Southwest Airlines: pay more, sit faster
The last time I flew, I flew Southwest. Up until recently this mandated a certain process: check in online (which I hate), get in the best boarding group possible, show up early, stand (sit) in line, board plane.
But, and this is probably not news to many of you, Southwest recently announced that if you feel like it, you can up the cost of your ticket, and get a guaranteed spot in the line to board the plane (you can also get the same treatment if you fly 16 or more round trips in one year):
NEW YORK, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N: Quote, Profile, Research) is now courting frequent business travelers by allowing them to pay a higher fare to board planes first, the company said on Thursday.
The “Business Select” class represents another change to Southwest’s policy of not assigning seats.
This works out well for those with extra cash. I can’t decide if that bugs me or not. I suppose I’ll find out the next time I fly in group A, but end up boarding behind 30 other people.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I am sorry to see Southwest changing it’s policy. I have flown many different carriers and am always amazed at how fast the turn-around is with Southwest. With assigned seating on other airlines it takes much longer boarding. With Southwest, everyone is treated the same and usually within 15 minutes of starting, boarding is complete.
I flew with them since the change and I hate it! Now it is more about money then their customers. I can understand if it were for first class, but it is all the same.
I checked in online 10 seconds after the time and was #40. That stinks!
I even mentioned to the flight attendant that I might not be flying with them again because of this, she said “That’s ok, someone else will take your place”.
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