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Southwest Airlines Employees Confront the Fear of Running Out of Money in Retirement

Healthcare Provider Update: Healthcare Provider for Southwest Airlines: Southwest Airlines collaborates with multiple health insurance providers, primarily utilizing Aetna and UnitedHealthcare for its employee health plans. These partnerships enable Southwest Airlines to offer its workforce a range of options for health coverage. Potential Healthcare Cost Increases in 2026: As we look ahead to 2026, Southwest Airlines employees are preparing for significant healthcare cost increases, which may greatly impact their out-of-pocket expenses. With projected ACA premium hikes exceeding 60% in certain states, the burden of rising healthcare costs is likely to be felt by employees more than ever. A recent industry survey indicates that over half of large employers are considering raising deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, as they navigate growing medical costs driven by inflation and high drug prices. This financial landscape underscores the importance of proactive planning and informed health plan choices for employees aiming to mitigate these anticipated increases in healthcare expenses. Click here to learn more

'To allay long-term financial concerns, Southwest Airlines employees may benefit from a comprehensive retirement strategy that addresses inflation, health care costs, and tax planning.' – Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

'Proactive retirement planning—especially around inflation, health care, and shifting tax policies—can help Southwest Airlines employees gain clarity and reduce uncertainty in the years leading up to retirement.' – Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement.

In this article we will discuss:

Key causes of retirement anxiety, including inflation, health care, and taxes.
Generational differences in money concerns and readiness.
The value of broad retirement planning approaches.

Retirement Anxiety is On The Rise

Employees across industries, including those at Southwest Airlines, have long worried about how they will fund retirement. These concerns have grown considerably in today’s economy. Nearly two out of three Americans (64%) said they worry more about outliving their resources than they do about dying, according to the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement’s 2025 Annual Retirement Study. ¹

Main Causes of Retirement-Related Worry

The Allianz study lists several key triggers of these fears. Regarding long-term planning, 54% of respondents said inflation was their top worry. Increases in health care costs, housing, and food prices are still undermining people’s purchasing power.

Concerns around Social Security’s future and tax burdens are also high. 43% said they feared Social Security might not offer adequate support. And another 43% named high taxes as a major issue.

Generational Gaps in Money Stress

Gen X—often balancing care for both kids and aging parents—report the highest worry: 70% versus 66% of millennials and 61% of boomers. Among corporate workers, including those at Southwest Airlines, this dynamic underlines how family obligations can magnify retirement concerns.

The Gap Between Worry and Action

The survey shows a gap between concern and conversation: just 23% of respondents have talked about outliving their assets with a retirement specialist, down from 28% in 2024. ² That said, Americans are considering several strategies to allay these fears, ranking the following approaches as most helpful:

41% said cutting current spending to funnel more toward retirement 
44% said increasing retirement contributions 
39% said postponing retirement
While increasing contributions to retirement accounts could help address these concerns, barriers remain: daily necessities (63%), credit card debt (40%), mortgage or rent (35%) were top reasons people weren’t contributing more.

The Emotional Side of Retirement Anxiety

Retirement fears influence not just finances, but lifestyle, career choices, and family planning. Worries about independence, dignity, and quality of life often accompany fear of running short on funds.

Health care need are often underestimated too, complicating the equation. Medicare covers many basic services, but long‑term care, home assistance, and uncovered treatments can add large bills—adding uncertainty even for high‑income employees.

Broader Retirement Planning Matters

The Allianz findings emphasize planning well beyond just saving. With people living 25 to 30 years post‑work, a solid planning mindset is critical. As Kelly LaVigne, VP at Allianz Life, noted, “Americans areliving longer… your money needs to go farther. A good plan considers 25 to 30 years of retirement, not just the first ten.” ²

Key components often include:

Income strategies: setting up regular monthly disbursements from assets
Tax planning: reducing tax burdens on withdrawals
Health care planning: factoring in Medicare gaps and long‑term care
Inflation alignment: keeping income responsive to cost increases

Combined, these strategies can help build resilience, confidence, and preparedness even in uncertain times.

In Conclusion

The 2025 Allianz Retirement Study makes it clear: a majority of Americans—and Southwest Airlines employees among them—see the threat of running out of money as more frightening than death. Rising inflation, health care spending, and uncertainty around Social Security are central drivers. Fewer are taking direct action through planning conversations or boosted contributions.

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Yet there is opportunity. The IRS now permits catch‑up 401(k) contributions of up to $11,250 for those aged 60–63 in 2025—above the standard limit. For many, this is a practical way to fortify resources in those final working years.

A Final Thought

Think of retirement like a long sea voyage. Death may be the storm ahead, but empty savings are the leak that can sink the ship first. According to the Allianz study, 64% of Americans fear that leak more than the storm. For Southwest Airlines employees, the goal is to build a well-structured plan—with consistent income, planning for health costs, and tax awareness—that can keep the vessel afloat for the long haul.

Sources:

1. Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America, ' How Americans feel about retirement in 2025 ,' by the Allianz Center for the Future of Retirement ^TM , June 2025.

2. businesswire, ' Americans Are More Worried About Running Out of Money Than Death ,' April 22, 2025.

What type of retirement savings plan does Southwest Airlines offer to its employees?

Southwest Airlines offers a 401(k) retirement savings plan to help employees save for their future.

Does Southwest Airlines match employee contributions to the 401(k) plan?

Yes, Southwest Airlines provides a matching contribution to employees who participate in the 401(k) plan, subject to certain limits.

How can employees enroll in the 401(k) plan at Southwest Airlines?

Employees can enroll in the 401(k) plan through the Southwest Airlines benefits portal during the enrollment period or after they become eligible.

What is the eligibility requirement for Southwest Airlines employees to participate in the 401(k) plan?

Most employees at Southwest Airlines are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan after completing a specified period of service.

Are there any fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Southwest Airlines?

Yes, there may be administrative fees associated with the 401(k) plan at Southwest Airlines, which are disclosed in the plan documents.

What investment options are available in the Southwest Airlines 401(k) plan?

The Southwest Airlines 401(k) plan typically offers a range of investment options, including mutual funds, target-date funds, and company stock.

Can Southwest Airlines employees take loans against their 401(k) savings?

Yes, Southwest Airlines allows employees to take loans against their 401(k) savings, subject to specific terms and conditions.

What happens to my 401(k) savings if I leave Southwest Airlines?

If you leave Southwest Airlines, you can choose to roll over your 401(k) savings into another retirement account, cash out, or leave it in the plan, depending on the plan's rules.

How often can Southwest Airlines employees change their 401(k) contribution amounts?

Employees at Southwest Airlines can change their 401(k) contribution amounts at any time, subject to the plan's guidelines.

Is there a vesting schedule for the matching contributions at Southwest Airlines?

Yes, Southwest Airlines has a vesting schedule for matching contributions, which means employees must work for a certain period to fully own those contributions.

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Southwest Airlines provides a defined contribution 401(k) plan with company matching contributions. Employees can contribute pre-tax or Roth (after-tax) dollars, and Southwest matches up to 9.3% of eligible compensation. The plan includes various investment options, such as target-date funds, mutual funds, and a self-directed brokerage account. Southwest also offers an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with a discount on company stock. Financial planning resources and tools are available to help employees manage their retirement savings.

Southwest Airlines provides both RSUs and stock options to employees. RSUs vest over time, providing shares, while stock options allow employees to buy shares at a set price.