The SWAPA Number

By SWAPA

What's The SWAPA Number about?

In each podcast we explore a number that will help us explain an issue that matters to our Pilots. This might be a scheduling metric, a Company financial number that impacts us, or anything else that has significance to us as SWAPA Pilots.

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The SWAPA Number episodes:

04.12.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: Polling/Implementation, a Grievance, and Reroute Q&A
This 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...
04.05.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans, ELITT Umbra, Ground Time Override
In 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...
04.04.2024
134 (CIRT, Dave West)
Today's SWAPA Number is 134. That's the number of cases that the Critical Incident Response Team, which we refer to as CIRT, has handled in 2024 alone. Today we're going to talk to SWAPA CIRT Chair, Captain Dave West, about...
04.01.2024
1,142 (2023 Highlights, Damian Jennette)
As we wrap up Contract 2020, frequent friend of the show, Damian Jennette, will give us some highlights including some never before heard clips that will give you, our listeners, some insight into the process it takes to bring you...
03.29.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: Open Enrollment, Scheduling and Pay, Contract Admin Q&A
In 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...
03.25.2024
50% (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...
03.22.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: Open Enrollment, Audit Tool, Split to Cover, and More
In 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...
03.15.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: Benefits, Disability and Open Enrollment
In 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...
03.11.2024
12 (BNA Domicile, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor, Meagan Nelan)
Today's SWAPA Number is 12. That's how many domiciles Southwest will have once we open Nashville in May of this year. So on today's show, we're going to talk with SRC chair Scott Plyler and SRC member Dan O'Connor about...
03.08.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: Overrides, Benefits, Compensation and Expenses
This 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...
02.29.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: Implementation Update, FAQs from SRC and Benefits
This 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...
02.26.2024
1.5% (Profit Sharing, Damian Jennette)
Today's SWAPA Number is 1.5%. That's the 2023 profit sharing percentage that Southwest will be paying its employees this year. So today on the show, we're going to talk with NC member Damian Jennette about how that number was derived,...
02.23.2024
The SWAPA Ride Report: FAQs from Benefits, Retirement, Contract Admin and SRC
This 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...
02.15.2024
The 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...
02.12.2024
8 (Implementation Update, Scott Plyler, Meagan Nelan)
Today's SWAPA number is eight, that's how many new overrides are being implemented and paid between now and March 1st. Today we're going to talk to SRC Chair, Scott Plyler, and SWAPA Manager of Schedule Analytics, Meagan Nelan, about where...
01.29.2024
92.7% (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,...
01.15.2024
745 (Disability, Damian Jennette)
Today's SWAPA number is 745. That's how many pilots that have entered longterm disability since 2020. As our pilot group is considering the TA before them, we'd like to zero in on an area of our contract that holds a...
01.01.2024
64% (Implementation, Jody Reven, Scott Plyler, Damian Jennette)
Today's SWAPA Number is 64%. That's the percentage of Contract 2020 that will be effective on date of ratification. By the end of 2024, that number will rise to 84%. Today on the show, we're going to talk with Jody Reven,...
12.20.2023
Benefits - Section 4 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Negotiating Committee Member, Damian Jennette about Section 4, Benefits. 00:20 Section 4 Overview and Language 01:27 Codifications 02:18 Survivor Eligibility and Retirees 04:24 All things COBRA 05:14 Medical, Dental,...
12.20.2023
Expenses - Section 3 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Negotiating Committee Chair, Jody Reven about Section 3, Expenses. 01:10 Expense Reporting and Reimbursement 01:40 Exceeding Limits Language 02:22 Per Diem 03:02 Additional Per Diem 04:00 Uniform Expenses 05:31 Parking...
12.20.2023
Compensation - Section 2 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from our resident host, Kurt Heidemann about Section 2, Compensation. 00:31 Overview of Language Changes 01:07 Pay Rates and Increases 02:06 Amenable Dates 02:55 Post Amenable Strategy 04:22 Post Amenable Raises 04:50 ...
12.20.2023
Section 1 - Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Negotiating Committee Chair, Jody Reven, about Section 1. 00:14 Strategy and Protections 01:09 Industry Comparison 02:58 State Owned Enterprises, Partnership Language, Exclusion List 06:52 Expansion of Network Discussion 08:30 ...
12.20.2023
3 (SRC Fireside Chat, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor, Meagan Nelan)
Today's SWAPA Number is 3. On our Contract 2020 Negotiating team, we call our core of scheduling SME's, SRC3. That's Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor, and Meagan Nelan, who are the individuals most responsible for the complete rewrite of our work...
12.20.2023
Retirement - Section 5 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Negotiating Committee Member, Damian Jennette about Section 5, Retirement. 00:17 Retirement Headlines 00:39 MBCBP Overview 01:57 MBCBP Funding 03:28 Private Letter Ruling – Additional Funding 04:26 Excess Contribution Limits 05:22 ...
12.19.2023
General - Section 6 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from resident host, Kurt Heidemann on Section 6, General. 01:18 Uniforms 02:20 Required Documents 02:55 Crew Meals 04:48 Jumpseat 06:23 Pilot Travel 08:55 Team/Company Meetings 11:10 SIDA Badges 12:01 Retirement and...
12.19.2023
Check Pilot Guide - Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, Senior Legal and Labor Analyst Lexi Taylor will be talking with Jay Bellar, Chip Ellsworth, and John Miller, members of the SWAPA Check Airmen Committee, about the new Check Pilot Guide. 00:21 The...
12.19.2023
Miscellaneous - Sections 7, 8, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Kurt Heidemann on several small sections, starting with Section 7, Seniority, Section 8, Vacancies, Section 20, Safety, Section 22, Furlough, Section 23, Supervisory Duties, Section 24 Dues, Section 25, IT,...
12.19.2023
OJI - Section 17 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Negotiating Committee Member, Damian Jennette, on Section 17, OJI. 00:25 TPAs and Compensable/Non Compensable Discussion 02:07 OJI in Current CBA vs New TA 04:20 Sick Bank Usage 04:54 Flight...
12.19.2023
Leaves of Absence - Section 17 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On today's Contract 2020 TA Education, we hear from our usual host, Kurt Heidemann, on Section 17, Leaves of Absence. 00:16 Big Picture Changes 00:38 General Section Overview 01:17 LOA and Vacation 01:53 Longevity 02:34 Emergency and Bereavement Leave 03:45 ...
12.19.2023
Hotel Standards - Section 16 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Contract Admin Chair, Seth Kornblum, on Section 16, Hotel Standards. 00:16 Hotels List 01:17 Hotels Standards Manual 02:23 Required Accommodations 05:01 The Crew Accommodations Board (CAB) 07:34 Hotel Standards Provisions 08:34 ...
12.19.2023
Training and Standardization - Section 15 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from Senior Legal and Labor Analyst, Lexi Taylor on Section 15, Training and Standardization. 00:20 Section 18 and 23 Overview 01:01 Training Awards and Assignments 03:01 Training Trading 03:37 Fatigue and...
12.19.2023
Vacation - Section 14 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from SRC member, Dan O'Connor, about Section 14, Vacation. 00:21 3 Main Changes to Vacation 01:22 1.5% Floor and Industry Comparison 03:33 Additional Spring Break Weeks 04:08 Elimination of Floating Vacation...
12.19.2023
Reserve - Section 13 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from SRC Chair, Scott Plyler and SRC member Dan O'Connor, about Section 13, Reserve. 01:02 The Reserve Proffer Process (RPP) 02:08 How RCO and RPP Interact 03:32 Non Conforming Pairings 05:42 ...
12.19.2023
Exchange of Flying - Section 10 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from SRC Chair, Scott Plyler and SRC member, Dan O'Connor about Section 10, Exchange of Flying. 00:18 Change in Exchange of Flying and Automation 00:35 TTGA Changes 02:18 TTGA Over Non-Flys 03:55 ...
12.19.2023
Schedule Execution - Section 12 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from SRC members, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor, and Megan Nelan about Section 12, Schedule Execution. 01:09 Checkin & Report, Release 01:51 Legalities During Execution 03:49 Execution Timeline Table Discussion 06:28 Crew...
12.19.2023
Voluntary Additional Flying - Section 11 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from SRC Chair, Scott Plyler and SRC Member, Dan O'Connor about Section 11, Voluntary Additional Flying. 00:24 Voluntary Additional Flying Overview 00:44 Contractual Splits 01:32 STC and Open Time 03:27 ...
12.19.2023
Pilot Schedule Planning - Section 9 | Contract 2020 TA Education
On this Contract 2020 TA Education episode, we'll hear from SRC members, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor, and Meagan Nelan about Section 9, Pilot Schedule Planning. 01:05 Timeline Changes 01:38 Changes in Duty Time 02:40 Schedule Quality Asks and Changes 03:47 ...
11.27.2023
20 (Negotiations Q&A, Kurt Heidemann)
Today's SWAPA Number is 20, as in 20 questions, because that's what we're doing today on the show with typical host, Kurt Heidemann, who also happens to be a part of the NC. We've been in negotiations for more than three...
11.13.2023
11/30 (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...
10.30.2023
$70,000 (Contract Admin, Seth Kornblum)
Today's SWAPA Number is $70,000. That's roughly what SWAPA spends on an arbitration when we and the Company can't settle a grievance before it gets that far. Arbitrations are a required part of the RLA process that we operate in...
10.16.2023
4 (Pilot Healthcare, Todd Hermling, Tony Capparella)
Amy Robinson: Today's SWAPA Number is four, as in stage four cancer. Imagine if you were given that diagnosis by your doctor on today's show, myself and Tony Caparella from the Benefits team ended up talking with SWAPA pilot Todd Hermling...
10.02.2023
$37.5 million (Budget, Tom Nekouei, Hank Ketchum, Brian Hickman)
Today's SWAPA Number is $37.5 million. That's the total expenses in the 2024 budget, which will be voted on by the membership this month in the fall general election. Today, we're going to talk to SWAPA's Second Vice President Tom...
09.18.2023
18 (Negotiations, Jody Reven, Kurt Heidemann, Damian Jennette)
Today's SWAPA Number is 18. That's the number of days the NMB has given us for the next 10 weeks. Those extra days with additional unmediated sessions for language writing will help us get closer to a deal. So today...
09.11.2023
12 (Elections, Dan Mosher)
Today's SWAPA Number is 12. That's the number of BOD seats that are up for election next month, which include one for each domicile, plus the vice president executive seat. Today's podcast will take a different tack from our normal...
09.04.2023
5 (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...
08.21.2023
649,000 (Training and Professional Standards, Greg Bowen and Jon Ross)
Today's SWAPA Number is 649,000. That's the number of new pilots that Boeing projects will be needed to staff the growing demand for airlines in the next two decades. With such a high demand and low supply of qualified aviators,...
08.07.2023
23 (Schedule Research Committee, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor and Meagan Nelan)
Today's SWAPA Number is 23. That's the number of pages of SWAPA's Schedule Execution language that was missing from Labor Relations' last pass of work rules. Our proposals to mitigate long days, short overnights and a historic fatigue rate were...
07.31.2023
402 (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...
07.17.2023
6 (Erich Schnitzler, Greg Auld, Dan O'Connor, Contract Comparison)
Today's SWAPA Number is 6. That's the number of agreements that have been ratified, with two still pending, at other carriers over the last nine months. So today on the show, we're going to talk with EF&A; Chair, Eric Schnitzler,...
07.03.2023
117 (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...

What's The SWAPA Number about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The SWAPA Number episodes:

The SWAPA Ride Report: Polling/Implementation, a Grievance, and Reroute Q&A

The SWAPA Ride Report: Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Plans, ELITT Umbra, Ground Time Override

134 (CIRT, Dave West)

1,142 (2023 Highlights, Damian Jennette)

The SWAPA Ride Report: Open Enrollment, Scheduling and Pay, Contract Admin Q&A

50% (New STD/LTD Plans, Damian Jennette, Brent Weisner)

The SWAPA Ride Report: Open Enrollment, Audit Tool, Split to Cover, and More

The SWAPA Ride Report: Benefits, Disability and Open Enrollment

12 (BNA Domicile, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor, Meagan Nelan)

The SWAPA Ride Report: Overrides, Benefits, Compensation and Expenses

The SWAPA Ride Report: Implementation Update, FAQs from SRC and Benefits

1.5% (Profit Sharing, Damian Jennette)

The SWAPA Ride Report: FAQs from Benefits, Retirement, Contract Admin and SRC

The SWAPA Ride Report: Implementation Update (401(k), Scheduling, and Contract Administration)

8 (Implementation Update, Scott Plyler, Meagan Nelan)

92.7% (The Future of SWAPA, Casey Murray and Tom Nekouei)

745 (Disability, Damian Jennette)

64% (Implementation, Jody Reven, Scott Plyler, Damian Jennette)

Benefits - Section 4 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Expenses - Section 3 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Compensation - Section 2 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Section 1 - Contract 2020 TA Education

3 (SRC Fireside Chat, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor, Meagan Nelan)

Retirement - Section 5 | Contract 2020 TA Education

General - Section 6 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Check Pilot Guide - Contract 2020 TA Education

Miscellaneous - Sections 7, 8, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 27 | Contract 2020 TA Education

OJI - Section 17 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Leaves of Absence - Section 17 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Hotel Standards - Section 16 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Training and Standardization - Section 15 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Vacation - Section 14 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Reserve - Section 13 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Exchange of Flying - Section 10 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Schedule Execution - Section 12 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Voluntary Additional Flying - Section 11 | Contract 2020 TA Education

Pilot Schedule Planning - Section 9 | Contract 2020 TA Education

20 (Negotiations Q&A, Kurt Heidemann)

11/30 (Expectations, Casey Murray, Jody Reven)

$70,000 (Contract Admin, Seth Kornblum)

4 (Pilot Healthcare, Todd Hermling, Tony Capparella)

$37.5 million (Budget, Tom Nekouei, Hank Ketchum, Brian Hickman)

18 (Negotiations, Jody Reven, Kurt Heidemann, Damian Jennette)

12 (Elections, Dan Mosher)

5 (Nationwide Picket, Pilot Sentiment)

649,000 (Training and Professional Standards, Greg Bowen and Jon Ross)

23 (Schedule Research Committee, Scott Plyler, Dan O'Connor and Meagan Nelan)

402 (Matt Minguela, Tony Caparella, Benefits)

6 (Erich Schnitzler, Greg Auld, Dan O'Connor, Contract Comparison)

117 (Fatigue, Scott Hutchinson)