I have been a dedicated Southwest flyer for so long that desk agents are usually surprised at my LOW frequent
flyer number. I also fly other airlines when I have to and I know from experience that seat assignment does not reduce the time one spends waiting in line to board.
Why not board and de-plane from both ends of the
plane? This is fairly common in Europe and certainly reduces the amount fo time it takes to get on or off the plane.
OR---why not reward those passengers with NO carry-on luggage by allowing them to board right after the "pre-boarders"? The biggest delay in boarding is caused by those passengers who have huge or several carry-ons which they can't maneuver down (up?) the aisle, can't
find an empty bin, or can't hoist their too-heavy luggage
up into the bin. If you have only a SINGLE purse or briefcase or computer case, you could scmper on board and seat yourself with dispatch.
I understand that extra minutes spent on the ground do not generate revenue, but I can't imagine that assigned seating is a step forward.
Ruth Anderson
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