Preparing to Ace Your Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Interview: The Top 25 Questions You Need to Know

So you want to soar the friendly skies with Southwest Airlines? As one of the most popular airlines in the United States, Southwest has a reputation for fun and customer service. With more than 60,000 employees, they are clearly doing something right.

As a potential future flight attendant, you’ll need to show Southwest that you have what it takes during the interview process. This begins with understanding the types of questions you’re likely to face. That’s why we’ve put together the top 25 Southwest Airlines flight attendant interview questions along with tips for crushing your answers.

Let’s dive in!

Overview of the Southwest Flight Attendant Interview Process

The interview process typically involves two rounds

• Phone Interview Southwest will screen candidates with a 30-45 minute phone call focused on availability, customer service skills, and assessing fit

• In-Person Interview: Those who pass the phone screen will be invited for a full day of interviews, often held at Southwest headquarters. This includes situational questions, roleplaying exercises, and an opportunity to ask your own questions.

The key is thorough preparation. Understand the airline’s values and culture. Research common questions. Practice explaining your relevant skills and experience. We’ll cover all of this in the sections below. Ready for takeoff? Let’s get started!

Top 25 Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant Interview Questions

Here are the top questions likely to come up during your Southwest flight attendant interview:

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

This common opening question allows Southwest to assess your passion. Convey your admiration for their culture, commitment to customer service, and unique approach like open seating. Show you’ve done your research!

Sample Answer: I’ve been a longtime Southwest customer and have always appreciated your focus on hospitality and fun. Your culture is unparalleled, from the boarding process to inflight announcements. I love the “Positively Outrageous Service” philosophy and would be thrilled to provide that to passengers as a Southwest flight attendant. This role would enable me to combine my hospitality experience with my love of aviation.

2. What do you know about Southwest’s history and mission?

Southwest wants to see that you understand who they are as a company. Demonstrate this by discussing their origins, values, and what makes their approach stand out. Use specifics.

Sample Answer: Southwest was founded in 1967 with the goal of offering affordable air travel to those who couldn’t previously afford it. Fifty years later, that mission remains central through initiatives like the “Transfarency” campaign. Southwest also stands out through its flexible policies, low-cost structure, fun company culture, and emphasis on hospitality. Its mission is focused on democratizing the skies while providing an outstanding passenger experience.

3. Why do you feel you would be a great fit for Southwest Airlines?

Highlight the specific skills and qualities you possess that align with Southwest’s culture and values. This could include strengths like:

• Upbeat, friendly demeanor
• Passion for aviation/travel
• Conflict management abilities
• Teamwork and communication skills
• Problem-solving attitude
• Focus on customer experience

Sample Answer: With my previous experience in customer-facing roles, I’ve developed an ability to connect with passengers and provide top-notch service with a smile, even in stressful situations. I also consider myself a team player and enjoy working collaboratively with diverse groups, which I think would suit Southwest’s energetic team culture. Most importantly, I have a genuine passion for aviation and making air travel fun, rather than stressful. I would love to bring my strengths to a company like Southwest that prioritizes the passenger experience.

4. How would you handle an angry or difficult passenger?

Diffusing tense situations is key for a flight attendant. Demonstrate patience, empathy and your conflict resolution ability. Stay calm and make passenger comfort your focus.

Sample Answer: Remaining calm is the most important thing. I would listen empathetically to understand their concerns without getting defensive. Once I fully comprehend the situation, I would politely apologize for their dissatisfaction and see how I could reasonably rectify it based on their needs as well as airline policy. My goal would be turning the situation around to meet their needs so they walk away from the interaction satisfied, while also upholding Southwest’s reputation for positively outrageous service.

5. Tell me about a time you went above and beyond for a customer or client.

Southwest wants service-minded team players who create memorable moments. Share a story that conveys your dedication and creativity when handling a customer request or issue. Emphasize the positive impact on their experience.

Sample Answer: As a restaurant server, I once had a couple celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. They mentioned it was their first time dining out without their children in years. I surprised them with a complimentary dessert and wrote “Happy 40th Anniversary!” on the plate. It created such a heartwarming moment for them. They later told my manager it had been their best anniversary in years. It was a simple gesture but it showed me how doing that extra bit can turn an ordinary experience into something special. I’d love to recreate moments like that as a Southwest flight attendant.

6. How would you handle a medical emergency if a doctor is not available on the flight?

Medical training is a core duty of a flight attendant since health emergencies can arise any time. Walk through your emergency response process. Emphasize calm assessment, efficient coordination with the crew, and putting passenger welfare first.

Sample Answer: First, I would communicate clearly with the passenger to understand their condition and symptoms. After quickly briefing the pilots, I would make an announcement requesting medical personnel onboard to assist, while protecting the passenger’s privacy. I would gather the medical kit and any relevant supplies. If the issue is life-threatening, I would request an emergency landing. Otherwise, I would utilize my emergency medical training to assist the passenger to the best of my abilities until professional care is available. Most importantly, I would remain calm to keep the passenger as comfortable as possible.

7. Describe your approach to dealing with tired or intoxicated passengers.

This tests your diplomacy and problem-solving skills. Share how you would firmly yet professionally handle situations posed by tired or intoxicated passengers who may be agitated or disruptive.

Sample Answer: If a passenger is noticeably tired or intoxicated, my approach would be to monitor them closely for any signs of disruptive behavior while also being discreet to avoid embarrassing them unnecessarily. I would remind them firmly yet politely of rules around conduct and request their cooperation. If the issue escalates despite polite warnings, I would notify the appropriate supervisor or security while maintaining calm composure. However, I would look for an outcome that minimizes disruption for other passengers whenever possible, through techniques like reseating. My goal ultimately is maintaining safety and compliance while treating the passenger with dignity.

8. How would you react if you saw a fellow flight attendant being disrespectful to a passenger?

Here they want to see your sense of ethics and ability to address difficult situations professionally, especially those involving colleagues. Focus your answer on constructive team communication and de-escalation.

Sample Answer: My first priority would be intervening appropriately to resolve the situation and improve the passenger’s experience. I would politely yet firmly inform my colleague if I felt their conduct crossed professional boundaries. After defending the passenger’s right to respect, I would speak privately with my colleague to understand their perspective while making my concerns clear. If the issue persists, I would discretely notify leadership. However, I believe in team resolution whenever possible. The goal is upholding our service standards while maintaining open communication and respect among the crew.

9. Tell me about a time you successfully adapted to a last minute change in your work schedule or plans.

Flexibility is a must-have skill as schedules frequently shift. Provide an example demonstrating your agility and commitment in a fluid situation. Share any tactics that helped you adjust efficiently.

Sample Answer: As a retail supervisor, we would occasionally have callouts right before a shift leaving us short staffed. When this happened, I would swiftly contact other employees to cover, even if it meant picking up extra hours myself. Being prepared with backup contacts and a personal willingness to step up enabled me to adapt seamlessly to these last minute changes. While challenging, it taught me skills like effective communication, creative problem solving and maintaining a cool head under pressure – abilities that I think would serve me well as a flight attendant.

10. Imagine you’re preparing for departure and a passenger informs you they have a severe peanut allergy. What steps would you take?

Peanut allergies can be life-threatening at 30,000 feet. Show you appreciate the seriousness and can take appropriate action while also reassuring the anxious passenger.

Sample Answer: Absolutely, I would take this very seriously to ensure the passenger’s safety and comfort. I would gather all details about their allergy and inform the pilots and my fellow crew members. We would coordinate to prevent any peanut products from being served in their seating section and sanitize surfaces as an extra precaution. Discreetly asking those seated nearby not to consume peanut products would be another step. Most importantly, I would reassure the passenger that we are taking every measure possible to accommodate their needs and they are in good hands