Best SWAPA Podcasts (2025)

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12 ( BOD Why We Serve, Mark Powers, Kevin Reece) 49:27

Play Pause

2h ago49:27

49:27

If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at [email protected] or tap here to send us a text. Follow us online: Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilots Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737By SWAPA

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Reserve VDT Implemented, Vacation Bidding and Contract Q&A 8:26

3d ago8:26

8:26

In this week’s edition, Casey Casteel from SWAPA Communications discusses implementation of Reserve VDT in CWA and how the Reserve Preferences page has changed. She gives a rundown of Reserve VDT provisions as well as some of the initial limitations with OTA and text bidding. Casey also reminds our listeners that the first round of 2026 Vacation Bi…

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14 (Constitution Modernization, Michael Santoro, Kevin Reece) 38:58

11d ago38:58

38:58

Today's SWAPA Number is 14. That's the number of articles in the SWAPA constitution, all of which will have proposed changes as part of a constitution modernization effort, appearing on the ballot in the fall general election. So today we're sitting down with Baltimore Chair, Mike Santoro, and Phoenix Chair, Kevin Reese, to go over the proposed cha…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Contract Reopener, Partnerships & PDEW, and Contract Admin Q&A 11:33

11d ago11:33

11:33

In this week's SWAPA Ride Report, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare discusses the company request for a contract reopener as they consider adding Far Interntational routes as well as the new interline agreement with Eva Air. Need a refresher on PDEW, listen for the basics or watch the video linked in the notes. He corrects some rumors ab…

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6 ( EFA, Erich Schnitzler, Greg Auld, Hank Ketchum) 43:43

23d ago43:43

43:43

Today's SWAPA number is, six. That's the percent acceleration in RASM or revenue per available seat mile in the fourth quarter that was implied during the second quarter earnings call for Southwest Airlines. Now, that's looking down the road, but a lot has happened in the recent past for both the company and the industry as a whole. It's been conti…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Contract AI (beta) Tips, Governance Hot Topics, and Scheduling Updates 11:07

1M ago11:07

11:07

In this week’s show, Communications Committee Chair Matt McCants goes over the data from Contract AI’s initial launch week and some best practices on how to use it. The SAC always has some news to share, and this week we look at the effects of the cut backs in the schedule along with the long view on implementation measures coming in the next quart…

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401 (Retirement Roundtable, Andrew Payne, Brian August, Damian Jennette) 1:02

29d ago1:02

1:02

Today’s SWAPA Number is 401 as in 401(k). But this episode isn’t a podcast, it’s an audio visual presentation. While some may be able to follow the myriad of numbers that come with a retirement discussion, a picture paints a thousand words. So 401(k) Committee Chair Andrew Payne alongside Committee Members Brian August and Damian Jennette have prep…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: SWAPA Pay Audit, Fall Schedule Adjustments & Contract Q&A 10:05

1M ago10:05

10:05

In this week’s edition, Communications Committee Member Tony Mulhare makes a pitch to the membership to use the SWAPA Pay Audit tool on the website or the app instead of calling Contract Admin first, allowing them to focus on high priority contract compliance issues. He also plugs the new red-eye filter selection in the Trip Trade/Give Away Invento…

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721 (CIRT, Dave West) 24:39

2M ago24:39

24:39

Today's SWAPA Number is 721. That's the number of cases your critical incident response team, or CIRT, fielded in 2024. Now, that's a lot. Almost to a day, but they range in subject matters when it comes to what happened to trigger a call to CIRT, from incidents in the aircraft to traumatic incidents at home. So today we're sitting down with CIRT c…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: 401(k) Plan Transfer, Scheduling Updates, and Contract Q&A 8:14

2M ago8:14

8:14

In 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 …

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42 (SWAPAfamily, Jean Peck, Caitlin Bute) 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

Today's SWAPA Number is 42. That's how many events SWAPAfamily has held over the last 10 years. So on today's show we talked to Outreach Chair Jean Peck and committee member Caitlin Bute about the genesis for the committee, what's on the immediate horizon, and what are the goals for the future. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: RPP & PBR, Pay Audit Tool update and Contract Q&A 7:35

2M ago7:35

7:35

In 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 O…

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11 (Project LIFT, Ty Dimeff) 34:18

3M ago34:18

34:18

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'…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Tools On Deck + Release to Check In Q&A 9:28

3M ago9:28

9:28

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…

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49-114 (Security & Cockpit Defense, Brian Hagedorn, John Nolan) 32:36

3M ago32:36

32:36

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 …

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Red-Eye CQT Pulls, VA Shift Strategies & The China Airlines Partnership 18:04

3M ago18:04

18:04

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 we…

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537 (Scheduling & Analytics, Scott Plyler, Meagan Nelan) 35:21

4M ago35:21

35:21

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 …

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The SWAPA Ride Report: ICYMI, Coming Soon, and Contract Q&A 7:51

4M ago7:51

7:51

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 representati…

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1,200 (Professional Standards, Jon Ross) 31:32

4M ago31:32

31:32

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…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: DRR Process Explained, Updated Pay Audit and More 7:52

4M ago7:52

7:52

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 …

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70 (Information Technology, Will Young, Leigh Sperberg, Thomas Lowery) 28:57

4M ago28:57

28:57

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 …

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling 360, Benefits Reminders, and Contract Q&A 7:27

5M ago7:27

7:27

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…

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175 (Training and Standards, Greg Bowen) 30:30

5M ago30:30

30:30

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…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: ELITT Direct Drop & Pick Up, MBCBP and more 8:43

5M ago8:43

8:43

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…

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13 (Safety, Gary Niemann, Craig Jakubowski) 42:08

5M ago42:08

42:08

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…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Grievance settlement, more displacements, and Reserve Release Until Check In 7:42

6M ago7:42

7:42

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 Re…

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1.1% (Profit Sharing, Mike Haynes, Damian Jennette) 28:31

6M ago28:31

28:31

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…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: A Lap Around the Scheduling Pattern 8:25

6M ago8:25

8:25

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 a…

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18 (The Way Forward, Jody Reven) 28:17

7M ago28:17

28:17

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 …

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Displacements Update, FAA Denial Letters Update, and Contract Q&A 9:07

7M ago9:07

9:07

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 …

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The SWAPA Ride Report: BOD Meetings Recap 11:15

7M ago11:15

11:15

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 m…

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86% (APA/SWAPA Communications, Andrea Hoover, Amy Robinson) 33:06

7M ago33:06

33:06

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, Comm…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Displacement info, Open Time Priority Range, and Contract Admin Q&A 7:37

8M ago7:37

7:37

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 wee…

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5 (Airborne Excellence with Kirby Chambliss) 36:08

8M ago36:08

36:08

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 …

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The SWAPA Ride Report: SWAPA IT, Pro Standards Trends, and Contract Q&A 9:01

8M ago9:01

9:01

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 quic…

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2 (GAC, Chip Hancock, Derek Tate, Kyle Moore) 36:43

8M ago36:43

36:43

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 [email protected]…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: New Pay Rates and Top Contract Questions from 2024 6:21

9M ago6:21

6:21

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 i…

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1,460 (President Casey Murray Signs Off) 25:28

9M ago25:28

25:28

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…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Upcoming Scheduling Implementation and Contract Q&A 7:03

9M ago7:03

7:03

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 em…

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19 (SAC Implementation Update, Scott Plyler, Meagan Nelan) 40:14

9M ago40:14

40:14

If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at [email protected] or tap here to send us a text. Follow us online: Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilots Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737By SWAPA

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Holiday Override Pay and Contract Admin Q&A 4:35

9M ago4:35

4:35

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 hote…

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200 (HIMS, Tom Stanley) 37:55

10M ago37:55

37:55

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 k…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Implementation, Contract Q&A, and the new SWAPA App 6:28

10M ago6:28

6:28

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 se…

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8 (EFA, Elliott, and Q3 Update, Erich Schnitzler, Greg Auld, Hank Ketchum) 23:43

10M ago23:43

23:43

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 ov…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: New Duty Limits in Effect and Contract Admin Q&A 7:30

11M ago7:30

7:30

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 report…

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10 (ICPU Presidents Roundtable, Casey Murray, Nick Silva, Yngve Paulsen, Paulette Gilbert) 42:44

11M ago42:44

42:44

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 wa…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: International Conference of Pilot Unions, Scheduling and OPS Day, and Contract Q&A 7:28

11M ago7:28

7:28

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 rel…

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163,649 (Jumpseat, Brian Ross) 24:33

11M ago24:33

24:33

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 dow…

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The SWAPA Ride Report: Premium Before Reserve Bidding and More 6:03

11M ago6:03

6:03

In 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-mi…

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3 ( Agreements of the Association, Jody Reven, Kurt Heidemann) 29:24

12M ago29:24

29:24

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 …