Hi, I've seen this topic discussed a few times on the forum, but without an official response from Southwest. As a fairly frequent flyer since 2010, I've earned a companion pass a few times. Currently, the companion is given a boarding position relative to their status or purchase (A-List or EarlyBird Check-In). My boarding position is typically between A15 and A30 while my companion (a non A-List member) is between B30 and C30. This creates an unpleasant experience for both myself and other Southwest customers as I have to tell them the middle seat next to me is saved for my significant other. Generally, this is not a problem, but could be easily be avoided with Southwest's flexible boarding procedure. In earlier posts, members have suggested giving companions the boarding position immediately following their partner. Ex: A15, then A16 for the companion. This could upset other rewards members as the A boarding group is generally full of frequent flyers or EarlyBird upgrades. Alternatively, members have suggested ignoring the companion's boarding position and allowing them to board with their partner. This would remove the need to give them an A boarding pass, but again creates a situation where the companion may board and take a seat from another frequent flyer or EarlyBird traveler. A simple compromise would be to have the companions board after the A group. They would board after the A-List members who didn't receive their As, but prior to family boarding. Ideally, the computer system would print Companion on the boarding pass, so the gate agent could quickly validate the boarding pass. Prior to updating the computer system, the companion could be required to show their physical card received from Southwest. This boarding procedure would allow for all rewards members to board and select seats prior to any companions. It would also allow companions to board early enough in the procedure to avoid any awkward customer interactions about saving seats. Finally, this fits their boarding procedure with little alteration to the process or computer system other than the gate agent announcing it's time for the companions to board. I'd love to hear back from a Southwest customer service agent on this topic. Hopefully, they can inform the community whether this is being discussed/considered at a corporate level. Sincerely, - Big Southwest Fan (Darren)
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