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SWAPAfamily Waypoint: August 2022

SWAPAfamily Waypoint: August 2022

August 06, 2022

Our latest SWAPAfamily event was held in BWI on July 21. I had the pleasure of attending with my entire family, and I want to personally thank all the families who came out for a fun-filled evening. We know that spouses are the glue that hold our families together while their Pilots are on the road.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to attend a SWAPAfamily event, don't miss out on the next one near you. It’s a night full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. And it's the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends and meet new ones.

As we move down the road with negotiations, it is extremely important that all our families stay engaged with SWAPA’s communication pieces. We will be educating everyone on what the Railway Labor Act (RLA) is and how it affects each and every one of us, as this negotiating process continues to evolve. We will also be keeping all of our families up to date on the progress of the other major airlines that achieve new contracts. The other airlines will have a direct effect on what happens at our negotiating table. Most importantly, we will continually update you on the status of our negotiating progress. We will report the facts with zero spin. Straight forward, factual information is our promise and guarantee to you. 

One thing is certain, the Pilot shortage is upon us and the only thing that will attract and retain qualified Southwest Pilots is a new contract with industry-leading pay and benefits. Your continued engagement and support is essential to assuring SWAPA can attain what’s needed to secure the future qualified Pilots this airline so desperately needs. Please keep reading our emails, both the one specifically targeting families as well as the ones we send out to your Pilot. Please consider joining us on our social media pages, both our SWAPAfamily Facebook page and the official SWAPA Facebook and Twitter accounts. Thank you very much for your support, and I look forward to meeting each and every one of you at a SWAPAfamily event and other displays of unity that we have planned in the future. 

Let us know if there’s anything we can do for you, and remember there are SWAPA resources like Outreach and Project LIFT that are not only for Pilots, but for the families as well.

Mike Santoro
SWAPA Vice President


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SWAPAfamily Takes Over BWI

The latest stop on the SWAPAfamily FAM JAM reunion in BWI was a great showing of unity and family fun, where Pilots and families shared stories, and talked with SWAPA executives and committee members firsthand about negotiations and other important topics.

Watch this BWI recap video for a close look at SWAPAfamily events, and check out some pictures here.

We'll see you in November for the LAX SWAPAfamily Fam Jam event!


Mental and Physical Health Resources Available to You

Mental and physical health cannot be ignored, especially in the aviation industry. If you or someone in your family is suffering, take advantage of SWAPA's Project LIFT and the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT).

Project LIFT provides assistance to Pilots and families experiencing any type of non-physical issue that might be affecting flying or daily life, such as grief, depression, stress, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, and more. CIRT provides support following anything that evokes distress for those involved, such as accidents or severe incidents. For more information or assistance, contact:

Project LIFTlift@swapa.org
855-737-5438

CIRTcirt@swapa.org
214-722-4248


The SWAPA Number: 802

802 marks the number of Pilots, spouses, volunteers, SWA employees, and SWAPA staff who attended the pre-picket party at the Frontiers of Flight Museum in Dallas on June 20, 2022. In this episode, hear interviews with Pilots and their families about how they were feeling the night before the Informational Picket.

The SWAPA Number podcasts cover many helpful topics to you and your family. View all episodes here.


Dependent Scholarship Fund

Did you know SWAPA awards a scholarship fund to children of deceased or disabled Pilots? Since 2000, more than 170 qualified dependents of deceased or disabled Pilots have received a partial or full scholarship.

The scholarship is a voluntary, Pilot-supported plan currently sustained with a $2 contribution per month. 

For more information about the fund or how to apply, click here or call 214-722-4234.


Pilot & Son Bond Over Aviation-Themed Ride

DEN First Officer Scott Brazelton and his son West were featured by local and national news outlets for their creative airplane-themed rollercoaster in their backyard, which they built themselves!

Watch a fun video about it here


Helpful SWAPA Numbers

SWAPA Main Line:
800-969-7972

Mental Health Support & Incidents:
855-737-5438

Addiction Support:
301-535-9871

Family Outreach:
770-313-0045