Southwest airlines problems should i have faced too much time?

[Brian_deen]

Southwest Airlines, a popular low-cost carrier, has been experiencing service disruptions that are causing inconvenience and frustration for passengers. These issues have impacted various aspects of the travel experience, leading to delays, cancellations, and dissatisfaction among customers.

1. Flight Delays: Passengers have reported significant delays, both at departure and arrival, resulting in missed connections, rescheduling conflicts, and disruption of travel plans. These delays have led to inconvenience and frustration for travelers relying on punctuality.

2. Flight Cancellations: There have been instances of sudden flight cancellations, often with limited prior notice, leaving passengers stranded at airports without alternative travel options. These cancellations have caused significant disruption to travel itineraries, resulting in missed events, meetings, or connections.

3. Customer Service Challenges: Passengers have encountered difficulties in reaching Southwest Airlines' customer service representatives, either through phone or online channels. Long wait times, unresponsive communication, and limited support have compounded the frustration of customers seeking assistance or information regarding their flights.

4. Baggage Handling Issues: Reports have emerged about mishandled or lost baggage, leading to inconveniences such as delayed or missing luggage upon arrival. This has caused passengers to experience additional stress and inconvenience, especially when important personal belongings or travel essentials are affected.

5. Inconsistent In-Flight Experience: Passengers have noticed inconsistencies in the quality of in-flight services, including food and beverage options, entertainment systems, and overall comfort. Some flights may lack the amenities expected from Southwest Airlines, impacting the overall passenger experience.

[floridaguy]

All of this started with the Holiday DISASTER as it has become known.

Much of the chatter on this board has to do with gate agents now following the rules of the airlines.  Here are a few examples:

• Failing to follow Family Boarding rules resulting in a wave of people boarding as they are all part of the "family".  The family boarding only comes to life when you have a child under the age of seven.
• Allowing passengers to carry on excess number of items and/or oversized items.  
• Software challenges are will give you one boarding position at check in but another later on.
• Flight attendants looking the other way when passengers save seats.

Each of these is a frustration to customers and each is within control of Southwest.  

It has been previously suggested that a feature on the app be given that gives an instant message to corporate the moment a gate agent fails to follow rules.  Then, corporate would call that gate agent within 30 seconds and question their behavior.  That, alone, would get the gate agents to follow the rules.  It would also keep flight attendants in line and have them follow the rules.

[dfwskier]

How is this different than other airlines?

[floridaguy]

What is different is that Southwest places emphasis on boarding position and then allows people to board ahead of them causing frustration.

What is different is that Southwest has open seating to accommodate a faster turnaround time for planes and then allows people to board with excessive and oversized carry on items.

What is different is that Southwest has open seating to accommodate a faster turnaround and also places an emphasis on open seating and then allows people to save seats completely nullifying the open seating.