Possible Ticketing Change

[Talamone]

The Radio this morning said Southwest was exploring assigned seating in the futre. This is a open request to all Southwest executives to just say NO to assigned seating. It is a long term bad idea that will hurt the future of the airline.

One of the things that separates Southwest from all of the other airlines is the ability of the passenger to choose their own seat. For those who want first on privileges, they can pay more. If you are the last on the plane (and I have been on occasion) I still get to where I am going. Imposing assigned seating will add aggrivation prior to the flight and reminder of that aggrivation when boarding.

Southwest is different because there are not fees for everything. for bags, for certain seats, for food. This streamlined process makes the airline far more attractive to the vacation traveler and for business travelers who appriate a process that does not require extra steps for every little thing. Seeing a map of seats that are taken and the extra fees needed to pay for certain seats annoys the flyer who just wants to get where they are going without all the fees for everything. 

Right now Southwest is a haven for those who don't want to deal with what is standard for other airlines. Stay classy and true to your corporate identity.

[simaholic]

I agree.... NO to assigned seating. I have been flying exclusively with Southwest Airlines for many years because of their "Open" seating policy.  I have several family members and friend who feel the same way I do.

[JasonLaird10]

I'm for Southwest Airlines to keep the open-seating policy in place as well. I can't imagine seeing Southwest going the way the other carriers are. 

[nextgenscott]

I agree. Please keep open seating. Say NO to assigned seating. I don't even see movies at the theater because they have all gone to assigned seating. Assigned seating is just a way to tell your customers that you are becoming like all the other airlines and trying to get every dollar that you can out of their pockets. 

[tfuller]

I just received notice from SWA that they are moving towards a different approach, assigned seats, and more legroom options FOR MONEY.  I fly Southwest because it's simple and no hassle.  I've been flying for years and got a SWA credit card because of the ease of doing business with them.  I even take them when the flights are a bit disruptive to my schedule just because it's no hassle, find a seat and sit.  It's the airline version of Walt Disney World.  Most other airlines the boarding process is cumbersome, slow, and most people linger since they have an assigned seat.  And they nickel and dime you to death.  I fear this will be their version of the "New Coke",  a bad idea that drives me towards another airline.  If they are like the others I'll take the best flight time and move on.

Bad idea SWA!  You didn't survey me.