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saving seats

obrigster84
Explorer C

Today (8-16-2016) on flight 199, a woman who boarded in the A1-A15 group, saved 5 seats in rows 3 and 4.  She also saved space in the overhead bins.  This created confusion, even anger, for some boarding passengers. It seems awkward (unfair?) that one member of a group can purchase preferred seating and save 5 seats plus storage space in overhead bins.  Southwest should, in my opinion, develop a policy on this subject.  BTW, all 5 passengers she saved seats for were adults, not children.

23 REPLIES 23

Re: saving seats

LindseyD
Retired Community Manager
Solution

Hi @obrigster84,

 

Thank you for participating in The Southwest Community. Southwest Airlines currently does not have a policy for or against the saving of seats. That said, we always appreciate feedback from our Customers. 

 

If you need assistance with a specific Customer Service issue, please reach out through the Contact Us page on Southwest.com. 

 

Re: saving seats

BullsFan
Adventurer A

This is NOT TRUE!  Southwest definitely has a rule on the books- a  passenger is entitled to chose ANY UNOCCUPIED SEAT .  

 

However, Southwest refuses to enforce that rule allowing people to save seats.

 

This is a major problem and needs to be addressed.  I am A list and Conpanion pass and 6'4" and routinely run into small people trying to save bulkhead and exit row seats when I get on the plane with an early A.

 

Some of those people are pre-board- often friends and employees - and pre boards are specifically prohibited from taking exit row seats but SWA doesn't enforce that rule, either!

 

SHAME ON YOU SOUTHWEST 

 

 

 

Re: saving seats

Cjatyler
Explorer A
I agree with the previous post. Open seating is open seating, not take one and save five. I was in the A group today and had to go back 9 rows before I could get an "unsaved" seat. This is enough to take another carrier next time. What is the use of being an early boarder if fellow passengers can save seats????

Re: saving seats

Cjatyler
Explorer A

It is time for Southwest to develop a policy regarding saving seats. People are abusing the boarding process and taking advantage of the other passengers who should have the right to ANY open seat!  

 

Re: saving seats

bluesfan65
Explorer A

I could not agree more. Saving a seat for a spouse or travel companion is one thing but to save multiple seats is another and should be prohibited.

Re: saving seats

TampaTravel
Explorer C

It's never really an issue if you're saving a middle seat right? Who wants one of those??? 😁 The issues is when it's multiple seats. I have made it awfully awkward before by just sitting in a seat that was being saved. On the other hand, I have been accused of trying to save a seat by a ridiculously rude flight attendant on a Southwest flight. I was in the process of getting out my iPad while my dad who was 10 ppl behind me in number came on. Mind you, the plane was 20℅ full at this point. 

Re: saving seats

cjcarlson
Explorer C

Why are people so upset about saving seats?      Is it that much of an imposition for someone to want to sit next to their travel companion?    I travel 50%+ for work and always fly Southwest, and am not one of the dreaded "seat savers."     But, I often encounter saved seats, and I just find another one.     Definitely a first world problem. 

Re: saving seats

newsman
Explorer A

If there's an open seat that I want (exit row/bulkhead), I'm taking it. Sorry I'm so rude, but open seating is open seating. If you wanted to board with your family or friends, you should have done so. I have a family, and we board together. If you wanted a saved seat, go to another airline that allows you to reserve a specific seat.

Re: saving seats

Victoria1949
Explorer C

I have never experienced type of  situation.  And, I have never encountered a rude Southwest Employee.