Flight Operations Summer 2026 Internships

Department:

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:

Notice: We ask that you apply with your person email address rather than your school email (.edu) so we can stay connected about future roles at Southwest. Be sure to attach a resume to your application.

Flight Operations Summer Internships span across several different Flight Operations Teams. If hired, Interns may be asked to support a variety of projects within one of the following Teams:  

• Flight Ops Compliance Ops & Procedures Intern - The Flight Ops Compliance Ops & Procedures Intern will support the Flight Operations Team in ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements, Company policies, and operational standards. This role provides hands-on experience in compliance monitoring, procedural development, and operational documentation within a dynamic airline environment.

• Flight Safety Intern - As a Flight Safety Intern, you’ll collaborate across all Flight Safety Teams to create and distribute critical information to Southwest Flight Crews, Flight Training, and Leadership. In this role, you’ll leverage your safety knowledge, passion for aviation, and analytical skills to drive meaningful change—while working with both the Safety Management System (SMS) and Crew Resource Management (CRM).

• Flight Simulation Logistics Intern - The Flight Simulation Logistics Intern will assist with shipping and receiving aircraft parts and coordinating with vendors to ensure timely delivery and proper documentation. This role includes filing, scanning, and maintaining accurate records of shipments and inventory. The Intern will also handle confidential personnel records, requiring a high level of discretion and professionalism. Additional responsibilities include updating systems, tracking logistics, and supporting operational efficiency. 

Additional Details 

• Join Southwest as a Summer 2026 Intern, with a 12-week internship lasting from May 19 – August 7, 2026. 

• Pay of $20-$22 per hour, corresponding with progress toward degree 

• Stipends may be offered based on eligibility and program criteria 

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours (2702 Love Field Drive). 

• Dedicate 40 hours each week (maximum of 8 hours per day) to your internship responsibilities and tasks. 

• Receive free, unlimited space available travel privileges for yourself (taxes and fees may apply on international travel). 

• Interns will be provided any required equipment, such as a laptop, for the internship. 

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

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:   

The duties and responsibilities of Finance, Tax, and Accounting Intern may include, but are not limited to:   

• Assisting with day-to-day administration 

• Management of personnel records 

• Implementing documents into various platforms 

• Help document and format processes  

• Assist in compliance monitoring, procedural development, and operational documentation.  

• Building and fostering relationships with all Flight Safety Programs, Flight Operations Teams and other Southwest Airlines Safety Programs.  

• Coordinating research and data analysis for Safety issues. 

• Developing Safety Promotion, communication and training for the Pilot group pertaining to Safety related topics. 

• Coordinating the analysis of data from internal and external databases (e.g., NASA, MITRE, ASIAS, ATSAP) for common reporting of incidents.  

• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee’s Leaders. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:   

• Skilled in data analysis, database tools, and report preparation 

• Strong technical writing, communication, and collaboration skills 

• Skilled in research and data collection for operational improvements 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other productivity tools 

• Ability to work effectively in a team and from a limited-space workstation for extended periods 

• Knowledge of commercial airline operations and Flight Operations philosophies and procedures 

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and efficiency 

• Ability to travel as needed 

• Interest in aviation operations, including shipping and receiving logistics 

Education:  

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent education required  

• Progress toward a degree, major, or minor in Safety Management Systems (SMS), Professional Pilot, Commercial Aviation, Human Factors, Engineering, Aviation Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management or similar degree required  

• Progress towards a 4-year undergraduate degree preferred  

• To be eligible, you must be currently enrolled as a full-time student (as defined by your   

• university) at the time of application and during the internship  

• At least 3 semesters remaining at the time the internship ends is preferred  

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA at the time of application  

Basic Qualifications:  

• Must be at least 18 years of age  

• You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number to complete the full hiring process  

Experience 

• Preferred: Familiarity with Human Factors and Crew Resource Management (CRM) concepts 

• Preferred: Knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) 

• Preferred: Experience with aviation compliance or operational documentation processes 

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