Pre-boarding remains out of control

[kierants]

Looks like SWA made the news on this one, and not in a good way.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/shady-southwest-passengers-abusing-preboarding-032234444.html

You guys need to fix this one way or another or you will lose some of your most loyal fliers, including me.

[flyerdmc]

According to SWA policy, "If a Customer with a disability simply needs a little extra time to board, we will permit the Customer to board before Family Boarding, between the “A” and “B” groups."

This policy has not been followed at all as far as I can tell. I certainly have sympathy for those that have special accommodations for health or other challenges. However, SWA is the only airline I'm aware of where gate-agents seat pre-boards ahead of their priority, loyalty program, or extra-paying customers, in front of all the A1-A15's. This seems contrary to their own policy. And, it seems, a disproportionate number of passengers are taking advantage of this loophole.

I commend SWA for their accommodation of those with disabilities, however, since valid need-based pre-boards do not seem to be appropriately verified, I have decided to leave this craziness in favor of other airlines. I will use my accumulated points on SWA to depletion when it's convenient, but otherwise I've shifted my business to other airlines who actually follow their stated boarding procedures.

I consider jetblue to have better equipment, better seating options, respect for loyal customers in their boarding procedures, unlimited inflight wifi and messaging, and an overall better and much less stressful experience where I and my traveling companions can sit in comfort...TOGETHER.

Thank you SWA for showing me how not to treat your loyal customers.

[TheMiddleSeat]

@flyerdmc Without assigned seats there is no way to board special customers like yourself first, before preboarding.  There is also no legal way to verify the need to preboard.  The XT designation for extra time is used, I was just on a flight last week when people boarded in that position.  Enjoy the other airlines until they also do something you hate.

--TheMiddleSeat

[kDub2022]

I have posted on this thread and have followed the thread for awhile and you are the first person to offer a real solution.  I have also began to book flights on other airlines due to people obviously taking advantage of the situation - and I am not referring to the people who actually need to pre-board for legitimate reasons.

if you can’t find another airline for your route you can always pay a few bucks extra to board in 1-15 which puts you in front of the A-Listers.  I have pre-tsa and have rarely seen the a-list security line faster than pre-tsa.  The only real advantage of Southwest I see is greater flexibility with last minute flight changes.  The a-list perks seem pretty limited.  I also don’t drink so I give away the limited drink coupons they send me as random acts of kindness in flight. 

[kierants]

Why does this forum suggest this has been solved? It is actually getting worse.

After companion pass expires I will use another airline over this massive ignored abuse issue.

This is not my problem its SWAs!

[Ddaven]

I agree that pre-boarding is out of control.  We re longtime Southwest fliers and are fed up with the amount of pre-boarding that is happening.  We frequently travel to Phoenix and have noticed as many as 15 wheel chairs for individuals who are younger and more mobile than we are.  We have begun using other carriers because of the abuse of pre-boarding.  

We are  ready for confirmed seating to be implemented.  Your current system is abused and outdated. 

Luv Southwest 

[kDub2022]

I agree!  Funny certain hubs are hot spots for preboarders - you always know you will see at least a dozen.  

I think we all agree the solution is simple.  In the back of the plane make a section for preboarders.  They can pick any seat they want in the back preboard section.  When it’s time to deboard the plane, they can take all the time they need to get off the plane.  

This is a win win for everyone - the people who actually need to preboard get extra time getting on and off the plane and the non-preboarders will not be impacted.  Anyone who is taking advantage of pre boarding to get the front seats will need to rethink their game.

That was easy! 

[tappingmom1]

"That was easy! "

Uh...that is in violation of ADA rights.  Discrimination (in this case, designating seating in the back of the plane for people with disabilities) is illegal.

[kierants]

Legit ADA people can have any seat they want. Well ver 50% of the people that preboard are gaming the system to some degree. Based on current policy all passengers can say they need preboard. Where would that leave us?

[kDub2022]

So on other airlines they can sit in first class because they are ADA and can sit anywhere?  No because first class is a section of the plane just like business / business plus’s etc.  

There is a solution with sections - Southwest needs to get creative.  Especially with the Spirt / Frontier merger.