Southwest May Adopt Assigned Seats on Flights

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05-20-2006, 09:36 AM

#11

captjns

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Quote:

Originally Posted by IXLR8

Then, if they dont get what they want, they stand there and complain about it, and the gate agent sends them down to see if the f/a can do anything, then the f/a comes up to complain to the agent....and on and on and on.....I have never flown SWA, so I am not sure how many agents they normally have at each gate/flight.

That's not the way it works with the rare occasion that families travelling with small children are separated. However if the occasion should arise, and the pax stand around the podeum long enough trying to swap their seats, they will just plain miss the flight. Most gate agents adopt the "menu of life philosophy". Either get on the jet and take your assigned seat, or don't get on the jet.

If adopted, the assigned seat program will not be any different work load wise for the SWA gate agents than it is for other carriers.

My company has positioned to and from flights using SWA... and I can tell you the the open seat program works just fine. Get their early enough so you get the "A" boarding card instead of the "C" boarding card.

Last edited by captjns; 05-20-2006 at 09:39 AM.

05-20-2006, 10:06 AM

#12

Herc130AV8R

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Freightpuppy

All that's going to do is cause problems, IMHO. At least they can get people to the gate earlier cuz they want their A pass. If they switch, even more bafoons will be running up to the gate at departure time.

Better than having a bunch of bufoons pushing and shoving to get an aisle seat inside a cramped 737. I always hated having to battle for my seat once onboard the plane. A family of 4 can't sit together on Southwest unless they are the first ones on board! People always want to spread out and leave no room for large groups. MAKE THE CHANGE!!

05-20-2006, 02:06 PM

#13

IXLR8

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well

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronWalt

Does it affect the guy in the cockpit? No

Should anyone really care if they are a pilot? No

You should care a little about customer service....afterall...thats where your paycheck comes from...well, it used to..

05-20-2006, 02:12 PM

#14

IXLR8

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I'm curious about the SWA boarding policy. If everyone that gets there early has an "A' pass..and they board and get all of the aisle sets, then everyone else has to board and get the windows and middle seats making everyone in the aisle get up and move so they can sit?....seems like that would be a pain, however it must work since they have been doing it this way since the beginning...

05-20-2006, 08:31 PM

#15

animals

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I hate showing up hours early for a SWA cattle call (yes I'm one of the suckers that would show up early for a window... yes you heard me window... seat); if they changed the policy I'd be much more likely to consider (ie pay more) SWA... I'd be much more likely if they started flying out of ATL... which is a whole different thread...

05-21-2006, 12:32 PM

#16

4th Level

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Quote:

Originally Posted by IronWalt

Does it affect the guy in the cockpit? No

Should anyone really care if they are a pilot? No

Yes and yes. Since myself and approximately 50% of other WN pilots commute, I submit that it definitely DOES affect us. Not to mention the numerous jumpseat riders who my now have to wait until the last person boards to try and find a seat and a place for their bags - personally, I hope this idea never flys.

05-21-2006, 01:42 PM

#17

tomgoodman

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Position: 767A (Ret)

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Cattle Call

Quote:

Originally Posted by IronWalt

Does it affect the guy in the cockpit? No

Should anyone really care if they are a pilot? No

Rumor: In an effort to beat Southwest at its own game, major airlines are planning to demand a new concession from pilots---"open seating" in the cockpit. Everyone will be paid a low wage, and the first guy to show up for a trip gets to be captain.

05-21-2006, 01:53 PM

#18

fireman0174

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Quote:

Originally Posted by tomgoodman

You have a very bright future in airline management.

05-21-2006, 03:01 PM

#19

DJR_

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Posts: 26

Also, if you are making a connection on Southwest, when you deplane you have to go to the gate of your next flight and get another boarding pass. So there is always a mad dash inside the terminal with connecting passengers racing each other.