Southwest Airlines Interview Questions [Includes Prep Quiz]

Congratulations on getting a Southwest Airlines Interview.

We all know interviews are stressful, and competition is intense.

However, you can ace the Southwest Airlines interview with a small amount of preparation.

Here you will find frequently asked Southwest Interview Questions and Answers for all positions.

There is also a section for ramp agents, flight attendants, and customer service agents.

Southwest Airlines Interview Questions by Role: Ramp Agent, Flight Attendant, and Customer Service.

Please note that these are practice interview questions, and we are not affiliated with the company mentioned in this post.

Southwest Airlines Interview Questions and Answers

1. Can you tell us about yourself?

Talk about your hobbies, previous work experience, and education. Keep your explanation brief and to the point.

2. Why do you want to work for Southwest Airlines?

State that you love working with people and have a passion for aviation. You believe that working at Southwest will allow you to combine both of these interests.
Mention that you would be grateful to work for an airline that offers affordable and accessible travel options to a wide range of individuals.
Express that you would also take pride in working for a company that has been recognized as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women by Newsweek, one of Forbes’ Best Employers in America, included in Fortune’s 2023 List of World’s Most Admired Companies, acknowledged by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity, and honored by Latino Leaders Magazine as one of the Best Companies to Work for Latinos.

3. How do your personal values align with those of Southwest Airlines?

Southwest Airlines’ values are

Me (how I show up): Pride, Integrity, Humility,
We (How we treat each other): Teamwork, Honesty, Service with LUV,
Southwest (How Southwest succeeds): efficiency, discipline, excellence.

Example: “My personal values are strongly aligned with Southwest Airlines’ core values. I believe in maintaining a strong work ethic, acting with honesty and integrity, and fostering a cooperative environment. Teamwork, honesty, and the pursuit of excellence resonate with me. I value efficiency and discipline, and I understand the significance of safety. Overall, Southwest’s values mirror my beliefs and I’m excited about contributing to an organization that shares these principles.”

Strengths and Weaknesses Questions

4. What is your greatest strength?

I am a quick learner (this is a great answer because they will have to spend less time training you) or
I work well under pressure (this is a great answer because airlines get extremely busy and you need to stay focused during this time).

5. What is your greatest weakness?

Interviewers ask this to see how you think about yourself and how you handle challenges. They want to know if you can be honest without blaming others. They also want to see if you understand your own habits and how they affect your work. They are checking if you take responsibility for improving yourself. When you explain what you’re doing to get better, it shows maturity and that you can grow on the job.

Sample Answer

“My greatest weakness is that I can be too focused on getting every detail perfect. It sometimes slows me down. I’ve been working on setting clearer priorities and knowing when something is ‘good enough’ so I can stay on schedule. It’s helped me balance quality with speed.”

Southwest Airlines Company Information

6. What can you tell us about Southwest Airlines?

About Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is a low-cost airline in the United States and is considered one of the country’s major airlines.
The airline is the largest operator of the Boeing Fleet.
Southwest is based out of Dallas, Texas.
Southwest flies to Mexico, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Aruba, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Belize, and Cuba, in addition to U.S. destinations.
Southwest is mainly a point-to-point airline rather than a connecting flight through a hub.
Southwest Airlines no longer overbooks on flights.
In 2011, Southwest acquired AirTran Airways.
In 2016, Southwest Airlines added three destinations to Cuba.
Do you think you know a lot about Southwest Airlines? Take our Southwest Interview Prep Quiz to see how well you do.

Southwest Airlines Purpose

Connect People to what’s important in their lives through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel.

7. Who are Southwest Airlines’ competitors?

Researching a company’s competitors showcases your preparation, industry awareness, and ability to think strategically. It allows you to engage in meaningful conversations during the interview and positions you as a candidate who can contribute valuable insights and perspectives to the company’s success.

Competitors include JetBlue Airlines, Alaska Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Airlines, and American Airlines.

Customer Service and Interpersonal Skills

8. How would you deal with an upset customer?

Example: First, I would determine the customer’s issue. If they lost their luggage, I would try to locate their belongings. If their flight was delayed, I would explain the delay. Additionally, I would emphasize the significance of ensuring customer satisfaction, as an unhappy customer is unlikely to return.

9. Can you describe when you went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service?

Example: In my previous role with XYZ Airlines, I encountered a family of four facing flight delays and missed connections due to bad weather. Despite limited options, I found an indirect route that got them to their destination with only a slightly longer travel time. I secured their new flights, provided meal vouchers, and ensured they were seated together. The family left the counter visibly relieved and grateful. This experience taught me the value of personalized solutions and a calm demeanor during challenging situations.

10. How do you handle customers from different cultural backgrounds or those who may not speak the same language fluently?

Example: Handling passengers from diverse cultural backgrounds or those who speak different languages requires sensitivity and adaptability. I prioritize clear and simple communication, using non-verbal cues and visual aids to bridge language gaps. I leverage translation tools or assistance from colleagues proficient in the passenger’s language if needed. I ensure that every passenger feels valued and well-informed throughout their journey by being patient, respectful, and proactive in learning basic phrases.

Additional Southwest Airlines Interview Questions

11. Where do you see yourself in five years?

Southwest Airlines offers many career opportunities. Look at their career section and find a position you could do in five years.
If you plan to attend college or university, specify your post-graduation goals.

12. Why should I hire you?

Possible Answer is

State that you are highly interested in joining Southwest Airlines because of your passion for the industry and admiration for the company.
Emphasize the possession of strong written and verbal communication skills, which would be beneficial for effectively working with customers and co-workers.
Say that you are organized, detail-oriented, and skilled at problem-solving.
You value teamwork and collaboration and believe in fostering a positive work environment.
Finally, mention that you are adaptable and embrace new technologies.

13. Why did you leave your last job?

It is okay to leave a job, but ensuring they know you left on good terms is important.

Questions to ask at the end of the interview

14. Do you have any questions for us?

What do you like best about working here?
How do you describe your ideal candidate for this position?
What about this position is the most important?
How do you measure my success, and what could I do to meet your expectations?
Which part of the position has the steepest learning curve? What can I do to get up to speed quickly?
What opportunities will I have to learn and grow?

Southwest Airlines Interview Tips

Do as much research as you can about Southwest Airlines. The annual report is always a good place to start
Be prepared for situational-type interview questions.
Do not dress casually for the interview.
Be sure to review the job description and find the key skills they are looking for. For example, if you are interviewing for the position of a flight attendant, odds are they will want people who have strong communication skills and can multi-task. You need to show the interviewer you have the skills listed in the job description.

Southwest Airlines Ramp Agent Interview Questions

Can you explain your understanding of the ramp agent role and its responsibilities?

Ramp Agents ensure Ground Operations run smoothly and safely by supporting various roles “below the wing,” including directing planes on the ground and transporting baggage, cargo, and other flight essentials in the outdoor elements.

How do you prioritize tasks when multiple aircraft are arriving and departing simultaneously?

Example: “Managing tasks during simultaneous aircraft arrivals and departures requires a balanced approach. I prioritize by communicating with teams, understanding flight needs, and addressing urgent tasks first. Safety remains paramount, followed closely by efficiency. By coordinating resources effectively and adapting to unexpected changes, I ensure tasks are completed without compromising safety or schedules.”

Why should we hire you as our ramp agent?

Say you are physically fit, and you will not have any problems moving items of 70 pounds or more regularly.
State you have excellent communication skills which will help when communicating information and instructions verbally and/or via radio equipment.
Say pay excellent attention to detail which will allow you to ensure baggage gets to the right place.
State you work well under pressure.

Do you have a valid driver’s license?

You need to drive motorized equipment, such as belt loaders so you need a driver’s license.

What safety measures would you take while handling hazardous materials or dangerous goods on the ramp?

Example: Safely handling hazardous materials on the ramp requires strict adherence to protocols. I would follow recommended safety procedures provided by Southwest, use proper protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and appropriate clothing, ensure correct labeling and packaging, and adhere to guidelines for loading and securing. Constant communication, vigilance for leaks, and compliance with safety measures are my priorities.

What hours can you work?

The job description states you will need to be available to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays, and overtime so it is in your best interest to be as flexible when answering this question.

How do you work under pressure?

Airlines get very busy, especially during the holidays. Give the interviewer a great example of working well under pressure in school or your last job.

Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Interview Questions

Why do you want to be a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant?

Say you have excellent communication skills, which allow you to work well with the customer and other crew members.
State that you have strong multi-tasking skills, allowing you to handle various situations in continuous contact with the public.
Say you pay strong attention to detail, which will allow you to ensure the safety and comfort of our customers.
Mention that you are a self-starter and team player, allowing you to work well independently or in a team.
Finally, mention you have strong leadership skills, which will allow you to respond to various emergency and non-emergency situations.

Why should we hire you as a flight attendant?

Here you need to show how your previous and current work experience will benefit Southwest Airlines if they hire you for the job. For example, in my last job, I worked at a popular restaurant where I waited on customers. In my last job, I gained valuable work experience as I was able to demonstrate I was able to work well under pressure and multitask, all while providing excellent customer service.
State you are physically fit and will not have any issues standing for long periods. mention you can push or pull moveable carts weighing more than 250 pounds. Finally, say you will not have any issues helping customers with their baggage.

How would you define excellent customer service?

The flight attendant has exceptional communication skills and is always friendly to customers.
The customer is given assistance when necessary when putting their bags in the overhead compartment.
The flight attendant is always willing to assist anyone with special needs, children, or the elderly.

How would you deal with an upset customer?

First, state that you would listen to the customer and understand the complaint.
Then state you would sympathize with the customer.
Next, say you would try to fix the problem.
Finally, mention that you would learn from the experience, and if the customer was still upset, say you would not let it impact your service to other customers.

How do you feel about relocating to a different city?

Tell the interviewer the truth, but if you are willing to relocate, make sure you sound enthusiastic.

Southwest Airlines Customer Service Interview Questions

Can you describe the job you have applied for?

Keep your answer brief. State customer service agents handle a range of services, including ticketing, baggage check-in, baggage claims, reservations, information inquiries, and resolving complaints and problems.

Why should we hire you as our customer service agent?

Here, we aim to identify the required skills and experience and reassure the interviewer that we possess the necessary qualifications for the job.

Say you have excellent communication skills, allowing you to work well with customers.
State that you work well under pressure.
Say you are physically fit and will not have any problems lifting items up to 70 pounds.
If you have any customer service experience, now is the time to mention it.

How would you deal with a difficult customer?

First, state that you will listen to the customer and determine what their complaint is.
Then, say you would sympathize with the customer.
Next, assist the customer with their complaint. If you cannot resolve the issue, escalate the problem to your manager.