Comments on: Southwest Airlines Boarding; A Blast from the Past

By: Rob Mark

Rob Mark — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 17:07:43 +0000

Thanks for your note Dave.

I remember too when flying Southwest was considered right up there with herding goats as a way to move from one location to another.

In a private note, one reader told me it just shows you how far the more traditional airlines have slipped.

I vehemently disagreed.

Yes the other major carriers have sunk sorely in the customer service ratings, but Southwest has risen considerably.

And let’s be serious … wouldn’t we all like to be Southwest stockholders? Didn’t they just make it past their 125th consecutive dividend?

It’s not luck any longer.

By: Dr. Dave

Dr. Dave — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:11:06 +0000

I absolutely LUV Southwest’s new boarding procedure. Having flown them 9 times in the past 2 weeks, I can say that the new system works great! it faster, more organized and orderly and it has reduced my SWA travel stress level by a factor of 10.

Gate agent could be a little more helpful in explaining the process to everyone but remember its new to them too. The new boarding method is a major step away from the cattle call stigma SWA has carried over the years (especially for the business travellers who generally pay the higher fares).

Complaints usually come from those who fly maybe 1-2 times a year and perhaps not used to the no assigned seat process - the only irritant regulars have is having to stand in line 45 min+ with the rookies. (Or the 30-40 families with small children who pre-boarded - I’ve been on flights to MCO that half pre-boards - no BS!) But they changed that too! Hurray!

Don’t like ‘em? - don’t fly ‘em…I’m sure American, United and the others will take your money, give you your assigned middle seat in the back of the plane (since all exit rows and aisles saved for their frequent flyers )unless you want to pay extra, no snack, and as an added bonus, a snarly attitude at no extra charge.

By: MARIA ROBINS

MARIA ROBINS — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 04:01:35 +0000

EVEN THE VAMONOS PEOPLE LIKES THE NEW BOARDING PROCEDURES. IT IS EASY AND LESS WAITING TIME WITH THE FAMILIA ON THE LINES.

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 01:46:22 +0000

I’m a Customer Service Agent at the airport and our customers are definitely loving the new boarding. As with any change, we’ll always have the few who complain, but at least the vast majority appreciate the change. As for the Business Select fare, it is proving extremely popular. I have done quite a few upgrades at the airport after I explain to people what it’s about.

And btw, we (at SWA) are loving the changes as well. I can tell you from our perspective at the airport that it definitely allows us to board the aircraft much faster and much more organized. I think this is just the start of some very nice (and necessary) changes that will occur at SWA.

By: unknown

unknown — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 05:27:09 +0000

I work as a customer care rep in reservations and people are loving the new way we board the planes. It’s worth the upgrade to get an priority boarding. GO SOUTHWEST!!!

By: Robert Mark

Robert Mark — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 22:01:35 +0000

Good point Scott.

Having used what was essentially the upgarded service at Spirit when they flew out of ORD, I’d spend the few extra bucks for early boarding at Southwest.

My guess is other people will too so long as the price break seems reasonable.

In fact, I think I’ll get back up on the Southwest site and see how it might change a flight I’m planning on.

Has anyone else out there tried any of this BTW?

By: Scott near SMF

Scott near SMF — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:16:50 +0000

Now I would like to see your experience if you have flown post 11/08/07 with more changes (Business Select, A-Listers, Freedom Awards) kicking in.