Department:

Ground Operations

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

*** For external applicants only:
(1.) Southwest Airlines will consider your interest for this position if you are currently a resident of the State of Washington.
(2.) Southwest Airlines will not consider your interest for this position if you have been interviewed by phone, virtually, and/or inperson
and not selected for the Ramp Agent position at GEG within the last 12 months.***

Pay & Benefits:

Pay of $20.63 per hour*, with the opportunity for future increase per applicable collective bargaining agreement wage scale based on time in position**. Opportunities for overtime and shift premiums.

Benefits you’ll love:

Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)
Southwest will help fund your Retirement Savings Plan, which includes a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) Company match contribution of up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings***
Potential for annual profit-sharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan—when Southwest profits, you profit***
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents
Southwest offers health plan coverage options starting from the very first day of employment. You'll have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan, and coverage will be retroactively available to your first day of employment.
Explore more benefits you’ll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits
Explore our benefits for paid time off/vacation, holiday, and sick leave per applicable collective bargaining agreements: https://careers.southwestair.com/washington-ground-operations-benefits

Job Summary

Looking for a role where you’ll be at the heart of every successful departure? Ramp Agents at Southwest work outside to guide planes, move bags and cargo, help with de-icing planes during cold weather, and help keep our operation running smoothly. It’s a busy, hands-on job where working together helps flights leave on time. Whether you're an aviation pro or just starting to learn about the industry, you’ll gain valuable experience and learn new things in this role — all while helping Southwest run safely and on schedule. See what a day on the ramp looks like: swa.is/DayOnTheRamp

Additional details

This is a part-time opportunity. At Southwest, Part-Time Employees generally work 32 hours over 5 days, but schedules are determinedin accordance with a seniority-based bidding process.

New Hires will complete 4-6 weeks of training. Training will consist of 8-hours of classroom or on-the-job training over 5 days each week.

After completing training, Part-Time New Hire work weeks will consist of 6.5-hour shifts over 5 days, with the potential for mandatory overtime.

This role is part of a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which means pay, schedules, and other job details are set through an agreement with the labor union.

Work schedules are based on seniority and may include early mornings, late nights, weekends, and holidays. There may be times when mandatory overtime is required to support flight operations, but there are also opportunities to trade shifts and find a schedule that works for you.

U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Learn more about becoming a Ramp Agent and the FAQs: careers.southwestair.com/southwest-ramp-agents

We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

Duties and Responsibilities

Provide friendly service to and maintains positive relationships with all internal and external Customers
Work in a cooperative spirit to ensure the success of our Company
Responsible for providing legendary Customer service to people desiring to travel, use cargo or baggage service by servicing aircraft at ramps and terminals
Load, unload, service, guide, and direct Company Aircraft
Receive and record Customer baggage, air freight, mail and company materials as required
Handle all aspects of loading, stowing and unloading baggage, cargo airmail, air freight, ballast and company materials according to a predetermined plan received either electronically or manually from an Operations Agent. Submits, either electronically or manually, a Cargo Bin Loading Slip (CBLS) to an Operations Agent
Pick up, deliver, and transport cargo and baggage to and from aircraft and prepares records in connection with these responsibilities
Warehouses, weighs, stacks, picks up and delivers air cargo, checks air cargo handled against accompanying forms to identify any mishandling or discrepancies and corrects routine errors
Safeguards Customers' baggage, air cargo, air mail, and COMAT from weather, loss, theft, damage and/or destruction
Use jetway stairs frequently to carry items checked at the gate to the aircraft bin
Review cargo forms for accuracy and corrects forms as necessary
Perform interior aircraft cabin cleaning by hand, including sweeping upholstery, cleans windows, galleys and disposal containers in accordance with applicable paperwork
Clean and service lavatories, operate lavatory carts and dispose of contents in accordance with established procedures
May perform duties of a Provisioning Agent, including stocking aircraft cabin interiors for flights with equipment and supplies such as literature, disposal, and refuse containers and commissary items in accordance with applicable paperwork. Maintains an inventory of such items and supplies
Transport cabin and cleaning equipment between aircraft storage area
Operate and/or drive motorized equipment, such as belt loaders, air start units, lift trucks, push back tugs, bag cart, lavatory cart and de-icers
Manually pushes and pulls push carts and containers
Work in the vicinity of and between passenger terminals, hangars and airfreight facilities, both indoors and outdoors
May be exposed to a wide variety of weather condition, jet and machinery noises, fumes, dirt and dust for extended periods of time
Completes forms and paperwork connected with work assignments according to established procedures, and enters such information in to the Company’s information system as required
Duties vary by size and organization of station.
Provide friendly service to all Co-workers and Customers. Has routine contact with people outside of the Company such as delivery agents, shippers, etc.
Must be able to meet any physical ability requirements listed on this description
May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Responsibilities

Ability to work well with others as part of a team, and work under stressful situations
Must be able to satisfactorily complete Ramp Agent training program with a 90% or greater average and an evaluation period
Ability to read documents, follow instructions, learn and understand ramp operations procedures, rules and regulations
Must be aware of hazardous situations and be able to handle emergencies as needed
Must work under tight time constraints to accomplish quick turns of aircraft
Must meet all grooming standards as outlined in the Ground Operations Employee Handbook and the Labor Agreement
Must be able to be alert to moving vehicles or aircraft and use radio equipment. Must be able to communicate information and instructions verbally and/or via radio equipment

Education

No education requirement

Experience

No experience requirement

Licensing/Certification

Must possess a valid state motor vehicle operator's license
Must be able to obtain a SIDA badge and meet all local airport requirements
May be required by Station Leadership to obtain a Customs Seal and meet all requirements to work international flights

Physical Abilities

Must be able to lift and move items of 70 pounds and/or more on a regular basis and repetitively lift weights of 40 to 50 pounds on raised surfaces
Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop on a frequent basis and for extended periods
Must be able to work in cramped or high places
Must be able to carry heavy items up and down jetway stairs
Must maintain the ability to wear prescribed uniforms

Other Qualifications

Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
Ability to work shift work and/or overtime

*Pay amount doesn’t guarantee employment for any particular period.

**Pay rates increase according to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement, up to a top of scale rate of $40.31

**401(k) Company match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule. Match contributions may vary based on the position.

****Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Pay Rate:

$20.63

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please print/save this job description because it won't be available after you apply.

About the company

Southwest Airlines is a low-fare passenger airline flying leisure and business travelers across the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. It runs a point-to-point network that links many midsize and secondary airports directly instead of routing most trips through a few large hubs. Customers book through Southwest's own website and app, choosing fare bundles that set bag allowances, change flexibility and boarding order. Revenue comes from ticket sales, bag and seat fees, and sales of frequent-flyer points to partner companies. Southwest was incorporated in 1967, began flying three Texas cities in 1971, and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

IPO

Headquarters

Dallas, Texas

Founded

1971

Get referred to Southwest Airlines

See people who can refer or advise you

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

Fare changes are paying off: revenue hit a record $8.4 billion in the quarter ending June 2026, up 16.4%.
Frontline headcount is growing: Southwest had 73,456 full-time equivalent staff in June 2026, up 1.7%.
Chase cards lock in fliers: Southwest cardholders get a free checked bag and seat selection on any fare.

What critics are saying

Fuel is the swing cost: jet fuel ran nearly $900 million higher in the quarter ending June 2026.
Earnings targets keep slipping: in July 2026 Southwest cut its 2026 profit forecast floor to $3.25 a share.
Job cuts continue: after its first mass layoffs in 2025, Southwest cut about 75 more jobs in May 2026.

What makes Southwest Airlines unique

Southwest flies only Boeing 737s, so pilots and mechanics train on one jet family, unlike Delta.
Southwest ended 53 years of open seating: assigned seats and extra-legroom rows began January 2026.
Frequent fliers bring a partner free: 100 one-way Southwest flights a year earn a Companion Pass for unlimited companion trips.

Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?

Benefits

Health Insurance
401(k) Company Match
401(k) Retirement Plan
Profit Sharing
Remote Work Options

Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

11%

1 year growth

10%

2 year growth

10%

Renascence

Oct 17th, 2026

Southwest Rapid Rewards overhaul adds premium loyalty tier.

Southwest Rapid Rewards overhaul adds premium loyalty tier. Southwest Airlines has overhauled its Rapid Rewards loyalty programme and added a premium tier to recognise members across their whole journey, per Customer Experience Dive. What happened. Southwest Airlines has overhauled its Rapid Rewards loyalty program and added a premium tier, according to Customer Experience Dive. The changes are intended to reward members throughout their journey with the airline, rather than at a single point in the relationship. The reporting links the revisions to growth the program has seen this year, which the outlet describes as substantial. The available source material does not set out the new tier's specific benefits, eligibility thresholds or launch timing, so readers should check those details against Southwest's own announcement before relying on them. Why it matters. Loyalty programs are one of the most visible places where an airline's experience strategy meets its commercial model. A premium tier changes the rules of recognition. It signals that some customers will be served differently, and it prompts everyone else to consider what they are not yet receiving. When a program grows quickly, the experience of being recognised has to scale with it, or the reward begins to feel like a points ledger. For leaders outside aviation, the lesson concerns the architecture of recognition. Programs that distribute rewards across the whole journey, rather than concentrating them at checkout or redemption, move loyalty from a transaction towards a relationship. That shift is usually easier to announce than to deliver consistently across channels, digital touchpoints and frontline teams. The renascence take. Most commentary will focus on the premium tier itself, but the more useful question is whether the everyday journey earns the status being offered. Status only motivates when members can see a credible path to it, and a tier that feels out of reach can quietly erode engagement among the large majority who never qualify. Most readers will fixate on the premium tier, but the real test is whether the ordinary journey feels rewarding to the people who will never reach it. Behavioural economics suggests that status works when progress is visible and attainable, and that unattainable tiers can dampen loyalty among everyone below them. A customer-obsessed operator should map the moments where members currently feel unrecognised and measure whether the changes alter those moments, rather than judging success by tier uptake alone. This briefing was written by its Newsdesk, synthesising reporting from the outlets below. Follow the links for the original coverage. Questions Renascence get on this topic. Southwest Airlines has overhauled its Rapid Rewards loyalty programme and added a premium tier. According to Customer Experience Dive, the changes are intended to reward members throughout their journey with the airline rather than at a single point. More in Hospitality Stay ahead of CX Get the signal, not the noise. The stories shaping customer experience - plus the Journal and Experience Loom - in your inbox.

RocketNews

Oct 16th, 2026

Southwest Airlines overhauls loyalty program, gives first look of new lounges.

Southwest Airlines overhauls loyalty program, gives first look of new lounges. Southwest Airlines announced significant changes to its frequent flyer program structure, moving away from its traditional two-tier model in favor of a three-tier system. The carrier's Rapid Rewards program will transition from A-List and A-List Preferred tiers to Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels, aligning more closely with offerings from competitors in the industry. Existing members will be automatically converted to new status levels beginning January 1, 2027. Current A-List members will move to Silver status, while A-List Preferred members will be converted to Gold. Southwest indicated that the expanded tier structure aims to provide members with additional pathways to receive loyalty benefits as they increase their engagement with the program. The carrier is also introducing an intermediate benefits structure called Milestone Rewards, which will allow members to access certain perks before officially achieving a new status tier. The company provided an example indicating that customers would be able to earn rewards at designated checkpoints as they progress toward Silver status. Accompanying the loyalty program overhaul, Southwest is developing a series of airport lounges designed in collaboration with Chase, further signaling the airline's shift in focus toward premium customer experiences. These lounge facilities represent a notable departure from the carrier's historical positioning and operational model, reflecting changing competitive dynamics within the airline industry. Article summary produced by Claude AI

The Business Journals

Oct 16th, 2026

8 things to know: Southwest revamps Rapid Rewards program.

8 things to know: Southwest revamps Rapid Rewards program. By Jessica Iannetta - Editor-in-Chief, Baltimore Business Journal Oct 16, 2026 Good morning Baltimore and happy Friday! If you haven't noticed the signs popping up all over the city, consider this your final warning that the annual Baltimore Running Festival is tomorrow. The street closures are extensive, so plan ahead if you're expecting to be out and about. The city Department of Transportation has all the info you need about traffic and parking. The road closures and parking restrictions begin tonight and things will start to clear up tomorrow afternoon once the marathon ends. Now, let's get to the news. Southwest Airlines revamps Rapid Rewards program, unveils lounge look. Southwest Airlines, the largest carrier at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, unveiled changes to its Rapid Rewards program and shared a first look at its upcoming lounges this week. The Dallas carrier will replace its current A-List and A-List Preferred levels with new silver, gold and platinum tiers next year, the Dallas Business Journal reports. Platinum members will receive an unlimited companion pass and travelers can also earn rewards before reaching elite status through new milestone benefits. Southwest also announced that its "Southwest Icon Lounge Network" will have at least 11 lounges, with four already in development, including one at BWI. Check out a rendering of the planned Nashville lounge below. BWI Airport completes major runway rehabilitation. In other airport news, BWI has completed a full rehabilitation of its longest runway, which reopened yesterday afternoon. The project involved milling and paving the runway and installing a modern LED runway lighting system, the airport said in a news release. The cost to renovate Runway 10-28, one of two commercial runways at the airport, was $83.8 million, with funding coming from the Federal Aviation Administration's Infrastructure Grant program and the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund. Chinese restaurant to open at the Inner Harbor. A Chinese eatery based in College Park is coming to the Inner Harbor, the Banner reports. Eastern Gourmet will open a location at the 414 Light apartment tower in early January, offering a range of cuisine from the Sichuan province in Southwestern China as well as Chinese American classics. The restaurant, however, won't be selling any types of noodles. Eastern Gourmet's tenant agreement forbids noodle dishes because it would compete with Ramen Utsuke next door. For the second time in two years, a historic office building near Oriole Park at Camden Yards is hitting the auction block. BBJ Senior Reporter Melody Simmons has the details on the upcoming sale of the office portion of 300 W. Pratt St. A Howard County entrepreneur who was once honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration is facing federal bank fraud charges linked to two dozen loan applications made under a Covid-era relief program. Managing Editor Amanda Yeager has more on the case against Kara DiPietro. Lawsuit alleges Medium Rare co-founder Mark Bucher pocketed rebates. The Washington Business Journal reports that the management company behind Medium Rare has sued Mark Bucher, who co-founded the popular French-inspired steak frites restaurant chain, for allegedly pocketing rebates from a beef supplier without disclosing them to his business partner. The lawsuit, filed by Get Some Food Group Managing Member LLC, alleges Bucher secretly negotiated a rebate program with an unidentified vendor in 2024 and had the checks deposited into his personal account. Bucher declined to comment on the lawsuit but called the litigation "a strong arm tactic to push me out of the company." The restaurant chain has seven locations across six states, including one in Columbia. A Hampden location opened in 2023 but closed after less than a year in business. Loyola University Maryland opens community center. Loyola University Maryland cut the ribbon on a new community center on Wednesday. The private liberal arts college opened the center in a renovated section of its main building at 5104 York Road in Baltimore, according to a Thursday news release. The center houses the university's Center for Neighborhood Resilience, which works to advance the well-being of communities around York Road, and provides space for programs with Loyola's community partners. The space will also host offices for an entrepreneur from Loyola's Baltipreneurs Accelerator, starting with Mentoring Mentors Inc. As part of the renovation, Loyola added 2,500 square feet of office space to the building as well as multipurpose space for community events and workshops. Tuition for private schools in Greater Baltimore continues to climb, with an average cost that now surpasses $30,000 a year. Check out which local schools have the highest tuition in this week's List. * 25-year tax break unveiled for UMB apartment project * Largest Baltimore-based bank opens first new branch in 4 years * Local group opens first city restaurant at Baltimore Peninsula * Senior living community on college campus breaks ground * Resort just off Bay Bridge unveils $10M waterfront hotel

Safari India

Oct 16th, 2026

Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines launch loyalty partnership.

Etihad Airways and Southwest Airlines launch loyalty partnership. Loyalty partnership connects Etihad and Southwest networks. Etihad Guest, Etihad Airways' loyalty programme, and Rapid Rewards, Southwest Airlines' loyalty programme, have announced a new partnership that will let members of both programmes earn and redeem rewards across the two airlines' networks. The partnership is expected to begin in spring 2027. Etihad Guest members will be able to earn Etihad Guest Miles on eligible Southwest Airlines flights and redeem miles for reward travel across Southwest's network in the United States, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Rapid Rewards members will also earn points on eligible Etihad flights and redeem them for travel across Etihad's international network, including destinations such as Krabi, Zanzibar and Hanoi. Mark Potter, Managing Director of Etihad Guest, said the partnership will give Etihad Guest members access to more destinations across the US, Central America and the Caribbean, while Rapid Rewards members will have additional options for travelling across Etihad's network. Nandika Suri, Vice President of Rapid Rewards at Southwest Airlines, said the partnership will allow members to earn and redeem points across both airlines from spring 2027. Etihad Guest Miles can be used for flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, holidays and products through the Etihad Guest Reward Shop. Rapid Rewards members can earn points on Southwest fares and redeem them for available seats on Southwest-operated flights, with no blackout dates and points that do not expire. Etihad currently operates direct flights to Atlanta, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, New York City, and Washington in the US, as well as Toronto in Canada. Direct flights to Calgary are scheduled to begin on 25 October. Passengers travelling to the US through Zayed International Airport can also use the US Customs and Border Protection Preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi, allowing them to complete US immigration and customs procedures before departure. Further details on the loyalty partnership will be available through Etihad Airways ahead of its launch in 2027. For more travel and tourism content, follow Safari India. Priyal Dutta - Senior Correspondent & Senior Editor, Safari India Senior Correspondent and Senior Editor at Safari India, part of Content Advisory Pvt. Ltd., covering travel, tourism, hospitality, aviation and lifestyle. I report on industry news, business developments, interviews and emerging trends, with a focus on clear, accurate and engaging stories that keep readers informed.

Chip and Co

Oct 16th, 2026

Southwest Airlines overhauls Rapid Rewards with new Platinum tier and unlimited Companion Pass trips.

Southwest Airlines overhauls Rapid Rewards with new Platinum tier and unlimited Companion Pass trips. October 16, 2026 Some posts may contain affiliate links which means its team could earn money if you purchase products from its site. Southwest unveils Platinum tier & unlimited Companion Pass in major rewards overhaul. Planning your next magical getaway to Walt Disney World just got a whole lot more rewarding. Southwest Airlines has officially announced a sweeping overhaul to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, bringing a brand-new status tier, airport lounges, new credit card perks, and lightning-fast connectivity to its fleet. If Southwest is your go-to airline for flying down to Orlando International Airport (MCO), here is everything you need to know about these major updates rolling out through 2027! A brand-new tier structure (starting january 1, 2027). Southwest is shaking up its loyalty tiers to introduce a more rewarding structure for frequent flyers. The familiar A-List and A-List Preferred levels are getting renamed, alongside an exciting top-tier addition: * Silver (replaces A-List) * Gold (replaces A-List Preferred) * Platinum (a brand-new top tier sitting above Gold, featuring unlimited Companion Pass trips!) Additionally, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will soon earn one Tier Qualifying Point (TQP) for every dollar spent on purchases, making it significantly faster to climb the status ladder no matter which eligible card you hold. Milestone Rewards & More ways to redeem. You won't have to wait until you hit full status to start reaping the benefits. Southwest is introducing Milestone Rewards: * Before reaching Silver: Travelers can select custom rewards, such as Rapid Rewards points or seat certificates. * Between Gold and Platinum: Members can qualify for up to three Companion Pass trips. Redemption upgrades are also on the way: * November 2026: You can begin redeeming points for rental cars directly through * Later in 2027: Points will become redeemable for seat selections on Southwest-operated flights, including Extra Legroom and Preferred seating options. * Spring 2027: Southwest is expanding its global reach by launching international airline loyalty partnerships with Icelandair, China Airlines, and Etihad Airways, opening up seamless travel points to destinations like Reykjavik, Tokyo, Abu Dhabi, and Johannesburg. The Southwest Icon Lounge network. Say hello to airport relaxation! In late 2027, Southwest is launching its very first airport lounge network in partnership with Chase. Access to the Southwest Icon Lounge will be granted via a brand-new premium Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card debuting in 2027 (additional access details are expected soon). Fleetwide Starlink WiFi. If keeping connected mid-air is a priority, you're in luck. Southwest expects to complete a fleetwide rollout of high-speed Starlink WiFi by fall 2027. Best of all, WiFi will remain completely free for Rapid Rewards Members through T-Mobile. Most of these changes will roll out progressively through 2027. You can check out all the fine details on the official Southwest Rapid Rewards 2027 page. For the BEST in Disney, Universal, Dollywood, and SeaWorld Theme Park News, Entertainment, Merchandise & More follow Chip and Co on, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, and Youtube. Name(Required) Are Dates Flexible?(Required)

Southwest Airlines

Ramp Agent - Ground Operations

About the job

About the company

Get referred to Southwest Airlines

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

What critics are saying

What makes Southwest Airlines unique

Benefits

Growth & Insights and Company News

6 month growth

1 year growth

2 year growth