As a not-so-frequent flyer, but a Rapid Rewards Member, my wife and I would chose assigned seating. We try to book our flights at the earliest possible date and then having to get in a line like some animal at a livestock yard is not only demeening but also frustrating. We have observed on more than one accasion, most recently on a flight from Las Vegas to Seattle, confrontations as to who is or is not in line. If someone is "in line" but sitting on the floor, others consider them not in line and try or do break the line. This was so true on our Seattle flight whereby the passenger sitting asked the gate attendant to call security. The person standing not only tried to break the line once, but did it twice, which then caused the gate attendant to talk to him, which didn't make him happy either. Further, some passengers use their carry on luggage to hold their place in line, which, quite often, causes them serious frustrations especially if you have to use the restroom. Also, as a Senior Citizen, it's not as easy for us to stand or sit in line, like the youngsters, hoping we'll get a seat we like.
I know one reason for the open seating routine is to board the plane more efficiently, however I don't see where this has helped at all. If the plane is loaded from back to front, what could be more efficient than that? With people chosing a seat anywhere, they will hold up the line behind them, regardless of where those passengers sit, assigned or not.
Thank you for listening to me and thank you for considering a change us Seniors would appreciate.
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