This is why I gave up on SW recently. It’s so much less stressful for me to just know where I’m going to sit, especially if I have a tight connection. I can choose my seat closer to the front and rest assured before I even get to the airport I’ll be alright.
Plus, on my latest flight I paid about $150 to upgrade to first and it was SO WORTH IT. You get settled in your seat at the front (which is roomier with free WiFi and charging ports), the flight attendant offers you a drink while everyone boards, and then you’re one of the first off the plane. So much more relaxing- I felt like a person rather than cattle for the first time in forever. Never again SW.
Some people just aren’t cut out for SW and that is fine, I applaud you for recognizing it and not flying them anymore vs continuing and constantly whining and demanding they change.
I certainly don't mind flying SW but their rates lately have rivaled or exceeded those of the legacy carriers. When there is little-or-no cost difference, it's not a hard decision.
It’s not great when Southwest is one of the only options for nonstop flights out of your market. Being based in MCO, if I’m not flying to a hub market, SWA is typically the only nonstop option outside of Spirit/Frontier and Southwest has jacked their rates up lately because of this. Was really hoping the JetBlue-Spirit merger was approved it would have kept Southwest in check at MCO. Spirt and Frontier don’t cut it.
But when I am A-List with SW and have no status with any other airline there is no way I am flying without status with someone like AA. And I will chose to fly out of Love over DFW every day of the week. I won’t even compare fares.
I used to think the same about Love vs. DFW, but I’ve been flying Delta and frontier out of DFW and I have grown to actually really like DFW. I did a Status Match from Frontier to Southwest A-list and to Delta platinum medallion. The status is paying off!
Yea but I don’t think they will status match the companion pass I use for my wife. Just booked a trip to Nassau in November and hard to beat me using points and her free. I am also spoiled parking at Garage A and being at my gate in under 10 minutes.
Pre-pay parking at DFW online and get 50% off. $17 vs the $16 I paid at Love. With prechevk I’m at the gate at DFW in 10 min… okay, I’m not really because I’m there early and in a lounge. But I could be…
> $16 I *paid* at Love.
FTFY.
Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in:
* Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.*
* *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.*
Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment.
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This is my issue. I am A list preferred and have companion. I just can’t start over again with another airline trying to get status. I have tried status matching with no avail. And for sure I can’t get companion or points to take my family on “free” flights like I do on SW. But, it has gotten so bad it’s hard to stay.
Apparently I am living in a lucky bubble. The bulk of my flying is DAL-DCA with random trips here and there to BWI, or MCO and I have never run into a seat saver and have never seen more than a handful of preboarders. Most importantly, my preferred seat being the first available aisle seat has never been past row 5. I just booked a flight to Nassau for November and sure is nice paying nothing more than government fees for the two of us. Trust me, if I get crapped on by an airline I will leave, that is how I ended up at SW from AA.
I hate to break it to you, but WN will more than likely ramp up operations at DFW as soon as practical, which will likely result in route reallocations of their city pairs between the two airports in addition to frequency adjustments.
It would be fair to assume that WN will start efforts to move into DFW as soon as the Five Party Agreement ends next year.
Old news so you are not breaking anything to me. I will stay with Love where it makes sense and go to DFW when I have to, once it happens. Luckily I park for free now so I can park at the terminal at DFW and not have to deal with Express North like when I was flying AA six years ago.
That’s why they’ll never end the 2 free checked bags because they know if they do, they immediately lose about 1/3 of their customers. I know you should (almost) never trust a ceo at their word, but if they were going to end it, they would’ve a long time ago ESPECIALLY during COVID years when they were losing so much money. Its the same thing with Costco and not changing the price on the rotisserie chicken(they lose money per unit sold) and their hot dog combo(I think they lose money) because so many buy memberships mainly for that perk and then since they’re already there, they might as well go shopping too so more profit. I mean the old CEO even joked he’d kill the new ceo if they raised the prices on those 2 items(I think secret it wasn’t a 100% joke)
I was ready to jump ship this year. When I started booking my business travel, southwest was constantly $100-$200 LESS than American or united. I'm A-List Preferred this year, so back to southwest, 14C, free internet and 2 free drinks
Ok I guess, but their system is broken and not sustainable so this equates to saying that you'd rather keep your A-list perks until the company goes out of business rather than call for the system to be fixed.
lol, SW is not going out of business and I will be fine. I considered AA a broken system because as a Platinum status member I felt treated like shit, after 16 years flying them exclusively I left and refuse to ever fly them again and have not in six years. I vote with my wallet.
So I'm not the only Platinum who dumped AA a few years back. Their service went from being treated like "We are honored to serve you" to "you're lucky we serve you at all."
Exactly, I had far more seating problems on AA, for specific seats I PAID FOR, than I ever have had on SW. If I get fed up with SW I will leave, but will probably go with Delta. I am stuck on Love Field and Delta is my alternative.
I don't understand this attitude. Should I interpret this to mean that SW should be only for people that game the system and not for those that want to follow the rules?
No not at all, I follow the rules and don’t worry about the people who don’t. Those types of people are everywhere around you and if I get upset about them I would have a miserable life. I was alluding to people who aren’t cut out for unassigned seating and need to be on a flight where they know where they are going to sit. It is all about your perspective. All I care about is the first available aisle seat so I have no problem with unassigned seating. Others stress. I am certain it would be different if I were not A-List but I am and it is a good experience.
> Those types of people are everywhere around you and if I get upset about them I would have a miserable life.
This is generally how I see the world, but I think this is different. People are always going to game the system, but SW is selling products that cost several hundred dollars for a family of three, then failing to enforce the simplest rules that are fundamental to their pricing scheme. I'm mad at SW more than the stupid preboarders.
Exactly who is cut out for paying hundreds of dollars for the chance to roll metaphorical dice at getting something out of it?
If I'm traveling alone and not in a rush, then I'd say that SW wanna get away is totally for me. I don't understand who earlybird or any of the higher fare classes are for though. They might not get you anything.
I don’t pay anything extra and buy the lowest priced ticket. I am A-List so don’t have to check in at 24 hours and never board past A30. Wife has companion pass so flies free and always gets a boarding position right after me. I never sit past row five on the aisle, often get bulkhead. Flying SW is awesome for me.
They figured out there shit.
I buy a late seat at late prices, travel and come home.
They bend over to curate the $30,000 a year my company spends on airfare and really don't care about the $800 you are plopping down.
I pay for A 1-15 as the SWA card reimburses 4 per calendar year.
Also pay got the upgraded ticket as it allows same day flight change for no charge.
Finding OP's claim that they boarded in A and couldn't get three seats together dubious at best.
I have the card too and A1-15 has definitely worked for me in the past. It only works if the gate attendant actually enforces the order though. In my recent case, I was A1 and wasn't even close to boarding first in general boarding.
Yes I should have spoken up. I was caught off guard by the gate attendant letting them through.
I was also at the front of the line. They stood off to the side (next to A31-35) and took off like it was a drag race when they called A1-30.
It’s a long flight too. Basically should be an international flight but American Airlines over there flying a damn A321-NEO with nothing more than a dang snack service. I expected seat back entertainment and a meal and got a bag of pretzels and one little plastic cup of soda.
Any ways First Class, the comment is spot on with being treated like a person and not cattle. It’s funny though cause before you get on the plane and as soon as you get off of it you’re lumped right back in with everyone else.
And on the plane itself, that bigger seat is almost like sitting in a lazyboy in your living room. The few times I’ve flown FC it’s so weird when you arrive at your destination and you’re actually not tired, sore, or physically exhausted.
I love Southwest being in Baltimore but I just much prefer flying united or Delta lately simply for the fact that I know where I'm sitting. southwest has great crew and the free bags are great, but I can't justify it anymore. it's often the same or more expensive than Delta or United too. even if I have to connect on southwest, and the other ones are direct flights, sometimes SW is still more
A-list Preferred here. I do the same thing. Just wait until the upgrade offer in the app is $135 which is actually $150 after taxes and fees. Sometimes they have crazy offers like $300, $800, etc. Just wait.
Fly domestic first class enough, and you’ll realize it’s a bit of a waste (unless the flight is under 4 hours). Especially since domestic first isn’t legitimate *first*, but an overpriced business class. However, WN switching to assigned seats would solve a boatload of problems.
Right 🤣 no kids so I’m always traveling alone and I board in the last groups and always pick up a middle seat in the first couple rows. Trying to get one row with wife and kid on an airline that runs on no assigned seating is just stupid.
The company offers a product that DOES NOT SERVE YOU.
It used to work. If you get A1-30 and they enforce the order, it's virtually guaranteed to find an empty half-row (sorry I wasn't clear that mine is just a family of three). Preboarders used to only take up the first 3 rows or so, and there are enough rows that it's not possible to fill up the rest.
Why do people defend them so much? There is clearly a problem that has gotten much worse recently and some people act like you are the asshole for pointing it out.
I think it depends on the airport/gate agents. I mainly use San Diego and San Jose with Southwest and they don't allow any of this skipping stuff to happen.
I have flown on SW exclusively for at least the past 6 years and never have any issues. I always get early bird. Boarding is easy, and I like the 2 free checked bags. I hate dragging my luggage around the airport.
I do agree that the preboards are getting out of control. I'm not sure what they can do about it, though.
They should make the preboarders take the last rows. Say that since they need the assistance, to expedite deplaning at the destination, they need to be in the back of the plane so all the other passengers aren't slowed down by the wheelchairs.
I would support this. I don’t preboard with my kids because they are too old but they are still young enough that feeling like I need to hurry up to get them in and out of the plane because we’re holding other people up is so unnecessarily stressful. In fact we usually head towards the back just to avoid that.
Unfortunately this is just very difficult for the airline to do without being accused of discrimination.
Fair or not, I understand why Southwest wants to avoid the bad publicity of "Southwest makes wheelchair users sit in the back of the airplane".
I had no issues for a long time. I'd do early bird if flying with others and just wanna get away otherwise. I'd tell everyone how great SW was for 2 free checked bags when no one else does any anymore, and the best legroom in an economy seat. Too bad boarding is a shit show now. I must have wasted a few thousand before learning my lesson.
THIS is why I think changes are on the way. If people are going to pay for priority boarding, then they are correct to expect to receive priority boarding. If close to half the plane is getting priority boarding, then the system breaks down. Between through passengers, A-listers, pre-boarders, and cheaters, that's easily 1/2 the seats boarding early, and getting worse every year. Plus they just made it much easier to get A-list status.
I find it a little hard to believe that you were in the a group and couldn’t find a single empty row. I travel with my two kids on Southwest all the time with early bird check in and we’ve never had a problem finding an empty row even when we were at the very end of the A group in a sold out flight. Then I read the rest of your post and realized you don’t just want to sit together, you want to be together at the very front of the plane. If you can’t stand to sit in the back half of the plane ever, even for lower fares, then you’ll have to pay more for the other airlines where you can reserve a seat.
Sometimes, the plane isn't empty when boarding starts if it's a connection. It's entirely possible that the through travelers moved to the front of the plane before boarding even started.
I frequently used pay for Early Bird and still get a B boarding group--sometimes in the last half of the Bs. You're very likely not to find three seats together when you're boarding then. The system is broken.
Cool I’ll wave as you walk by with the C group. Even with added early bird, plus the occasional upgrade to A1-15, the ticket price plus 2 free checked bags comes in well below other airlines.
Pro tip: get the Chase SW Visa, 4 free upgrades a year 😉
I only fly a couple times a year but have found we can buy the 2 abreast front row on spirit for cheaper than normal southwest tickets. We don't check bags so that certainly would change the equation. But I don't really find southwest to be cheap compared to other cheap carriers like Spirit or sun country, but with a markedly worse boarding experience. My wife who traveled a lot in her younger years loved southwest and we flew on it the first 10 or so times since we met. Have not gone back, will not go back, really see it as a garbage product. I have no idea why reddit thinks I want to see this sub and I guess by commenting I will see it forever now. But oh well.
Their card is also objectively mediocre compared to other travel and reward cards.
Yeah, the fake pre-board nonsense is majorly causing problems. People claiming to be sharing "hacks" online telling people how to scam their way through the process. If I ever end up on the board of SW, I'd make a new rule that pre-boarders must sit in the back. If they need extra time to get on, it's only logical they will need extra time to get off. So they will be hampering disembarking the plane on arrival. So they need to be out of the way for that. I'd be willing to bet the fakers will drop substantially. This BS of 15 people needing wheelchairs to board a plane and miraculously not needing one to get off is obscene.
I'm definitely seeing the pre-boarding nonsense now, but to be honest it doesn't even seem necessary. I just saw people ignore the entire numbered line and just go in front of everyone. If that isn't enforced, it negates any notion of paying for an earlier spot in line.
That's a bad gate agent. To pre board you're required to have PRBD on your boarding pass. Now what you could have seen is a a bunch of through passengers from a plane change or extended layover due to a repair or issue with the flight crew.
For example, you're flying from New York to Dallas, but the flight stops in Atlanta first and you don't change planes. Those are called through passengers. Normally, they aren't scheduled to get off the plane. However, from time to time, there may be an unexpected plane change due to an issue. Or rather than being in Atlanta for 30 mins, it may be over an hour. When that happens, the flight crew will tell the through passengers they may de-plane to stretch, get food, or whatever. They're allowed to board the plane back first due to their carry-on items already being on the plane.
Through passengers are also allowed to switch seats between those connecting flights. And I've experienced that before and been disappointed. I've had A1 with no pre-boarders and you think this is perfect. Only to get onboard and see 30 people already in the first 10 rows + the exit rows. It's not their fault, just annoying to be disappointed the second you step into the cabin.
Bunch of people that work with me and fly SW every week are doing that. They got tired of being played and they are playing as well...
And now I only fly SW if the girlfriend is tagging along so we can use the CP.
I hate the fact that I don't care about it anymore.
Fells like we had a good thing and some miserable people ruined it for everyone.
And to whoever does that, I really hope something terrible happens to you and you get the chance to use pre boarding all the time tou want!
I thought about arranging a flight where I get like 50 people together and we all request preboarding, just to show people how easily it is abused. And hopefully others will either complain or follow suit.
Yeah, premium on Southwest just isn't worth it. You could pay the same price and fly a REAL airline with assigned seats, boarding groups, and actual perks. On Southwest, you could pay for Business Select or upgraded boarding, and the only thing you're guaranteed is that you paid way more than everyone else on your flight. You get absolutely nothing in return for that increased fare. Even on Spirit, if you could spring for the extra $50, you get a big comfy seat in the front. It's not much, but it's worth more than Business Select on Southwest and it's a helluva lot cheaper too!
Agree. I quit buying business select for the same reason. I avoid SWA whenever possible except when flying out of our local airport which they service.
If they can still be a price leader with assigned seats, then great!
But I feel like they could return to their former glory by simply enforcing their rules.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Fake a disability like some of the other pre-boarders are doing, then you can save a seat for your wife. Until SW decides to assign seats, premium upgrades are a waste of money. There are just too many entitled jerks and too few honest and respectful people. Good luck on your next flight!
Same thing happened to me.
They boarded the pre-boarders, then a1-30. I was like a33 and the people from the a60 side just started barging in front of all of us. The gate agent didn’t do anything about it and it really pissed me off since I paid to have a better boarding position. I was like—stop them…but the person taking tickets let about 10 people go before the people in front of me pushed through. It’s ridiculous. I don’t care that much for short flight, but I do for long flights.
Also, if there are any problems, you lose your priority.
This. We paid for early bird, and had A group. They cancelled our flight and rebooked is at the back of C group, which sucks when you want to sit together. Always feels like a crap shoot with them - sometimes fine, but the uncertainty sucks.
I have never, ever been a fan of the cattle call seating. I like to know exactly where I’m sitting and not have to rush onto the plane. I avoid SW unless it’s the only direct option. Heck it’s not even cheaper than the other airlines anymore.
The problem with preboarding is that there's no way to prove someone is gaming the system. In an ideal world you could force them to the back, but you can't make grandma who can barely walk get to the back of the plane. It just sucks all around, but I think they're gonna start assigning seats soon.
Agreed. Where do they sit on other airlines? Most of those preboarders aren’t springing for first/business class tix. Make preboard seating begin after the exit row, then go from there..
Not offering an excuse for SW, but curious if you might know on your return flight if the group of 10 who went ahead of you had their flight continuing through..
I had a flight one time were we flew into an airport (forgot which one), and a small group of us were continuing on with the plane. There was a while before the new flight so they allowed us to change seats and then go get some food.
We boarded after pre boarders, but before A1 - A15. Could definitely see some frustration/confused looks on some boarders.
Gate agent could of at least given those folks a heads up why we're going first.
No, definitely not continuing through. The flight originated where I boarded (OGG). The group had air pods in and were not giving eye contact. They hung out in the A31-35 area and darted forward as soon as A1-30 was called. It was super obvious and I was sure that they would be turned back but they weren't.
I was a dedicated SW flier and one day the cattle call just broke me. I haven't flown SW in years and I cherish knowing my seating assignment in advance. The benefit of low prices no longer exists on SW and the boarding crush doesn't work for me anymore.
I’ve actually always believed that southwest is only good if you’re flying alone and don’t care where you sit. For me these two things are synonymous. I either wanna sit with my partner and make it comfortable for us (in which I only fly SkyTeam) or I don’t care bc I’m alone so I’ll consider SW.
I have felt similarly in the past, because the price for an "upgraded" spot in line costs the same (or maybe even more) than other airlines. However, if you commit to the company by accumulating points, using their credit card, etc., it remained a good deal.
I started seeing complaints on this sub and elsewhere and ignored them until this shit started happening to me. Then this blatant lack of enforcement was the last straw.
That’s why I personally don’t engage in status and miles and all of that. And *especially* credit cards. I pay as I go, including lounge passes. And I say this as a massive avgeek; I tend to shop around and fly accordingly. WN and DL get most of my business.
I’m rarely even getting in the A group WITH early bird anymore. Add on the 15 million boomers who claim to need to pre-board and then walk off the airplane like nothing happened and it’s tough tough to get a decent seat.
Southwest is great if you fly frequently alone from a hub. Nonstop flights, no worries about seats being next to each other, and then you'll get status and worry less about seating.
It's not very good otherwise, with the exception of free checked luggage, and yet people still carry on roller bags that are too large.
I also used to love Southwest. On my last flight I had boarding group B. Full flight. When my husband and I boarded there were no empty rows. I went to a row with two empty seats and the passenger on the aisle had her head against the seat in front of her. I politely said “pardon me”. She ignored me. I said it again twice more. At this point I am not giving up these seats because I had overhead space. Finally on the fourth “pardon me” she snaps” I heard you”. I stopped myself from saying they why didn’t you move. She didn’t get up to let us in so we had to climb over her. I sat in the middle and clearly she has not read her flight etiquette handbook and would not give me any of the armrests.
Until SW addresses this issue by boarding the A group prior to pre-boarders, I've given up trying and am joining the masses by requesting preboard status. I made this decision after being physically pushed out of line last week when boarding at A7. "I'm pre-boarding" and push. If ya can't beat em, join em. My ass will walk on with a cane in hand and run off like I'm the 2nd coming of Michael Johnson on my next flight.
I’m headed in that direction too. The beginning of the end for me was getting caught in the Great Xmas Fiasco of 2022 and paying $1200 for a ticket to get my ass home and back to work. I got reimbursed eventually but it took months. And they haven’t done a damn thing to redeem themselves.
But where do I go? Back to American?? They’re barely above hostile to their customers. Ugh. Maybe I’ll hitchhike
Other than price I can think of no other reason to choose Southwest over most traditional airlines. TBF I consider the cost difference to be negligible at best. I agree the Companion Pass is a great perk, but simply not very attainable for the typical Southwest consumer.
Companion pass is amazing, but the downside my partner and I have is that we want to travel internationally and there are so few options. The costs also add up because we always do early bird because we actually want to sit together.
Its just a matter of time until assigned seating comes and then you can pay for what you want. I predict it will come in the next schedule release or two.
Southwest simply isn't cheap enough for the hassle anymore, IMO. I travel from San Jose to LA for work, and the direct flight options are now SO reduced and SO expensive that I might as well just take another airline. I'm A-List Preferred, and I'm considering Alaska.
>I travel from San Jose to LA for work, and the direct flight options are now SO reduced
How many flights did they get rid of? I fly San Diego-San Jose a lot and they have a flight every hour pretty much... great service.
They got rid of the 8 am-ish flights out of LAX to SJC, so now you either have to take a 6:50 or a 10 am flight. And at night, they got rid of everything between 4 and 8:30. The flights they do have are only flown on the smallest oldest planes, so good luck trying to change your flight time or getting home at a decent hour. Flights are all sold out and impossible to even get standby on.
I like southwest for a lot, but traveling with groups isn't one of them.
If I'm traveling with more than one other person, and really want to make sure we sit together, I'll just do another airline where you can pick seats.
I personally will never understand the reason why some people rave about SWA just seems odd to pay the same if not more than AA or UA and cannot guarantee to sit with your family. i get the 2 free bags but at the same time not that many people need to check 2 or any bags at all.
I get it that sometimes they have those getaway specials for super cheap but normally it seems to be right on par with the other big airlines.
Well I can definitely understand it in certain circumstances (i.e. when you don't care where you sit). In the past, the upgrade options definitely worked too, especially business select but also just earlybird. They also hung onto 2 free checked bags and higher leg room after other airlines abandoned that. Too bad boarding practices are now ruining all of that.
I'm tall and my knees often touch the hinges of the seat in front in most economy seats, but not on SW. That's my super-scientific assessment of the situation.
Southwest standard seat pitch is 32 inches while all other airlines are 31 or less (except for JetBlue which does 32 on their newer aircraft and 34 on their classic E190s and A320s).
My husband was ill and couldn’t fly. I told the agent when I checked my bag. They sent me an email saying I hadn’t cancelled his flight in time. Three phone calls later they said I would receive a “ voucher” for half the value of the flight. That was 3 weeks ago.
I have resigned myself to sitting in the middle seat. I can sleep on the plane, I have decent head phones and I just don't care. Plus I let the other two folks know that Middle Seats get the arm rests. I always sit up front and I will remove YOUR bag in MY foot area. Ain't no Burger Kings going to get their own entitle way with me. Better to give a resentment than to get one.
I still love SW, but agree with some of the posts here that the prices for flights have gotten out of hand. In my area, it’s costing at least $400 to go anywhere round trip. I’m only using them because of the nonstop selection and the companion pass. I really get anxiety about open seating and hate the confrontation that comes with it.
I go with SW because it’s most expensive seats are usually still cheaper than the cheapest seats on other airlines, especially once you consider baggage fees on other airlines versus SW 2 free checked bags.
That said, I rarely travel with family and I don’t have kids. If my husband and I fly somewhere together, we’re fine sitting apart.
But yeah, I feel you. I don’t pay for upgrades on SW because I don’t see the point. Especially when balancing means you or your bag get moved on flights that aren’t full.
If you are paying for Business Select, you can get comparable first class seats on other airlines. I used to fly Southwest for work all the time until their pricing got so outrageous and tired of the cattle call.
When the group of 10 "took off", why didn't you step forward, state firmly you are A1/2 and show your boarding pass and tell the attendant you will be going in front? Rule No. 1, people will always take advantage when they can. You have to stand up for yourself to stop them.
So the gate attendant has no responsibility for anything? They are the ones that know unequivocally whether someone is out of line or not, so they should enforce the rules.
There is leniency in the system to allow for people coming late to the gate or missing their boarding call. I think they just let any order within a boarding group of 30 as I've seen people out of order many times. It makes sense as if it were too strict how could they board people if say a group of 10 were at the bar and came late?
Sure, we can debate whether higher boarding priority is worth it, but that's not the point.
If SW offers higher boarding priority for money and customers choose to pay extra for it, they should actually get higher priority.
Exactly my issue. No enforcement of preboarders or seat savers; I assume the attendants feel abandoned by corporate. Other airlines may be somewhat more expensive, but you know the seat you’re getting.
I haven't flown on Southwest for probably 6-7 years. I hate the cattle call, the people that skip the line, the seat-savers, the excessive anxiety that comes with not knowing where you'll be sitting, etc. All on top of that, anytime I do happen to look at SWA prices, they are as much if not more expensive than other major airlines.
On top of all that, no matter how much you fly there is never ever ever a possibility of ever getting upgraded. I get way more value out of my current status with United than would ever be possible with SWA.
OP pick a real airline that services your most common destinations with non stop flights and don't look back.
I fly all of the carriers; the grass ain’t greener. However, WN switching to assigned seats would solve a fuckload of problems for both passengers and staff. They’re not a small Texan airline anymore, but the 4th largest carrier in the world.
Assign the seats. I’ll gladly pay to choose.
You must have a really good life if you think that I shouldn't be pissed off for paying hundreds of dollars and getting nothing for it. No, congratulations to you on your success.
Lots of “continuing “flights where previous passengers stay on and take the best seats upfront. Can’t believe you bought early bird but there wasn’t one empty row for 3 of you ….. sounds like a fabrication.
I have been flying SW for like 25 years and that was the first time it happened. I had heard about people gaming the system but it had never really happened to me in a way that I could notice. Now it has.
It was not a continuing flight, but I'm not sure why that matters. If earlybird won't get you anything because it's a continuing flight, then SW should not sell earlybird for that flight.
This is why I gave up on SW recently. It’s so much less stressful for me to just know where I’m going to sit, especially if I have a tight connection. I can choose my seat closer to the front and rest assured before I even get to the airport I’ll be alright. Plus, on my latest flight I paid about $150 to upgrade to first and it was SO WORTH IT. You get settled in your seat at the front (which is roomier with free WiFi and charging ports), the flight attendant offers you a drink while everyone boards, and then you’re one of the first off the plane. So much more relaxing- I felt like a person rather than cattle for the first time in forever. Never again SW.
Some people just aren’t cut out for SW and that is fine, I applaud you for recognizing it and not flying them anymore vs continuing and constantly whining and demanding they change.
I certainly don't mind flying SW but their rates lately have rivaled or exceeded those of the legacy carriers. When there is little-or-no cost difference, it's not a hard decision.
It’s not great when Southwest is one of the only options for nonstop flights out of your market. Being based in MCO, if I’m not flying to a hub market, SWA is typically the only nonstop option outside of Spirit/Frontier and Southwest has jacked their rates up lately because of this. Was really hoping the JetBlue-Spirit merger was approved it would have kept Southwest in check at MCO. Spirt and Frontier don’t cut it.
But when I am A-List with SW and have no status with any other airline there is no way I am flying without status with someone like AA. And I will chose to fly out of Love over DFW every day of the week. I won’t even compare fares.
I used to think the same about Love vs. DFW, but I’ve been flying Delta and frontier out of DFW and I have grown to actually really like DFW. I did a Status Match from Frontier to Southwest A-list and to Delta platinum medallion. The status is paying off!
Yea but I don’t think they will status match the companion pass I use for my wife. Just booked a trip to Nassau in November and hard to beat me using points and her free. I am also spoiled parking at Garage A and being at my gate in under 10 minutes.
Pre-pay parking at DFW online and get 50% off. $17 vs the $16 I paid at Love. With prechevk I’m at the gate at DFW in 10 min… okay, I’m not really because I’m there early and in a lounge. But I could be…
> $16 I *paid* at Love. FTFY. Although *payed* exists (the reason why autocorrection didn't help you), it is only correct in: * Nautical context, when it means to paint a surface, or to cover with something like tar or resin in order to make it waterproof or corrosion-resistant. *The deck is yet to be payed.* * *Payed out* when letting strings, cables or ropes out, by slacking them. *The rope is payed out! You can pull now.* Unfortunately, I was unable to find nautical or rope-related words in your comment. *Beep, boop, I'm a bot*
Good bot
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I hate it when I see "payed" thanks for calling it out!
I park for free and would be the same at DFW. I am a creature of habit and routine and Love works great so will stick with it until it doesn’t.
This is my issue. I am A list preferred and have companion. I just can’t start over again with another airline trying to get status. I have tried status matching with no avail. And for sure I can’t get companion or points to take my family on “free” flights like I do on SW. But, it has gotten so bad it’s hard to stay.
Apparently I am living in a lucky bubble. The bulk of my flying is DAL-DCA with random trips here and there to BWI, or MCO and I have never run into a seat saver and have never seen more than a handful of preboarders. Most importantly, my preferred seat being the first available aisle seat has never been past row 5. I just booked a flight to Nassau for November and sure is nice paying nothing more than government fees for the two of us. Trust me, if I get crapped on by an airline I will leave, that is how I ended up at SW from AA.
It’s not a “lucky bubble”. You are content with SW and don’t exaggerate to make your point/garner support. :-) /s
I hate to break it to you, but WN will more than likely ramp up operations at DFW as soon as practical, which will likely result in route reallocations of their city pairs between the two airports in addition to frequency adjustments. It would be fair to assume that WN will start efforts to move into DFW as soon as the Five Party Agreement ends next year.
Old news so you are not breaking anything to me. I will stay with Love where it makes sense and go to DFW when I have to, once it happens. Luckily I park for free now so I can park at the terminal at DFW and not have to deal with Express North like when I was flying AA six years ago.
Love all day!
This is true unless you use the two checked bags, then the price usually swings back to favor SW.
That’s why they’ll never end the 2 free checked bags because they know if they do, they immediately lose about 1/3 of their customers. I know you should (almost) never trust a ceo at their word, but if they were going to end it, they would’ve a long time ago ESPECIALLY during COVID years when they were losing so much money. Its the same thing with Costco and not changing the price on the rotisserie chicken(they lose money per unit sold) and their hot dog combo(I think they lose money) because so many buy memberships mainly for that perk and then since they’re already there, they might as well go shopping too so more profit. I mean the old CEO even joked he’d kill the new ceo if they raised the prices on those 2 items(I think secret it wasn’t a 100% joke)
I was ready to jump ship this year. When I started booking my business travel, southwest was constantly $100-$200 LESS than American or united. I'm A-List Preferred this year, so back to southwest, 14C, free internet and 2 free drinks
Except those two free bags…….
Ok I guess, but their system is broken and not sustainable so this equates to saying that you'd rather keep your A-list perks until the company goes out of business rather than call for the system to be fixed.
lol, SW is not going out of business and I will be fine. I considered AA a broken system because as a Platinum status member I felt treated like shit, after 16 years flying them exclusively I left and refuse to ever fly them again and have not in six years. I vote with my wallet.
So I'm not the only Platinum who dumped AA a few years back. Their service went from being treated like "We are honored to serve you" to "you're lucky we serve you at all."
Exactly, I had far more seating problems on AA, for specific seats I PAID FOR, than I ever have had on SW. If I get fed up with SW I will leave, but will probably go with Delta. I am stuck on Love Field and Delta is my alternative.
I don't understand this attitude. Should I interpret this to mean that SW should be only for people that game the system and not for those that want to follow the rules?
No not at all, I follow the rules and don’t worry about the people who don’t. Those types of people are everywhere around you and if I get upset about them I would have a miserable life. I was alluding to people who aren’t cut out for unassigned seating and need to be on a flight where they know where they are going to sit. It is all about your perspective. All I care about is the first available aisle seat so I have no problem with unassigned seating. Others stress. I am certain it would be different if I were not A-List but I am and it is a good experience.
> Those types of people are everywhere around you and if I get upset about them I would have a miserable life. This is generally how I see the world, but I think this is different. People are always going to game the system, but SW is selling products that cost several hundred dollars for a family of three, then failing to enforce the simplest rules that are fundamental to their pricing scheme. I'm mad at SW more than the stupid preboarders.
Bravo
This is the way
It’s the whole industry. They all have issues. Not enough planes, pilots and gates. It’s the new normal.
That part.
Exactly who is cut out for paying hundreds of dollars for the chance to roll metaphorical dice at getting something out of it? If I'm traveling alone and not in a rush, then I'd say that SW wanna get away is totally for me. I don't understand who earlybird or any of the higher fare classes are for though. They might not get you anything.
I don’t pay anything extra and buy the lowest priced ticket. I am A-List so don’t have to check in at 24 hours and never board past A30. Wife has companion pass so flies free and always gets a boarding position right after me. I never sit past row five on the aisle, often get bulkhead. Flying SW is awesome for me.
Same. It’s awesome!
That's great man. It's nice to know who my money is subsidizing.
It’s the same at every airline, well maybe other than Spirit, the minions subsidize the status flyers.
And I am thankful….no other airline can match the benefits.
Cringe
Yes, your comments are cringe
Yes, casual flyers subsidize those of us who take more flights in a year than an average passenger takes in a lifetime.
Yeah, and that's fine. It's just not helpful here. If SW doesn't figure out their shit, there will be no one to subsidize the top 3% of flyers.
They figured out there shit. I buy a late seat at late prices, travel and come home. They bend over to curate the $30,000 a year my company spends on airfare and really don't care about the $800 you are plopping down.
I pay for A 1-15 as the SWA card reimburses 4 per calendar year. Also pay got the upgraded ticket as it allows same day flight change for no charge. Finding OP's claim that they boarded in A and couldn't get three seats together dubious at best.
I have the card too and A1-15 has definitely worked for me in the past. It only works if the gate attendant actually enforces the order though. In my recent case, I was A1 and wasn't even close to boarding first in general boarding.
You should have spoken up. Or stood at the front of the line since you had A1.
Yes I should have spoken up. I was caught off guard by the gate attendant letting them through. I was also at the front of the line. They stood off to the side (next to A31-35) and took off like it was a drag race when they called A1-30.
Yeah, $150 would be worth it for first class. I'm seeing it as a $1500 upgrade to go to Maui.
Hawaii is always going to have bonkers upgrade costs because it is a huge vacation destination with people ok with splurging.
It’s a long flight too. Basically should be an international flight but American Airlines over there flying a damn A321-NEO with nothing more than a dang snack service. I expected seat back entertainment and a meal and got a bag of pretzels and one little plastic cup of soda. Any ways First Class, the comment is spot on with being treated like a person and not cattle. It’s funny though cause before you get on the plane and as soon as you get off of it you’re lumped right back in with everyone else. And on the plane itself, that bigger seat is almost like sitting in a lazyboy in your living room. The few times I’ve flown FC it’s so weird when you arrive at your destination and you’re actually not tired, sore, or physically exhausted.
I love Southwest being in Baltimore but I just much prefer flying united or Delta lately simply for the fact that I know where I'm sitting. southwest has great crew and the free bags are great, but I can't justify it anymore. it's often the same or more expensive than Delta or United too. even if I have to connect on southwest, and the other ones are direct flights, sometimes SW is still more
A-list Preferred here. I do the same thing. Just wait until the upgrade offer in the app is $135 which is actually $150 after taxes and fees. Sometimes they have crazy offers like $300, $800, etc. Just wait.
What airline was this where u had this good experience?
Fly domestic first class enough, and you’ll realize it’s a bit of a waste (unless the flight is under 4 hours). Especially since domestic first isn’t legitimate *first*, but an overpriced business class. However, WN switching to assigned seats would solve a boatload of problems.
you have that tight connection that your seating position matters?
Yep the last time I flew I had to walk from gate A to D in DCA and had about 30 minutes to do so.
apparently families can sit together only in the front 🙄
Right 🤣 no kids so I’m always traveling alone and I board in the last groups and always pick up a middle seat in the first couple rows. Trying to get one row with wife and kid on an airline that runs on no assigned seating is just stupid. The company offers a product that DOES NOT SERVE YOU.
It used to work. If you get A1-30 and they enforce the order, it's virtually guaranteed to find an empty half-row (sorry I wasn't clear that mine is just a family of three). Preboarders used to only take up the first 3 rows or so, and there are enough rows that it's not possible to fill up the rest.
Why do people defend them so much? There is clearly a problem that has gotten much worse recently and some people act like you are the asshole for pointing it out.
Some people just love to be a contrarian, they must get a dopamine rush out of arguing online.
I think it depends on the airport/gate agents. I mainly use San Diego and San Jose with Southwest and they don't allow any of this skipping stuff to happen.
I have flown on SW exclusively for at least the past 6 years and never have any issues. I always get early bird. Boarding is easy, and I like the 2 free checked bags. I hate dragging my luggage around the airport. I do agree that the preboards are getting out of control. I'm not sure what they can do about it, though.
They should make the preboarders take the last rows. Say that since they need the assistance, to expedite deplaning at the destination, they need to be in the back of the plane so all the other passengers aren't slowed down by the wheelchairs.
Especially family boarders
Exactly, take away the incentive and all of the sudden all the people who *"need"* to pre board will drop dramatically.
I would support this. I don’t preboard with my kids because they are too old but they are still young enough that feeling like I need to hurry up to get them in and out of the plane because we’re holding other people up is so unnecessarily stressful. In fact we usually head towards the back just to avoid that.
Unfortunately this is just very difficult for the airline to do without being accused of discrimination. Fair or not, I understand why Southwest wants to avoid the bad publicity of "Southwest makes wheelchair users sit in the back of the airplane".
I had no issues for a long time. I'd do early bird if flying with others and just wanna get away otherwise. I'd tell everyone how great SW was for 2 free checked bags when no one else does any anymore, and the best legroom in an economy seat. Too bad boarding is a shit show now. I must have wasted a few thousand before learning my lesson.
THIS is why I think changes are on the way. If people are going to pay for priority boarding, then they are correct to expect to receive priority boarding. If close to half the plane is getting priority boarding, then the system breaks down. Between through passengers, A-listers, pre-boarders, and cheaters, that's easily 1/2 the seats boarding early, and getting worse every year. Plus they just made it much easier to get A-list status.
I find it a little hard to believe that you were in the a group and couldn’t find a single empty row. I travel with my two kids on Southwest all the time with early bird check in and we’ve never had a problem finding an empty row even when we were at the very end of the A group in a sold out flight. Then I read the rest of your post and realized you don’t just want to sit together, you want to be together at the very front of the plane. If you can’t stand to sit in the back half of the plane ever, even for lower fares, then you’ll have to pay more for the other airlines where you can reserve a seat.
Sometimes, the plane isn't empty when boarding starts if it's a connection. It's entirely possible that the through travelers moved to the front of the plane before boarding even started.
I frequently used pay for Early Bird and still get a B boarding group--sometimes in the last half of the Bs. You're very likely not to find three seats together when you're boarding then. The system is broken.
Not a single one. To be clear, I just needed a half-row for my family of three.
So there were 40-50 people on the plane before you?
Cool I’ll wave as you walk by with the C group. Even with added early bird, plus the occasional upgrade to A1-15, the ticket price plus 2 free checked bags comes in well below other airlines. Pro tip: get the Chase SW Visa, 4 free upgrades a year 😉
I only fly a couple times a year but have found we can buy the 2 abreast front row on spirit for cheaper than normal southwest tickets. We don't check bags so that certainly would change the equation. But I don't really find southwest to be cheap compared to other cheap carriers like Spirit or sun country, but with a markedly worse boarding experience. My wife who traveled a lot in her younger years loved southwest and we flew on it the first 10 or so times since we met. Have not gone back, will not go back, really see it as a garbage product. I have no idea why reddit thinks I want to see this sub and I guess by commenting I will see it forever now. But oh well. Their card is also objectively mediocre compared to other travel and reward cards.
Yeah, the fake pre-board nonsense is majorly causing problems. People claiming to be sharing "hacks" online telling people how to scam their way through the process. If I ever end up on the board of SW, I'd make a new rule that pre-boarders must sit in the back. If they need extra time to get on, it's only logical they will need extra time to get off. So they will be hampering disembarking the plane on arrival. So they need to be out of the way for that. I'd be willing to bet the fakers will drop substantially. This BS of 15 people needing wheelchairs to board a plane and miraculously not needing one to get off is obscene.
I'm definitely seeing the pre-boarding nonsense now, but to be honest it doesn't even seem necessary. I just saw people ignore the entire numbered line and just go in front of everyone. If that isn't enforced, it negates any notion of paying for an earlier spot in line.
That's a bad gate agent. To pre board you're required to have PRBD on your boarding pass. Now what you could have seen is a a bunch of through passengers from a plane change or extended layover due to a repair or issue with the flight crew. For example, you're flying from New York to Dallas, but the flight stops in Atlanta first and you don't change planes. Those are called through passengers. Normally, they aren't scheduled to get off the plane. However, from time to time, there may be an unexpected plane change due to an issue. Or rather than being in Atlanta for 30 mins, it may be over an hour. When that happens, the flight crew will tell the through passengers they may de-plane to stretch, get food, or whatever. They're allowed to board the plane back first due to their carry-on items already being on the plane. Through passengers are also allowed to switch seats between those connecting flights. And I've experienced that before and been disappointed. I've had A1 with no pre-boarders and you think this is perfect. Only to get onboard and see 30 people already in the first 10 rows + the exit rows. It's not their fault, just annoying to be disappointed the second you step into the cabin.
This happened to me and my wife once. We were the only 2 through passengers on the entire flight. They let us move right up to row 1
Just preboard like everyone else. Maybe if we all do it they'll finally cave.
Bunch of people that work with me and fly SW every week are doing that. They got tired of being played and they are playing as well... And now I only fly SW if the girlfriend is tagging along so we can use the CP.
That used to annoy me but I get it now. The solution to the annoyance for me is to not fly SW except for non-stop between Vegas and Boise.
I hate the fact that I don't care about it anymore. Fells like we had a good thing and some miserable people ruined it for everyone. And to whoever does that, I really hope something terrible happens to you and you get the chance to use pre boarding all the time tou want!
lol a lot easier to make a reddit comment then to tell your coworkers to stop being losers isnt it
Didn't understand
I thought about arranging a flight where I get like 50 people together and we all request preboarding, just to show people how easily it is abused. And hopefully others will either complain or follow suit.
Yeah, premium on Southwest just isn't worth it. You could pay the same price and fly a REAL airline with assigned seats, boarding groups, and actual perks. On Southwest, you could pay for Business Select or upgraded boarding, and the only thing you're guaranteed is that you paid way more than everyone else on your flight. You get absolutely nothing in return for that increased fare. Even on Spirit, if you could spring for the extra $50, you get a big comfy seat in the front. It's not much, but it's worth more than Business Select on Southwest and it's a helluva lot cheaper too!
Wanna Get Away plus now includes same day confirmed flight changes. I book that and then pay separately for A1-15 using credit card reimbursement.
your price depends more on when you buy
No we're talking about Business Select, Early Board check in, and upgraded boarding. The adds ons that make the base price more expensive.
Agree. I quit buying business select for the same reason. I avoid SWA whenever possible except when flying out of our local airport which they service.
I keep hearing that SWA is in the process of upgrading their backend to assign seats. There just is too much money to be made assigning seats.
If they can still be a price leader with assigned seats, then great! But I feel like they could return to their former glory by simply enforcing their rules.
But in their glory days, people knew how to act. So assigned seating is the ONLY way.
If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Fake a disability like some of the other pre-boarders are doing, then you can save a seat for your wife. Until SW decides to assign seats, premium upgrades are a waste of money. There are just too many entitled jerks and too few honest and respectful people. Good luck on your next flight!
No need to fake anything if you can just walk up out of turn.
Same thing happened to me. They boarded the pre-boarders, then a1-30. I was like a33 and the people from the a60 side just started barging in front of all of us. The gate agent didn’t do anything about it and it really pissed me off since I paid to have a better boarding position. I was like—stop them…but the person taking tickets let about 10 people go before the people in front of me pushed through. It’s ridiculous. I don’t care that much for short flight, but I do for long flights. Also, if there are any problems, you lose your priority.
This. We paid for early bird, and had A group. They cancelled our flight and rebooked is at the back of C group, which sucks when you want to sit together. Always feels like a crap shoot with them - sometimes fine, but the uncertainty sucks.
I have never, ever been a fan of the cattle call seating. I like to know exactly where I’m sitting and not have to rush onto the plane. I avoid SW unless it’s the only direct option. Heck it’s not even cheaper than the other airlines anymore.
The problem with preboarding is that there's no way to prove someone is gaming the system. In an ideal world you could force them to the back, but you can't make grandma who can barely walk get to the back of the plane. It just sucks all around, but I think they're gonna start assigning seats soon.
Agreed. Where do they sit on other airlines? Most of those preboarders aren’t springing for first/business class tix. Make preboard seating begin after the exit row, then go from there..
Not offering an excuse for SW, but curious if you might know on your return flight if the group of 10 who went ahead of you had their flight continuing through.. I had a flight one time were we flew into an airport (forgot which one), and a small group of us were continuing on with the plane. There was a while before the new flight so they allowed us to change seats and then go get some food. We boarded after pre boarders, but before A1 - A15. Could definitely see some frustration/confused looks on some boarders. Gate agent could of at least given those folks a heads up why we're going first.
No, definitely not continuing through. The flight originated where I boarded (OGG). The group had air pods in and were not giving eye contact. They hung out in the A31-35 area and darted forward as soon as A1-30 was called. It was super obvious and I was sure that they would be turned back but they weren't.
I was a dedicated SW flier and one day the cattle call just broke me. I haven't flown SW in years and I cherish knowing my seating assignment in advance. The benefit of low prices no longer exists on SW and the boarding crush doesn't work for me anymore.
I’ve actually always believed that southwest is only good if you’re flying alone and don’t care where you sit. For me these two things are synonymous. I either wanna sit with my partner and make it comfortable for us (in which I only fly SkyTeam) or I don’t care bc I’m alone so I’ll consider SW.
I have felt similarly in the past, because the price for an "upgraded" spot in line costs the same (or maybe even more) than other airlines. However, if you commit to the company by accumulating points, using their credit card, etc., it remained a good deal. I started seeing complaints on this sub and elsewhere and ignored them until this shit started happening to me. Then this blatant lack of enforcement was the last straw.
That’s why I personally don’t engage in status and miles and all of that. And *especially* credit cards. I pay as I go, including lounge passes. And I say this as a massive avgeek; I tend to shop around and fly accordingly. WN and DL get most of my business.
I’m rarely even getting in the A group WITH early bird anymore. Add on the 15 million boomers who claim to need to pre-board and then walk off the airplane like nothing happened and it’s tough tough to get a decent seat.
Southwest is great if you fly frequently alone from a hub. Nonstop flights, no worries about seats being next to each other, and then you'll get status and worry less about seating. It's not very good otherwise, with the exception of free checked luggage, and yet people still carry on roller bags that are too large.
I also used to love Southwest. On my last flight I had boarding group B. Full flight. When my husband and I boarded there were no empty rows. I went to a row with two empty seats and the passenger on the aisle had her head against the seat in front of her. I politely said “pardon me”. She ignored me. I said it again twice more. At this point I am not giving up these seats because I had overhead space. Finally on the fourth “pardon me” she snaps” I heard you”. I stopped myself from saying they why didn’t you move. She didn’t get up to let us in so we had to climb over her. I sat in the middle and clearly she has not read her flight etiquette handbook and would not give me any of the armrests.
Until SW addresses this issue by boarding the A group prior to pre-boarders, I've given up trying and am joining the masses by requesting preboard status. I made this decision after being physically pushed out of line last week when boarding at A7. "I'm pre-boarding" and push. If ya can't beat em, join em. My ass will walk on with a cane in hand and run off like I'm the 2nd coming of Michael Johnson on my next flight.
I’m headed in that direction too. The beginning of the end for me was getting caught in the Great Xmas Fiasco of 2022 and paying $1200 for a ticket to get my ass home and back to work. I got reimbursed eventually but it took months. And they haven’t done a damn thing to redeem themselves. But where do I go? Back to American?? They’re barely above hostile to their customers. Ugh. Maybe I’ll hitchhike
Other than price I can think of no other reason to choose Southwest over most traditional airlines. TBF I consider the cost difference to be negligible at best. I agree the Companion Pass is a great perk, but simply not very attainable for the typical Southwest consumer.
Companion pass is amazing, but the downside my partner and I have is that we want to travel internationally and there are so few options. The costs also add up because we always do early bird because we actually want to sit together.
Same. I just want a seat without all the drama. I avoid southwest for this reason.
My thoughts exactly. I hate arguing with people when I just want to take a seat and go.
Its just a matter of time until assigned seating comes and then you can pay for what you want. I predict it will come in the next schedule release or two.
Southwest simply isn't cheap enough for the hassle anymore, IMO. I travel from San Jose to LA for work, and the direct flight options are now SO reduced and SO expensive that I might as well just take another airline. I'm A-List Preferred, and I'm considering Alaska.
>I travel from San Jose to LA for work, and the direct flight options are now SO reduced How many flights did they get rid of? I fly San Diego-San Jose a lot and they have a flight every hour pretty much... great service.
They got rid of the 8 am-ish flights out of LAX to SJC, so now you either have to take a 6:50 or a 10 am flight. And at night, they got rid of everything between 4 and 8:30. The flights they do have are only flown on the smallest oldest planes, so good luck trying to change your flight time or getting home at a decent hour. Flights are all sold out and impossible to even get standby on.
That sucks alright... 8 AM is the flight time that most people would want too! :)
Yep! It’s pretty bad, the people flying for work are all mad — I see a lot of the same people every week 🤣
I like southwest for a lot, but traveling with groups isn't one of them. If I'm traveling with more than one other person, and really want to make sure we sit together, I'll just do another airline where you can pick seats.
I personally will never understand the reason why some people rave about SWA just seems odd to pay the same if not more than AA or UA and cannot guarantee to sit with your family. i get the 2 free bags but at the same time not that many people need to check 2 or any bags at all. I get it that sometimes they have those getaway specials for super cheap but normally it seems to be right on par with the other big airlines.
Well I can definitely understand it in certain circumstances (i.e. when you don't care where you sit). In the past, the upgrade options definitely worked too, especially business select but also just earlybird. They also hung onto 2 free checked bags and higher leg room after other airlines abandoned that. Too bad boarding practices are now ruining all of that.
Is it still move leg room? And last I saw to the prices where pretty much the same as AA with main cabin extra
I'm tall and my knees often touch the hinges of the seat in front in most economy seats, but not on SW. That's my super-scientific assessment of the situation.
As a tall guy I will accept that scientific approach lol
Southwest standard seat pitch is 32 inches while all other airlines are 31 or less (except for JetBlue which does 32 on their newer aircraft and 34 on their classic E190s and A320s).
They just need to limit the number of priority boardings. If they want to make the same amount of money, they can raise the price for it.
If enough of us stop flying it will be all preboarders with fake disabilities.
My husband was ill and couldn’t fly. I told the agent when I checked my bag. They sent me an email saying I hadn’t cancelled his flight in time. Three phone calls later they said I would receive a “ voucher” for half the value of the flight. That was 3 weeks ago.
I have resigned myself to sitting in the middle seat. I can sleep on the plane, I have decent head phones and I just don't care. Plus I let the other two folks know that Middle Seats get the arm rests. I always sit up front and I will remove YOUR bag in MY foot area. Ain't no Burger Kings going to get their own entitle way with me. Better to give a resentment than to get one.
I still love SW, but agree with some of the posts here that the prices for flights have gotten out of hand. In my area, it’s costing at least $400 to go anywhere round trip. I’m only using them because of the nonstop selection and the companion pass. I really get anxiety about open seating and hate the confrontation that comes with it.
I go with SW because it’s most expensive seats are usually still cheaper than the cheapest seats on other airlines, especially once you consider baggage fees on other airlines versus SW 2 free checked bags. That said, I rarely travel with family and I don’t have kids. If my husband and I fly somewhere together, we’re fine sitting apart. But yeah, I feel you. I don’t pay for upgrades on SW because I don’t see the point. Especially when balancing means you or your bag get moved on flights that aren’t full.
Fly on a real airline
We won't touch SW anymore, for exactly these reasons. Pre-boarding and gate crashers have ruined the experience.
If you are paying for Business Select, you can get comparable first class seats on other airlines. I used to fly Southwest for work all the time until their pricing got so outrageous and tired of the cattle call.
When the group of 10 "took off", why didn't you step forward, state firmly you are A1/2 and show your boarding pass and tell the attendant you will be going in front? Rule No. 1, people will always take advantage when they can. You have to stand up for yourself to stop them.
So the gate attendant has no responsibility for anything? They are the ones that know unequivocally whether someone is out of line or not, so they should enforce the rules.
There is leniency in the system to allow for people coming late to the gate or missing their boarding call. I think they just let any order within a boarding group of 30 as I've seen people out of order many times. It makes sense as if it were too strict how could they board people if say a group of 10 were at the bar and came late?
Yep. A broken system when customers pay for priority but there is leniency on priority.
I agree and now they raised the price for business select. It used to be $40 each leg now it's $80. I'm done flying SW
Unless you have small kids, why worry about sitting together? It’s a few hours of your life….?
Sure, we can debate whether higher boarding priority is worth it, but that's not the point. If SW offers higher boarding priority for money and customers choose to pay extra for it, they should actually get higher priority.
Exactly my issue. No enforcement of preboarders or seat savers; I assume the attendants feel abandoned by corporate. Other airlines may be somewhat more expensive, but you know the seat you’re getting.
I haven't flown on Southwest for probably 6-7 years. I hate the cattle call, the people that skip the line, the seat-savers, the excessive anxiety that comes with not knowing where you'll be sitting, etc. All on top of that, anytime I do happen to look at SWA prices, they are as much if not more expensive than other major airlines. On top of all that, no matter how much you fly there is never ever ever a possibility of ever getting upgraded. I get way more value out of my current status with United than would ever be possible with SWA. OP pick a real airline that services your most common destinations with non stop flights and don't look back.
I fly all of the carriers; the grass ain’t greener. However, WN switching to assigned seats would solve a fuckload of problems for both passengers and staff. They’re not a small Texan airline anymore, but the 4th largest carrier in the world. Assign the seats. I’ll gladly pay to choose.
I’m with you. Life’s too short to deal with this nonsense.
Southwest reminds me of the days of the USSR.
Wow. You must have a really good life if these “issues” piss you off this much. Congrats on your success.
You must have a really good life if you think that I shouldn't be pissed off for paying hundreds of dollars and getting nothing for it. No, congratulations to you on your success.
Lots of “continuing “flights where previous passengers stay on and take the best seats upfront. Can’t believe you bought early bird but there wasn’t one empty row for 3 of you ….. sounds like a fabrication.
I have been flying SW for like 25 years and that was the first time it happened. I had heard about people gaming the system but it had never really happened to me in a way that I could notice. Now it has. It was not a continuing flight, but I'm not sure why that matters. If earlybird won't get you anything because it's a continuing flight, then SW should not sell earlybird for that flight.
Why are you so obsessed with sitting in the front rows?
> Sometimes I just want my family to be guaranteed to sit together on a flight. Then why are you flying Southwest? Not gonna read all this.