08-29-2016
09:27 AM
I can understand understand the feelings and frustration from both sides on this issue. Of course none of know the circumstances, financial, flight fears, flight connection etc of the group that had one person save five seats. Being tall and not being able to sit in the bulkhead or exit row is a big problem. You should be able to sit there over someone who is not as tall and no one should be offended. I am 5"6" and sometimes sit there so I can straighten my legs because of joint issues (diagnosed) but only when in severe pain. You wouldn't know that to look at me. My point is we don't know what is going on with anyone else, we do know what we need. And I agree the rules should be enforced consistently however I do know I am thankful when an exception is made an I am allowed to preboard when I am having a medical flare up and don't have a doctor letter. The entire plane lands at the same time, We all get the same service, and we can ask seat savers to move back a few rows and/or ask the flight attendants to ask them to if we really need those seats. If they will not move and you put your suitcase in the saved but empty overhead and your self in the seat I am guessing they will move or just glare at you the entire flight. It is open seating. 🙂 It is only a big deal if we the passengers make it one. It is our choice to allow folks to save a seat or not. I talk to people. When I saved to seats - a middle and window I told everyone who asked who it was for and why I was saving it. No one wanted to take them after that. My suggestion- Ask- discuss, point out that two rows in the front is alot and maybe nine or ten rows back would be better.
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I am suprised that those posting have such a different experience than I do flying SWA. I fly for business but have frequently seen one person board with an A and "save" seats for the rest of their family or flying group. I have only done that once when I happened to be be flying on business and was booked on the same flight as my son's best friend- who was like my own kid and he and his bride were flying to their honey moon cruise. I had a couple 5:00 am grumpies be unhappy but most were understanding. Families should sit together and A-listers should have the benefit of getting on first. The man with a 7 year old obviously won't leave his daughter to board alone but can board between the A's and B's because of his A list status and her age being close enough to the 5 and under. (if you ask nice and the gate agent isn't a real stickler.. ) I did board one flight where the gate agent wouldn't let number 23 go before 22 so...... but that is another story. It is my experience that most people who choose to fly Southwest are of a more relaxed nature. We enjoy the great customer service of SWA, everyone trys to make the flying experience great. Of course anyone can have a bad day but usually if you explain your situation people are willing to work with you. Unless I have a really short connection I will give up my seat to let a family be together even if I have to go to the back of the plane. As I said, I fly for business and I can't miss a flight and risk my job but I try to be accomodating and I I have seen many others do the same. Another reason I love SWA. I would love the luggage tag thing--mine always seem to come off last. I am a big proponant of people checking luggage and not carrying on. Nothing slows down the boarding and exiting process like all those large carry on's. Are you really going to change your clothes on the plane. LOL. (It's a joke, it's a joke)
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If you haven't already, call and ask a customer service agent to help you find the shortest route. He or She may be able to find one that saves time even though it flys in a direction you may not think of looking. An agent helped me with this a few years ago when a route was changed that I was taking frequently. At least it will be on the SWA radar that folks like you need the route back. 🙂 Good luck.
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Glad to be part of the community.
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