There was a lot of attention paid to discount giant Southwest Airlines this week. First, the low-cost carrier announced it would no longer be allowing families with children to pre-board flights. Then, the company revealed that it would be sticking to its unique open seating policy—-a process many passengers have nicknamed the “cattle call.”
In a previous blog I told you about Southwest’s efforts to experiment with different seating strategies. The carrier spent the summer running several different seating and boarding tests in San Diego and San Antonio. And according to airline executives, the results of those tests convinced them to keep their current policies, but institute a few minor adjustments.
Southwest’s recent announcement puts to rest the speculation that the airline would be following in the footsteps of the rest of the industry and assigning seats to passengers. Southwest, along with Aloha and Hawaiian Airlines lets passengers pick their own seats. It’s a process loved by some and hated by others. If you have ever flown Southwest you know that their seating policy often means standing in long lines (sometimes for more than an hour) just so you can get on the plane first and avoid having to sit in the dreaded middle seat.
So what are the “tweaks” Southwest is implementing?
Take a look:
Beginning in early November, Southwest is going to automatically give passengers an assigned number within its current boarding groups: A, B and C. This number will be assigned during check in. Another change: A and B groups will be expanded to 60 passengers.
Airline execs are hoping the changes will eliminate the need for passengers to wait in line to secure a good boarding position. If all goes according to plan, passengers will have the ability to sit down, stroll the concourse or shop in an airport store. What’s more, to make it easy for passengers to see when it’s their turn to board, Southwest says it plans to install electronic signs that display the current boarding numbers in groups of five. For instance, the sign will flash when those in group B with numbers 21 to 25 are eligible to get on the plane and choose a seat.
I have flown Southwest in the past and from what I can tell these changes are minimal at best. The bottom line: if you secure an A pass you will (9 times out of 10) be rewarded with a coveted aisle or window seat. The new boarding process continues to favor those who stay up all night and check in over the Internet 24 hours prior to their flight’s departure. So nothing has changed in that respect.
There are some travel analysts who expect that Southwest will eventually charge for an A boarding pass and/or give them to travelers who paid full fare for their tickets. My opinion: expect that change to come sooner than later.
Are you for or against the “cattle call” boarding process?
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How to Handle Flying with Smelly Seatmates
5 Ways To Deal With A Talkative Seatmate
Traveling With Children-Learn From My Mistakes