I fly 4 - 8 rt/month depending on personal & business schedule. I TOTALLY applaud the boarding and other changes made to make the SW experience better for business travlers like me. I do agree with the many comments made here that the gate agents have to be diligent in handling the boarding process. I have seen several folks recently who apparently can't read numbers and were attempting to board well before their numbers were reached.
I also agree with earlier comments about off-duty SW employees who receive priority boarding as well as some passengers I've seen who are in better health than me who receive handicapped preboard. I know that the gate agents aren't doctors and can't do anything about this.
For the whiners about the new process who travel infrequently I'd like to ask them to look at all the other major airlines that all cater to business travelers with ticketing, upgrade and boarding policies. I had a problem before with folks who aparently had plenty of time to get to the a/p two hours+ early for a short flight and then stand in the A line for an hour so they could get preference with their discount tickets when I paid full unrestricted fares and often boarded B or C because my schedule prevented me from hanging out at the a/p. To these folks I say: PONY UP the cost of a full fare ticket ticket and you'll get preferential treatment just like on the other major airlines. If you travel infrequently and want a cheap fare PLEASE be prepared to board with others that paid about what you did. If SW only had this group they wouldn't be in business very long at current fuel and service costs.
I haven't chatted with a fequent business traveler yet who didn't support the changes. We know we are the lifeblood of the U.S. airline industry and we appreciate the recognition. Please continue to enhance the frequent traveler experience and we'll continue to support the airline.
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