots to make sure that our policies and as well as compliance with those policies is beyond reproach. Casey Murray ran for office with transparency and fiduciary responsibility as two of his key tenets. With those in mind the board recently passed a resolution to fund the Internal Audit Committee for 2021 and appoint former NC member Hank Ketchum as Chair. Today on the sh...2021-05-2422 min
The SWAPA Number112 (Casey Murray, 2021 update)Today’s SWAPA number is 112. That’s the number of days our SWAPA President Casey Murray has held office. In that brief period, our Association has had to handle WARN Notices, the pandemic and vaccines, the MAX return to service, early ExTO recalls, and the return to Contract 2020 negotiations.To say it’s been a busy time would an understatement. So today on the show, we’re going to talk to Case about his first three months on the job and find out from him what his plans are for SWAPA for the rest of 2021.If you h...2021-04-1241 min
The SWAPA Number71 (Scott Plyler, Meagan Nelan, SRC)Today's SWAPA Number Is 71. That's the percentage of traffic to swapa.org that are SRC items. The depth and breadth of articles, blogs, phone calls, and educational pieces that the SRC puts out is just incredible. SRC authored six of the 13 SEP cycles during the buildup to Contract 2020. Scheduling was and is front and center throughout the process.And that's because a large part of this negotiation will center around fixing some of the inefficiencies in the schedule, as well as increasing productivity and improving the operation. Hopefully with 2020 behind us, starting in April, the S...2021-03-2950 min