Preboarding Scammers

[SWDigits]

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@Aztraveler wrote:

It states that preboarding and family boarding occurs After "A" boarding.

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@Aztraveler I don't think that is correct.  Preboarding starts first (think of someone who needs a specific seat and/or needs assistance to board) followed by general boarding, to include the situation and sequence you mentioned.

Here is the Southwest wording (with sources):

"Preboarding"

"Preboarding is available for Customers who have a specific seating need to accommodate their disability and/or need assistance in boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device."

(source: https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/unique-travel-needs/customers-with-disabilities-pol....)

The next sentence is potentially confusing but it is a separate thought and references general boarding:

"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. Those Customers who need extra time to board will receive a new boarding pass with an extra time designation. The designation serves as notification to our Operations (boarding) Agent that the Customer should be permitted to board before Family Boarding."

(from the same source page)

A separate page provides additional detail for General Boarding:

"General boarding starts with Business Select customers, who are guaranteed positions at the front of the A Group, followed by Rapid Rewards tier Members and the remaining Customers in the A Group, two adults with children age six and under, then groups B and C."

(source: https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/airport-experience/index-pol.html)

[Aztraveler]

Thank you for pointing that out. The fact still remains that Southwest has either lost control or chooses not to enforce boarding policies as written. And loyal business select customers are observing with eyes wide open hence reevaluating our purchasing patterns. The prices we are paying can afford us (on other airlines) HUGE comfy first class assigned seats, personalized service, free checked bags, unlimited free beverages,  a restroom dedicated to us and most importantly a feeling that our upgraded purchase price provides actual value in the aforementioned perks.

[chgoflyer]

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@Aztraveler wrote:

Thank you for pointing that out. The fact still remains that Southwest has either lost control or chooses not to enforce boarding policies as written. And loyal business select customers are observing with eyes wide open hence reevaluating our purchasing patterns. The prices we are paying can afford us (on other airlines) HUGE comfy first class assigned seats, personalized service, free checked bags, unlimited free beverages,  a restroom dedicated to us and most importantly a feeling that our upgraded purchase price provides actual value in the aforementioned perks.

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If that's the alternative, and you're constantly disappointed with Southwest, why would you continue to choose them?

[ukchris2002]

Just boarded a flight with 24 preboarders, about 10 of whom were just tag-along family.  What a fiasco.

[jamespatton22]

I have flown Southwestern Airlines faithfully now for years and have decided enough is enough. I am A-list plus with companion status and travel with a large suitcase and tools for weeks. Now some of the airports I go to no longer have an counter for Business Select or A-List and when I wait in the regular full service line I get told by the counter agents to “use the self check in stand” and not wait in line for a counter person. Even after I try to explain I have to pay for my overweight bags before checking them in and I am A-list flying on a business select ticket they do not seem to care and only want to take the already tagged bags from customers that have already have boarding passes. I have already started flying United and Delta. I can get where I am going for the same ticket price and available flights. If my loyalty means nothing then why be loyal. My wife is not traveling as much now so the companion status isn’t as important and watching the people abuse the pre-boarding policy is annoying. When I fly United and Delta they assign everyone a seat number and it’s amazing how there are only 1 or 2 preboard people compared to the countless ones on SWA. I have done a lot of research on this claim that some preboarders have to sit next to window or they get sick. Only thing I can find is people that are nauseous may need to open a window to avoid getting sick. If having to see where you are going to avoid getting sick is a real thing then please tell me what this illness is called because my doctor couldn’t.

[chgoflyer]

Sounds like you'll be happier on another carrier. Good luck.

[jamespatton22]

I agree I will probably be happier on another carrier. Just boarded my last SWA flight to KC again with another very young couple with no impairments bee-board while almost skipping down the aisle. They didn’t sit next to an open window in row 2 so their is no “medical condition requiring they sit by a window” someone suggested earlier. Just not people abusing the system. Already booked my flight back on United and will no longer fly SWA after 5 years of A-plus level and companion status. Hate starting over building status with a new airline but I fly 3 or more times a week so shouldn’t take too long. 

[Tesajay]

Just watched about 40, yes, 40, "pre-boarders" only TWO in a wheelchair.

RIDICULOUS

[Gbonne]

SWA should go to assigned seats for preboarders only.  These seats can be in the back of the aircraft near the restroom. 

the only exceptions would be those with a medical card and a need for the bulkhead. 

also, preboarders should be required to BE THE LAST OFF THE PLANE.  

It's amazing how quickly they heal upon landing.  

most have zero integrity and the only thing that ails them is their c boarding group 

[puckstopper55]

problem solved. If you preboard, you will be the last ones off the plane! Great solution!!!