Big changes to Southwest Airlines

[notsopicky]

Southwest is eliminating open seating and will introduce the option to pay for seats with more legroom. 

I don't fly Southwest very often (once that I can remember in at least 15 years), but that one time, I bought an upgraded ticket so that I had a very early boarding # (to get an aisle exit row).

www.cnbc.com/2024/07/25/southwest-airlines-seat-assignments.html 

[sunshineandpinot]

@@@@

I always thought their boarding system was crazy. We fly SW a few times a year and my kids just know we might not sit together. I did not see this coming, but I think it's a good change. I always thought it must be a challenge for the FA to help parents sit with their kids. Interesting!

[konapoppy]

I have been flying them for 30 years. This will feel so different. But I hope it works out for them!

[pixy0stix]

I'm hoping this speeds up the boarding process. Having to push through people frontloading the plane is nuts.

[wildrice]

Glad to hear it. I think it's insanity that you have to set an alarm to check in at exactly 24 hours to even have hope of sitting together or not being left with only a middle seat to sit in. My mom flew with Southwest on Sunday and was up at 5am on Saturday to do the check in. What a hassle! I also forget at least 75% of the time, lol.

What would be really nice is if you could book your seat for free when you book, but I don't think that's the plan. I hate paying for a seat and often don't, but somehow being assigned a random seat and knowing this in advance seems less stressful than having to find one once you walk onto the plane.

[Patsy Baloney]

Southwest flights have felt pretty feral for me these past few times I’ve flown. Folks are just fighting about everything and generally unpleasant.

I’m a fat passenger, so flying is *the worst* on a good day. I’ll be glad to be able to choose my seat in advance instead of agonizing about window or aisle seat availability so I don’t exist too much for the person next to me.

[tamarindy]

I avoided SW solely because of their stupid seating process, but looking at their safety issues lately this probably won’t bring me back anyway.

[erbear]

I’m here for this. I liked southwest open boarding until the pre board got out of control. Then it became a hassle if you were traveling with even one other person and wanted to sit together, let alone 4. I like the predictability of having an assigned seat.

[erbear]

sunshineandpinot, can you @@@ your post?

[arehopsveggies]

Jul 25, 2024 9:06:40 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Glad to hear it. I think it's insanity that you have to set an alarm to check in at exactly 24 hours to even have hope of sitting together or not being left with only a middle seat to sit in. My mom flew with Southwest on Sunday and was up at 5am on Saturday to do the check in. What a hassle! I also forget at least 75% of the time, lol.

What would be really nice is if you could book your seat for free when you book, but I don't think that's the plan. I hate paying for a seat and often don't, but somehow being assigned a random seat and knowing this in advance seems less stressful than having to find one once you walk onto the plane.

I was at a conference this summer and one of the speakers had a phone alarm go off- and had to pause her talk so she could check in for southwest!

[pixy0stix]

Jul 25, 2024 9:24:13 GMT -5 erbear said:

I’m here for this. I liked southwest open boarding until the pre board got out of control. Then it became a hassle if you were traveling with even one other person and wanted to sit together, let alone 4. I like the predictability of having an assigned seat.

YES! I was going to say this too. Everyone and their dog started preboarding. I'm struggling to word this because there are absolutely people who should be able to preboard, but the increase in the amount of people doing it seems very suspect.

[rubytue]

I use to hate the “Southwest Stampede” and would avoid them. But that was before 1) BWI was my only airport (and they are 75% of the traffic), 2) everyone else started charge for bags, and 3) they implemented letters and numbers at check in. OMG the old, old system where people would be sitting on the floor in a line two hours before the flight? Come on now.

I do admit I pay for early bird check in, and it usually gets us in the As. I’d say 75% of the time we are able to snag the two seat exit row, just from early bird.

[TR]

Jul 25, 2024 9:06:40 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Glad to hear it. I think it's insanity that you have to set an alarm to check in at exactly 24 hours to even have hope of sitting together or not being left with only a middle seat to sit in. My mom flew with Southwest on Sunday and was up at 5am on Saturday to do the check in. What a hassle! I also forget at least 75% of the time, lol.

What would be really nice is if you could book your seat for free when you book, but I don't think that's the plan. I hate paying for a seat and often don't, but somehow being assigned a random seat and knowing this in advance seems less stressful than having to find one once you walk onto the plane.

It sounds like the plan is similar to other major carriers. Where many of the seats will be free to choose, but this gives them the option of charging more for seats with more legroom or toward the front of the plane.

[wildrice]

Jul 25, 2024 9:35:27 GMT -5 TR said:

Jul 25, 2024 9:06:40 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Glad to hear it. I think it's insanity that you have to set an alarm to check in at exactly 24 hours to even have hope of sitting together or not being left with only a middle seat to sit in. My mom flew with Southwest on Sunday and was up at 5am on Saturday to do the check in. What a hassle! I also forget at least 75% of the time, lol.

What would be really nice is if you could book your seat for free when you book, but I don't think that's the plan. I hate paying for a seat and often don't, but somehow being assigned a random seat and knowing this in advance seems less stressful than having to find one once you walk onto the plane.

It sounds like the plan is similar to other major carriers. Where many of the seats will be free to choose, but this gives them the option of charging more for seats with more legroom or toward the front of the plane.

Hmm, I think most carriers only let you choose a seat in advance if you pay for it! Otherwise they'll just randomly assign you one when you check in. US carriers, at least - I think some international ones still let you select free seats.

Though obviously I haven't flown on every airline out there, so there may be exceptions!

[breezy8407]

Jul 25, 2024 9:43:42 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Jul 25, 2024 9:35:27 GMT -5 TR said:

It sounds like the plan is similar to other major carriers. Where many of the seats will be free to choose, but this gives them the option of charging more for seats with more legroom or toward the front of the plane.

Hmm, I think most carriers only let you choose a seat in advance if you pay for it! Otherwise they'll just randomly assign you one when you check in. US carriers, at least - I think some international ones still let you select free seats.

Though obviously I haven't flown on every airline out there, so there may be exceptions!

Not entirely sure, but I've always been able to choose my seat on Delta without a fee except for upgrades to Comfort + or First. I have status, but my H doesn't and he's been able to, too. 

[archiethedragon]

I flew only south west for 15 years or so and didn't have any issue. Then I happened to fly Jet Blue for work and realized how terrible South West is in comparison. Never flying SW again.

[wanderingback]

I never fly southwest but when my flight got canceled this week it was an option we considered. But my partner said hell no cause he heard about the madness of boarding. I assume it’s a business decision to make more money that they’re doing this? Wasn’t there also info that came out that their computer software was super duper old? I wonder if that’s been fixed/upgraded or if that’ll have any affect.

[AJL]

I love Southwest and I've not had a problem with their boarding system. However, I always buy business select seats so I can get a boarding spot between A1-A15. That being said, I don't mind assigned seating as long as the entire flight is assigned seating and not a hybrid of assigned and open seating (which I don't think they're doing, but admittedly I did not read the posted article).

What I don't want them to do away with is the free checked bag policy. I think that's a huge perk on their part. 

[Patsy Baloney]

Jul 25, 2024 10:36:39 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

I never fly southwest but when my flight got canceled this week it was an option we considered. But my partner said hell no cause he heard about the madness of boarding. I assume it’s a business decision to make more money that they’re doing this? Wasn’t there also info that came out that their computer software was super duper old? I wonder if that’s been fixed/upgraded or if that’ll have any affect.

Their HUGE meltdown a few years ago was attributed to old software. It was outrageously out of date.

I had the same assumption as you. They’ve clearly gotten feedback that this is wanted and people will pay for it.

[sunshineandpinot]

Jul 25, 2024 9:33:19 GMT -5 rubytue said:

I use to hate the “Southwest Stampede” and would avoid them. But that was before 1) BWI was my only airport (and they are 75% of the traffic), 2) everyone else started charge for bags, and 3) they implemented letters and numbers at check in. OMG the old, old system where people would be sitting on the floor in a line two hours before the flight? Come on now.

I do admit I pay for early bird check in, and it usually gets us in the As. I’d say 75% of the time we are able to snag the two seat exit row, just from early bird.

My fav seats- SW "First Class"! I always try and snag those and am usually successful. You have to be 15+ to sit there and they won't allow pre boarders to sit in that row either. 

[wanderingback]

Jul 25, 2024 9:57:52 GMT -5 breezy8407 said:

Jul 25, 2024 9:43:42 GMT -5 wildrice said:

Hmm, I think most carriers only let you choose a seat in advance if you pay for it! Otherwise they'll just randomly assign you one when you check in. US carriers, at least - I think some international ones still let you select free seats.

Though obviously I haven't flown on every airline out there, so there may be exceptions!

Not entirely sure, but I've always been able to choose my seat on Delta without a fee except for upgrades to Comfort + or First. I have status, but my H doesn't and he's been able to, too. 

I think this is semantics, although I’m sure there’s something in fine print/legal language, but what wildrice is saying that most (all?) major U.S. airlines now have a "basic" fare where you do not get a seat assignment until you check in. So you indeed do have to pay more for a "regular" fare if you want to pick your seat. Now even within that if you want to be at the front of the plane or an exit row there will also be a fee associated with those more desirable seats many times even if you have picked a regular fare that allows you to pick your seats.

I fly delta almost exclusively and they absolutely have a basic fare where you can’t pick your seat and the regular fare is more expensive so has a “fee" to be able to pick your seat.

[breezy8407]

Jul 25, 2024 11:02:03 GMT -5 wanderingback said:

Jul 25, 2024 9:57:52 GMT -5 breezy8407 said:

Not entirely sure, but I've always been able to choose my seat on Delta without a fee except for upgrades to Comfort + or First. I have status, but my H doesn't and he's been able to, too. 

I think this is semantics, although I’m sure there’s something in fine print/legal language, but what wildrice is saying that most (all?) major U.S. airlines now have a "basic" fare where you do not get a seat assignment until you check in. So you indeed do have to pay more for a "regular" fare if you want to pick your seat. Now even within that if you want to be at the front of the plane or an exit row there will also be a fee associated with those more desirable seats many times even if you have picked a regular fare that allows you to pick your seats.

I fly delta almost exclusively and they absolutely have a basic fare where you can’t pick your seat and the regular fare is more expensive so has a “fee" to be able to pick your seat.

Good point. I haven't flown a different airline in ages. I know they continue to restrict what you get with the basic fare like not being able to earn towards medallion status with the basic fare if I recall. 

[escrow]

I work for SWA. This is a good thing. A-listers spending money to board first but when there are 40 people pre-boarding that seriously diminishes the value of that "perk". Same thing with early bird. The pre-boarding and seat saving has become out of control. I know many people who love the open seating, but more who wish it wasn't such a cluster.

As far as the outdated tech, it is being upgraded. I do not know what operations uses but I personally run a Mac also, if you have paid attention to the airline news this week, Delta is having the same exact problem SWA had during Christmas 2022. Their crews are all out of place, so many flight changes came in so fast the software couldn't keep up. They are having to have their pilots/crew call in to advise where they are.

[icedcoffee]

I hated the SW stampede initially, but now I am pretty much exclusively loyal to SW mostly because of their easy changes and cancellations and free bags. And also because I like their frequent flyer program.

I've gotten used to the stampede and have my method now, but I'm ok with them going to assigned seats. Mostly I just want to get my roll aboard into the overhead bins. I'll sit anywhere.

Until other airlines catch up to free and easy cancellations and changes I will stick with SW.

[underwaterrhymes]

I love Southwest - not for their open seating (it’s a cluster) - but because their customer service has been for me like what I experience at Disney. I’ve used them several times when I’ve flown last minute in the midst of deep grief (when my stepdad was dying and my sister was in a mental health crisis) and on all occasions, the staff were lovely and compassionate. They’ve been great in non-crisis travel too. I’m 100% sure there are exceptions, but I’ve always been pleased with their service.

[icedcoffee]

Jul 25, 2024 11:16:42 GMT -5 escrow said:

I work for SWA. This is a good thing. A-listers spending money to board first but when there are 40 people pre-boarding that seriously diminishes the value of that "perk". Same thing with early bird. The pre-boarding and seat saving has become out of control. I know many people who love the open seating, but more who wish it wasn't such a cluster.

I have noticed the last few times I've flown I've been in the high Bs or low Cs even checking in at exactly 24 hours before.  LOL  When I travel for work I pay for early bird, but yeah it does seem like there are too many priority boarders.  Last time I flew there were only a few of us left after pre-boarding haha

[pixy0stix]

Jul 25, 2024 11:28:14 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

 Mostly I just want to get my roll aboard into the overhead bins. 

Last time I flew, someone tried to take mine out of the compartment to replace with theirs. What, and I can't stress this enough, the fuck.

[escrow]

Jul 25, 2024 11:30:56 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

Jul 25, 2024 11:16:42 GMT -5 escrow said:

I work for SWA. This is a good thing. A-listers spending money to board first but when there are 40 people pre-boarding that seriously diminishes the value of that "perk". Same thing with early bird. The pre-boarding and seat saving has become out of control. I know many people who love the open seating, but more who wish it wasn't such a cluster.

I have noticed the last few times I've flown I've been in the high Bs or low Cs even checking in at exactly 24 hours before.  LOL  When I travel for work I pay for early bird, but yeah it does seem like there are too many priority boarders.  Last time I flew there were only a few of us left after pre-boarding haha

TikTok and other SM have showed people how to game the system with pre-boarding. Gate agents are not allowed to ask additional questions, so if the person asks for pre-board and answers the questions correctly (do you need a specific seat, or do you need extra time to get down the jetway) they get pre-board no questions asked. I fly all the time, and every dang time I see the long line of pre-boarders and the people in A1-15 upset that they no longer get first pick. 

Also I will add - I have been around a lonnnnggg time and SWA is by leaps and bounds the best company I have ever worked for. 

[pixy0stix]

Jul 25, 2024 11:37:41 GMT -5 escrow said:

Jul 25, 2024 11:30:56 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

I have noticed the last few times I've flown I've been in the high Bs or low Cs even checking in at exactly 24 hours before.  LOL  When I travel for work I pay for early bird, but yeah it does seem like there are too many priority boarders.  Last time I flew there were only a few of us left after pre-boarding haha

TikTok and other SM have showed people how to game the system with pre-boarding. Gate agents are not allowed to ask additional questions, so if the person asks for pre-board and answers the questions correctly (do you need a specific seat, or do you need extra time to get down the jetway) they get pre-board no questions asked. I fly all the time, and every dang time I see the long line of pre-boarders and the people in A1-15 upset that they no longer get first pick. 

I hate people. I really do.

[icedcoffee]

Jul 25, 2024 11:37:41 GMT -5 escrow said:

Jul 25, 2024 11:30:56 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

I have noticed the last few times I've flown I've been in the high Bs or low Cs even checking in at exactly 24 hours before.  LOL  When I travel for work I pay for early bird, but yeah it does seem like there are too many priority boarders.  Last time I flew there were only a few of us left after pre-boarding haha

TikTok and other SM have showed people how to game the system with pre-boarding. Gate agents are not allowed to ask additional questions, so if the person asks for pre-board and answers the questions correctly (do you need a specific seat, or do you need extra time to get down the jetway) they get pre-board no questions asked. I fly all the time, and every dang time I see the long line of pre-boarders and the people in A1-15 upset that they no longer get first pick. 

Also I will add - I have been around a lonnnnggg time and SWA is by leaps and bounds the best company I have ever worked for. 

I hate people.  I'm a rule follower so this shit KILLLLLLS me.