Military Boarding Policy

[elims]

I've looked up the Military Boarding Policy and this was what I found from a Southwest employee.

"Patriotism runs deep at Southwest Airlines, and we are proud of all those who serve. When it comes to our military boarding policy, we invite active duty, uniformed members of the U.S. military to board before the B Group."

However, today, I was deny access after showing my DoD CAC card because I was not in "uniform". Not every branch in the military can travel in "uniform". 

Is this really how Southwest treat our military members? 

[chgoflyer · Accepted solution]

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@elims wrote:

I've looked up the Military Boarding Policy and this was what I found from a Southwest employee.

"Patriotism runs deep at Southwest Airlines, and we are proud of all those who serve. When it comes to our military boarding policy, we invite active duty, uniformed members of the U.S. military to board before the B Group."

However, today, I was deny access after showing my DoD CAC card because I was not in "uniform". Not every branch in the military can travel in "uniform". 

Is this really how Southwest treat our military members? 

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Unfortunately, it is.

Southwest requires that military be in uniform in order to receive boarding benefits. It's well understood that many military passengers are unable to travel in uniform, even while on duty. This has long been a policy that seems to mostly disappoint military passengers.

Hopefully this disappointment is offset a bit by Southwest's military fare discounts and flexibility, along with oversize & excess baggage fees exceptions.

[BBelobrajdic]

This is an optics issue. Southwest is aware that military members are required to NOT travel in uniform. Boarding is allowed for members in uniform, meaning Southwest doesn’t want to be seen not respecting those that serve (allowing early boarding is how - ostensibly- the airlines show their patriotism). This is inconsistent and shallow. Either allow all military members the boarding privileges or none at all. At least with United and American, they are consistent. Keep this is in mind folks when purchasing future tickets on your own dime. 

[dfwskier]

This is a customer forum, so you are not making your suggestion to SW here.

You can by contacting customer relations

https://community.southwest.com/t5/Knowledge-Base/Submitting-a-Suggestion-and-or-Complaint/ta-p/8724...

[SWFlyer007]

@BBelobrajdic I agree with you, but regardless of the fact that is a glitch with this issue, it won't make me stop or decide any less to fly SWA.  It's my dime and SWA gives me the best perks for my money.  And now, flight credits don't expire!!  Thank you SWA, now listen to our military flyers on this issue.  

[Donny2002]

This was the worst they won't even let national guard or other military on bored on ther own group if ur not in uniform 😒 this air line is the worst and I will never use them agin I'd rather go with delta Air lines as they support all military rather then in uniform. Southwest is the worst and can't show ther passing for there service member’s luggage or other essentave ain't nothing. I wish Southwest would welcome all military on bored on ther own group with cac card military card

[dfwskier]

Yup, the standard policy is only those in uniform are allowed to board early.

If you want to see that changed, you could tell the airline that is what you want. Click on  "contact us" below to do so.

[matthewhayes87]

As a veteran of both active duty and the reserves I really hate seeing messages like this.  We volunteer to serve, and its a privilege to wear the uniform.  We get more benefits in the United States from the Veteran's Affairs and many other government agencies than any other country in the world, stop acting so entitled.  Further National Guard and active duty are far from the same.  Unless you are activated on federal orders you are not considered a veteran after you leave the national guard.  There was talk about retirees being considered veteran's, not sure if that has changed.  I completely agree with enforcing strict standards.  You should be used to this if you served.

[SWICTD]

This is not an entitled thing. Every other airline allows military members to preboard with a CAC card without having to be in uniform. It’s just a matter of realizing that Southwest’s customer service is clearly the worst in that regard. 

[05bardic · Accepted solution]

This is an old post. SW no longer requires military to be in uniform. Only CAC like every other airline.