09-02-2007
10:29 AM
5 Loves
I fly Southwest very frequently and I personally agree with the system as it stands. It has held up for over 35 years. Personally, I did like the old boarding card system better.
In my humble opinon if you want to get a good seat, it's first come, first serve and stand in line! After all these are peanut fares, not Delta Crowns.
The calling of boarding groups divided by letter and number groups would be a better change than what is happening in SAT.
Honestly, if you still assigned the numbers like you do currently 24hrs prior, then split it up as they board there wouldn't be such a rush to the gate.
Start with accepting general boarding at goup A, 1-20. Then proceed with group A, 1-40. (still stating 1 through, incase someone with A8 was in the bathroom and didn't get back in time to board with the 1-20 group) Then finish group A, 1-60. Now then Start accepting boarding group B, 1-80. Then follow with group B, 1-100. Then group B, 1-120. Then board group C, 1-140, and then end with final call for the total number of passengers on the plane 1-whatever that number is.
This system should satisfy everyone for the most part. If people are hell bent on being the very first person in line, then they should get there early. Life isn't always 100% fair and these people moaning about a few people being in front even though they get there 'early' apparently don't fly enough to ever be first. Or maybe they will never be satisifed unless they feel they can take the easiest route to get to get ahead of everyone else.
Customer inconsideration and APATHY is what slows down turn times!
I see it all of the time.
If people aren't actively trying to line up get on the plane, then they lose the desire to act in a timely matter to get on the plane. But most customers don't look at the big picture "get on the plane and get to your seat ASAP so that we can get to our destination faster."
Unfortunately it's true, people are sorta like cattle, they need to be 'prodded' (given an insentive of being able to choose their seating first) to focus on being expedient in their boarding.
Other than implementing the system I outlined, the system should be left as is. These people who are new to the whole Southwest way of travel just don't understand that there's a reason Southwest is doing better than all of the other airlines. I love the fact that if can't plan ahead and I need to get to an emergency meeting in Houston that I can purchase my full-fare ticket online, check-in online, arrive at Love Field 45 min before my flight and still get to choose my seat. OPEN SEATING is what keeps me flying SWA everytime, even when I can sometimes get flights cheaper on 'Bigger' Airlines!
Listen to the people in your Hub City, who have always LUVed you and have supported you from the beginning!
Nick from North Dallas,
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