I appreciate SWA offering the Early Bird option. I always purchase Early Bird boarding for the chance to get a better seat and the best shot at overhead bin space. I don't mind paying the fee. However, I do mind when I board in the A group and find my preferred (forward) seating being "saved" by an earlier A group boarder for someone in a B or C boarding group. This occurred three times on two very recent flights, and it should not be allowed. Another A group customer challenged one of the seat-savers and asked the FA to require the saver relinquish the seat he was "saving for his wife," but the FA said there was no SWA policy regarding the saving of seats. Astonishing! Sure enough, the wife came aboard late in the C group and was seated in a prime location. This is completely unfair to those who purchase the Early Bird option. There should be no saving of seats. SWA should have a clear policy on this and should empower FAs to enforce it. Thank you.
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