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Fast Fact Friday
New Domicile (AUS)
Friday, January 9, 2026
Q1: “I’m really excited about the opening of AUS as our 13th SWA Inflight Domicile. When can I bid to be awarded the new domicile?”
Southwest Airlines announced that the new AUS Inflight Domicile will be opened March 2026. AUS has been added to the Vacancy Bid list, and you can now adjust your vacancy. The Vacancy Bid for March 2026 vacancies will close on January 29, 2026, at Noon CT. Inflight Crew Planning has shared its plan to post the MAR Vacancy Awards before the close of business on January 29, 2026.
Q2: “I’m not interested in being based in AUS. Do I need to update my Vacancy bid?”
Yes. All Flight Attendants must include every domicile with 100% contingency somewhere in their preference order. This ensures that vacancy bids are processed utilizing your established preference order.
CWA > Bid Input > Vacancy Bid
Q3: “When the AUS Satellite Base closed, I was sent back to HOU. Do I have a Right of Return (RoR) to AUS?”
Unfortunately, no. Because the Satellite Bases were part of a test program, there is not a RoR list to AUS. Flight Attendants will be awarded AUS on a seniority basis, as usual.
Q4: “Is there a paid move associated with the new domicile opening?”
Absolutely! Article 29.2 details all of the reimbursement opportunities and requirements associated with moving to a newly opened domicile. Moving expenses (possessions and vehicles), paid travel time and expenses, must-ride travel, and more are included in our contractual language about a Company-paid move.
Q5: “AUS has always been one of my favorite overnights. Does opening this domicile mean that we’ll no longer see AUS as a RON?”
No. While opening a domicile reduces the need for coverage on originators and terminators, it does not mean that Inflight Crew Planning will stop needing overnights in AUS to manage the flight schedule and aircraft routing.