I reviewed most comments on Assign or not to assign boarding seats as well as Boarding with kids. I admit, I truly hate the new policy.
For many years, we traveled with Southwest and loved it. When we had a family, we used the family with small children can board first system. This was great because we were able to board and be out of the way of everyone else. Business travelers did not seem to mind. However, during our last travel to and from Florida, I believe the new policy was put into place during that time of 2008. We sat together on the flight to Florida and dad sat between two business associates who talked over him the entire flight. Then the flight from Florida, was horrible. We all sat somewhere else (next a husband and wife, on another other isle between two friends, and again between two business associates who could not sit next to each other, but talked to each other the entire flight). What could I do. These were the only available seats left. The flight attendants saw no need that we should sit together.
After the flight, I called Southwest to report this and I was told that changing the policy just for those with kids, will never happen. Besides, business travelers enjoyed the new system.
Let me say this to everyone. I was once a business traveler as well. I understood Customer Service. There is a way to please everyone and keep customers coming back.
Everyone have their own experience, but because of mine, I have not flown Southwest since 2008 and will not do so unless the policy of traveling with kids is changed. I have, however, flown with carriers that offer numbered seating to ensure that we are seated together. This is best for us.
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