Less than a month after announcing its first-ever mass layoff, Southwest said Tuesday that it will close two flight attendant bases. The Dallas-based airline cited complexities around reserve coverage for the closures.
The two affected bases are in Austin, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. These satellite bases opened in 2018 and were each staffed with approximately 150 flight attendants.
These closures are slated to take effect on July 1. Displaced flight attendants will be moved to Southwest’s 12 main crew bases, an airline spokesperson told AirlineGeeks.
Currently, the carrier has bases in Atlanta; Baltimore; Chicago; Dallas; Denver; Houston; Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Nashville, Tennessee; Oakland, California; Orlando, Florida; and Phoenix. No pilots are based in Austin or Fort Lauderdale.
This move, Southwest said, is part of the carrier’s ongoing efforts to “further maximize our operational efficiency and reliability.” In January, the airline shared plans to downsize pilot head counts at several bases.
“This change will ultimately help strengthen our Crew network and support a more reliable operation for our Employees and Customers,” the spokesperson added.
The Transport Workers Union – which represents Southwest flight attendants – said it is supporting “our Members who are affected by this decision.”
Facing pressure from activist investor Elliott, Southwest laid off 1,750 corporate workers last month.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. to add a statement from the TWU.
