Southwest Airlines Community

I would say I was skeptical about our new family second business first boarding process but by in large the past two days have been a rousing success. The first customer I came in contact with to explain the new boarding procedures smiled with a wide grin that she didn't have to wait in line anymore. She promptly headed to have a wine and relax at the wine bar in BWI before her B row was called. Throughout the past couple of days I have had dozens and dozens of praises and a only a handful of complaints mostly from family members. However, those family members were still sitting together. There appears to be the misconception that families will no longer be sitting together and that just isn't the case. They just aren't sitting in the front of the aircraft. This speeds up our boarding process a little and gets EVERYONE to their destination faster. I haven't seen any "business" customers boarding first because I don't know that we have sold any of those tickets on my flights yet. And as far as the through-flight question of taking all the good seats away from them. I can say it is rare that there are 50-60 through flight customers to make it a problem Overall, I congratulate Gary and company. Great job!! My father was an executive a major corporation and one thing I have learned over the years from him is if a company stays static it dies. SWA's boarding policy was long overdue for a makeover and I'm excited to see what will be coming in the months and years ahead to keep our product fresh for all to enjoy. Well done!! ... View more

Colleen, When I first read the news a multitude of emotions filled my body. Shock, sadness, numbness, worry for the future, but glee for you and Herb. Although I don't have the pleasure of seeing both of you each day in the Big-D, all the ways you have communicated to me makes me feel like I'm right there in Dallas. I am so thankful you have brought this wonderful company to fruition to allow me to have a great career that brings together my SWA family with my own family. I know after you leave we will be able to maintain the culture you have taught each and every one of us. Although you will still be working for the next few years I wish you the very best and will continue to look forward to your column in the next issues of LUV Lines. When I no longer see "Colleen's Corner" then I will be truly sad yet it will be with a smile to know you will be happy in you next phase of life. Thank You!! ... View more

I have worked here just over a year and I have always thought assigned seating was the way to go. I have worked for other carriers who have assigned seating and it just seemed the "correct" way to run the operation. Since then I have realized many of our passengers like the way we do it now. My dentist just said, "If you go the way of assigned seating you will be just like everyone else and I might as well fly on someone else." Made me worry that we will push away our regular flyers. He rides on us once a month. Maybe we will alienate some of our regular customers. I don't know. What I do know is we have the best executives in the world dissecting the situation and will make the best decision. Who knows, maybe we do assigned seating for a year and not like it. We can always revert back to the way we board now. ... View more