Department:
Network PlanningOur 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:
The Network Planning Analyst supports the Data Science and Analytics Team within Network Planning by analyzing, implementing, and communicating critical updates to Southwest Airlines’ published flight schedules. They’ll use data and modeling to identify trends, generate insights, and develop recommendations that inform schedule creation and execution. They’ll effectively communicate analysis and proposals to the broader Team and Senior Leadership, including highly visible audiences, while contributing to strategic initiatives with creativity and flexibility. The Network Planning Analyst plays a key role in transforming complex data into actionable insights that optimize network performance and support Southwest’s operational and financial success.
Additional Details
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.
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.
- Analyze large commercial and operational datasets (e.g., revenue, demand, load factor, profitability, shopping behavior) using SQL, Python, Tableau, and cloud-based tools.
- Build and run SQL queries in tools such as DBeaver, and work with data stored in AWS/cloud environments.
- Apply foundational math, statistics, and finance concepts to evaluate performance, identify trends, and quantify impacts.
- Perform exploratory analysis and create analytical frameworks that support new market evaluations, schedule decisions, demand behavior insights, and profitability assessments.
- Apply introductory machine learning concepts (e.g., regression, classification, clustering) where appropriate to enhance forecasting and insight generation.
- Manage and interpret big datasets to support decision-making related to network design, schedule planning, and commercial strategy.
- Translate analytical findings into clear, compelling presentations and visual stories for leadership and cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Develop dashboards and reports in Tableau or similar visualization tools to communicate key metrics and trends.
- Partner with Network Planning, Revenue Management, Strategy, Finance, and Technology to align data capabilities and improve data accessibility and quality.
- Support ad hoc analysis, scenario modeling, and strategic deep dives that influence the direction of the network.
- Deliver accurate and timely analysis while maintaining a high degree of attention to detail.
- Automate recurring reports and analytical workflows to improve efficiency and reduce manual effort.
- May perform other job duties as assigned.
- Highly knowledgeable in mathematics, statistics, and finance, with ability to apply these concepts to airline and commercial data.
- Working knowledge of SQL, Python, and data‑visualization tools like Tableau.
- Experience using data management and querying tools such as DBeaver, and comfort working in AWS/cloud environments.
- Ability to work with large datasets, perform complex analyses, and validate data accuracy.
- Understanding of basic machine learning and AI-driven concepts and how they support forecasting and decision-making.
- Ability to translate raw data into meaningful insights and actionable recommendations.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to create clear slides, charts, and summaries for leadership audiences.
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to collaborate across teams and balance multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Required: High School Diploma or GED
- Intermediate level experience, fully functioning broad knowledge in:
- Experience in SQL, Tableau, machine learning basics, or cloud analytics.
- Experience in Python for data processing, automation, and analytical workflows, including building reusable scripts to support production analytics.
- Experience in airline, transportation, or commercial analytics environments.
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office suite
- Written and verbal communication
- Handling multiple concurrent projects and prioritizing accordingly
- Preferred: Experience using SQL and Python or R for data querying, analysis, and modeling
- Preferred: Experience building dashboards and visual analytics in Tableau or Power BI
- Preferred: Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms and analytics environments
- Preferred: Proficiency in PowerPoint, with the ability to clearly present analytical findings
- Preferred: Strong data storytelling skills, including translating complex analyses into clear, actionable insights
- Preferred: Familiarity with machine learning or data science concepts, including building, evaluating, or applying analytical models
- Preferred: Prior experience or background in the airline or transportation industry, or in consulting environments supporting data analytics Teams
- N/A
- Ability to perform work duties from [limited space workstation/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
- Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
- Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job
- 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
- Must meet confidentiality expectations as to confidential, proprietary and sensitive Company information
Pay & Benefits:
Competitive market salary from $85,300.00 per year to $94,800.00 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.
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 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**
Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***
Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)
Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.
Explore more Benefits you’ll love: careers.southwestair.com/benefits
*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.
**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Skills Required
- High School Diploma or GED
- Working knowledge of SQL
- Experience using Python for data processing and automation
- Experience with Tableau or similar visualization tools
- Experience using DBeaver or similar data management/querying tools
- Experience working in AWS/cloud environments
- Strong mathematics, statistics, and finance fundamentals applicable to commercial data
- Ability to work with large datasets and validate data accuracy
- Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office proficiency
- Strong written and verbal communication; ability to create presentations for leadership
- Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize
- High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
- Experience in airline, transportation, or commercial analytics environments
- Experience using SQL and Python or R for data querying, analysis, and modeling
- Experience building dashboards and visual analytics in Tableau or Power BI
- Familiarity with cloud-based data platforms and analytics environments
- Proficiency in PowerPoint and data storytelling skills
- Familiarity with machine learning or data science concepts
- Prior experience in consulting or additional airline/transportation background
Southwest Airlines Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Southwest Airlines and has not been reviewed or approved by Southwest Airlines.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Pay progression is described as materially improving after major 2024 union agreements, especially for pilots and flight attendants. Compensation satisfaction is framed as stronger over time as step scales and seniority accumulate.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support stands out through a dollar-for-dollar 401(k) match and the presence of profit-sharing contributions that can add to retirement savings. Stock purchase access is also positioned as an additional ownership-oriented component of total rewards.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellbeing and lifestyle value is elevated by extensive space-available travel privileges and broad travel-related discounts that can materially offset personal travel costs. Recognition mechanisms like points-based rewards are also positioned as an added lifestyle-oriented perk.
Southwest Airlines Insights
What We Do
At Southwest Airlines we connect People to what’s important in their lives—that also means connecting our Employees to what’s important in their lives! Our Employees value the opportunity to work hard, be creative, and have fun on the job. Southwest Airlines recognizes, respects, and values differences. By fostering a culture that embraces and utilizes our diversity, we create competitive advantages in teamwork and innovation that contribute to our overall success.
