Comments on: Smart Swarming at Southwest Airlines http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/ Aviation buzz and bold opinion Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:27:05 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Paul M http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-98915 Paul M Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:36:33 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-98915 As long as WN has open seating, I can't think of a better way to board that airplane then WN is currently utilizing. Perhaps if WN wants to board people windows first, you can put rewards on all the window seats. First drink is free for a window seat patron! ;-) Or if money is tight, you could have a raffle for all the window seat patrons. Randomly chose 10 window seat people for the reward. It would also be fun for the patrons. Make it a Miller beer out of MKE, and you'll be able to board those planes in 5 minutes! To understand the concept, check out this short video on youtube. Note how many people start using the stairs, simply for a simple reward. :-) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw As long as WN has open seating, I can’t think of a better way to board that airplane then WN is currently utilizing. Perhaps if WN wants to board people windows first, you can put rewards on all the window seats. First drink is free for a window seat patron! ;-)
Or if money is tight, you could have a raffle for all the window seat patrons. Randomly chose 10 window seat people for the reward.
It would also be fun for the patrons.
Make it a Miller beer out of MKE, and you’ll be able to board those planes in 5 minutes!
To understand the concept, check out this short video on youtube. Note how many people start using the stairs, simply for a simple reward. :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2lXh2n0aPyw

]]> By: securoseal http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-98853 securoseal Sun, 18 Oct 2009 08:14:36 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-98853 A point to note if you’re checking in luggage is that many of the travel accessories that are sold as luggage security items (locks, cable ties, security seals, etc) do not actually work to protect your luggage. You’d think for the money spent on these things it would take time to break into a bag, but it’s as simple as several seconds with a paperclip or even a pen. And people wonder why there is a problem with luggage theft. A point to note if you’re checking in luggage is that many of the travel accessories that are sold as luggage security items (locks, cable ties, security seals, etc) do not actually work to protect your luggage. You’d think for the money spent on these things it would take time to break into a bag, but it’s as simple as several seconds with a paperclip or even a pen. And people wonder why there is a problem with luggage theft.

]]> By: » The Southwest Effect in Ireland? Does the RyanAir brand come close? - SimpliFlying || Aviation :: Branding :: Technology || Airline marketing, airline brand management, social media, Web 2.0 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-80276 » The Southwest Effect in Ireland? Does the RyanAir brand come close? - SimpliFlying || Aviation :: Branding :: Technology || Airline marketing, airline brand management, social media, Web 2.0 Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:21:01 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-80276 [...] When Ryanair opened for business in 1985, many analysts thought the Dublin-based carrier could evolve into a European airline modeled on the success of Southwest. Having had the opportunity to fly Ryanair a few times, I can tell you that the Southwest folks probably have very little to worry about on that front, something my first flight on the European airline confirmed. At Southwest, boarding is by group to bring some sort of order to the process of putting folks in their seats. In fact, we spoke to Southwest’s Doug Lawson about just that topic last year. [...] [...] When Ryanair opened for business in 1985, many analysts thought the Dublin-based carrier could evolve into a European airline modeled on the success of Southwest. Having had the opportunity to fly Ryanair a few times, I can tell you that the Southwest folks probably have very little to worry about on that front, something my first flight on the European airline confirmed. At Southwest, boarding is by group to bring some sort of order to the process of putting folks in their seats. In fact, we spoke to Southwest’s Doug Lawson about just that topic last year. [...]

]]> By: The Southwest Effect in Ireland? | RENT-A-PLANE http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-79932 The Southwest Effect in Ireland? | RENT-A-PLANE Tue, 09 Jun 2009 02:24:15 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-79932 [...] When Ryanair opened for business in 1985, many analysts thought the Dublin-based carrier could evolve into a European airline modeled on the success of Southwest. Having had the opportunity to fly Ryanair a few times, I can tell you that the Southwest folks probably have very little to worry about on that front, something my first flight on the European airline confirmed. At Southwest, boarding is by group to bring some sort of order to the process of putting folks in their seats. In fact, we spoke to Southwest’s Doug Lawson about just that topic last year.                                                                                                                    [...] [...] When Ryanair opened for business in 1985, many analysts thought the Dublin-based carrier could evolve into a European airline modeled on the success of Southwest. Having had the opportunity to fly Ryanair a few times, I can tell you that the Southwest folks probably have very little to worry about on that front, something my first flight on the European airline confirmed. At Southwest, boarding is by group to bring some sort of order to the process of putting folks in their seats. In fact, we spoke to Southwest’s Doug Lawson about just that topic last year.                                                                                                                    [...]

]]> By: The Southwest Effect in Ireland? - Jetwhine: Aviation Buzz and Bold Opinion http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-79888 The Southwest Effect in Ireland? - Jetwhine: Aviation Buzz and Bold Opinion Mon, 08 Jun 2009 21:00:58 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-79888 [...] When Ryanair opened for business in 1985, many analysts thought the Dublin-based carrier could evolve into a European airline modeled on the success of Southwest. Having had the opportunity to fly Ryanair a few times, I can tell you that the Southwest folks probably have very little to worry about on that front, something my first flight on the European airline confirmed. At Southwest, boarding is by group to bring some sort of order to the process of putting folks in their seats. In fact, we spoke to Southwest’s Doug Lawson about just that topic last year.                                                                                                                    [...] [...] When Ryanair opened for business in 1985, many analysts thought the Dublin-based carrier could evolve into a European airline modeled on the success of Southwest. Having had the opportunity to fly Ryanair a few times, I can tell you that the Southwest folks probably have very little to worry about on that front, something my first flight on the European airline confirmed. At Southwest, boarding is by group to bring some sort of order to the process of putting folks in their seats. In fact, we spoke to Southwest’s Doug Lawson about just that topic last year.                                                                                                                    [...]

]]> By: Jeffrey Sigmon http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-54265 Jeffrey Sigmon Fri, 02 Jan 2009 05:10:41 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-54265 What an interesting great job! What an interesting great job!

]]> By: providence http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-53176 providence Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:29:19 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-53176 An interesting post! I fly SW quite often and while I agree the boarding system is still not perfect, it's way better than it was, and worth the extra hassle given SW's decent prices, convenient schedules, and on-time performance. At least I get where I am going on time, and they have never even lost a bag. However, I have wondered why they don't instead board all the window seats first, then all the aisle seats, wouldnt that really be quicker? I know seating with companions would be an issue, but it seems it shouldn't be an insurmountable one... An interesting post! I fly SW quite often and while I agree the boarding system is still not perfect, it’s way better than it was, and worth the extra hassle given SW’s decent prices, convenient schedules, and on-time performance. At least I get where I am going on time, and they have never even lost a bag.
However, I have wondered why they don’t instead board all the window seats first, then all the aisle seats, wouldnt that really be quicker? I know seating with companions would be an issue, but it seems it shouldn’t be an insurmountable one…

]]> By: Bob Trader http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-52230 Bob Trader Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:59:16 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-52230 I experienced Southwest's new boarding process for the second time on Dec 1st. I hate it. Never again. I just made reservations on United for a trip in January. My Rapid Rewards card got thrown in the trash. I experienced Southwest’s new boarding process for the second time on Dec 1st. I hate it. Never again. I just made reservations on United for a trip in January. My Rapid Rewards card got thrown in the trash.

]]> By: Robert Mark http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-52228 Robert Mark Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:33:26 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-52228 And Paul ... Let's not be giving anyone at United any ideas. They take things like this very seriously. And Paul … Let’s not be giving anyone at United any ideas. They take things like this very seriously.

]]> By: Robert Mark http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-52227 Robert Mark Sun, 21 Dec 2008 21:32:01 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-52227 Shashank Nigam Says: December 20th, 2008 at 2:08 am ... "Greater profits." Mmmmm. If it were that easy everyone would be doing this wouldn't they? I think the main obstruction to airlines are the people who run them. It really is a control issue. If they "can't imagine these sorts of things themselves, then they can't be very important," sort of philosophy. That's why the Southwests and the JetBlues are successful. They are willing to let people see the customer in a new light. Shashank Nigam Says:
December 20th, 2008 at 2:08 am … “Greater profits.”

Mmmmm. If it were that easy everyone would be doing this wouldn’t they? I think the main obstruction to airlines are the people who run them.

It really is a control issue. If they “can’t imagine these sorts of things themselves, then they can’t be very important,” sort of philosophy.

That’s why the Southwests and the JetBlues are successful. They are willing to let people see the customer in a new light.

]]> By: Ron Heimburger http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-52100 Ron Heimburger Sat, 20 Dec 2008 21:39:08 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-52100 Rob, Makes sense to me. And ie that also tries to incorporate the emotional experience of the buyer. I think that this is a huge piece of the carrier selection criteria of frequent flyers. I think that this also influences how we pick our FF program. The “hassel factor” that includes all of the chain of events to complete a flight – booking/check in/boarding/inflight service/baggage, etc. – are very important. I think that the major boarding change that LUV initiated this year is very positive. And that they enhanced the gate/boarding experience – by providing better gate seating and accessible ac outlets – was smart. The “dash” to hit the check in button at 0.01 seconds after it opens up is still a hassell. (i.e. – I will be barely in time for church tomorrow because I want an a slot.) I have been on NWA the last several weeks – over MEM – and I have been. Definitely impressed by their TPA and MEM check in and gate crews – and their in flight crews. They are definitely better than XJET personnel. Everyone have a “Blessed Christmas Season”. And safe travels. Ron heimburger Rob,

Makes sense to me.

And ie that also tries to incorporate the emotional experience of the buyer.

I think that this is a huge piece of the carrier selection criteria of frequent flyers. I think that this also influences how we pick our FF program.

The “hassel factor” that includes all of the chain of events to complete a flight – booking/check in/boarding/inflight service/baggage, etc. – are very important.

I think that the major boarding change that LUV initiated this year is very positive. And that they enhanced the gate/boarding experience – by providing better gate seating and accessible ac outlets – was smart.

The “dash” to hit the check in button at 0.01 seconds after it opens up is still a hassell. (i.e. – I will be barely in time for church tomorrow because I want an a slot.)

I have been on NWA the last several weeks – over MEM – and I have been.

Definitely impressed by their TPA and MEM check in and gate crews – and their in flight crews. They are definitely better than XJET personnel.

Everyone have a “Blessed Christmas Season”.
And safe travels.

Ron heimburger

]]> By: Paul http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-52023 Paul Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:25:58 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-52023 In the future, there will be a new boarding process. Each gate will come pre-configured with your assigned seat... The actual seat. All the seats will be configured and the passenger will simply have a seat and buckle up. When the airplane arrives, the nose will open up(similar to cargo planes), and the seats which will be on large plate, will simply be inserted into the airplane. This will take 5 minutes, rather than the normal 20 minutes. Once the seats have all been slid into the airplane, they will lock down, and the nose will be closed and secured. The offload will occur the same way, only opposite. In the future, there will be a new boarding process. Each gate will come pre-configured with your assigned seat… The actual seat.
All the seats will be configured and the passenger will simply have a seat and buckle up. When the airplane arrives, the nose will open up(similar to cargo planes), and the seats which will be on large plate, will simply be inserted into the airplane. This will take 5 minutes, rather than the normal 20 minutes. Once the seats have all been slid into the airplane, they will lock down, and the nose will be closed and secured.

The offload will occur the same way, only opposite.

]]> By: Paul http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-52022 Paul Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:21:11 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-52022 Years ago when I was working for America West at ORD, we had a flight depart at 03:00 AM for PHX. One night, we had approx 10 people booked on the flight. It was a 737-200. In the spirit of creative customer service, we boarded by "shirt color". Nobody really got the joke tho, since all the passengers were half asleep. They all just got up and walked to the jetway like zombies. What can I tell you, sometimes you have to do anything for cheap entertainment. Years ago when I was working for America West at ORD, we had a flight depart at 03:00 AM for PHX. One night, we had approx 10 people booked on the flight. It was a 737-200. In the spirit of creative customer service, we boarded by “shirt color”. Nobody really got the joke tho, since all the passengers were half asleep. They all just got up and walked to the jetway like zombies. What can I tell you, sometimes you have to do anything for cheap entertainment.

]]> By: Shashank Nigam http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-52016 Shashank Nigam Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:08:14 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-52016 This is simply brilliant. I'm sure almost every airline has this function in one capacity or another - some probably even outsource these studies. What would be really interesting is if people like Doug from various airlines get together to improve and possibly standardize such processes by sharing their knowledge and research. May be these can be defined by the type of plane. I'm sure it'll be beneficial for the patrons overall, and happy customers would mean greater loyalty, which then leads to greater profits. What say? This is simply brilliant. I’m sure almost every airline has this function in one capacity or another – some probably even outsource these studies.

What would be really interesting is if people like Doug from various airlines get together to improve and possibly standardize such processes by sharing their knowledge and research. May be these can be defined by the type of plane. I’m sure it’ll be beneficial for the patrons overall, and happy customers would mean greater loyalty, which then leads to greater profits.

What say?

]]> By: B-Rad http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-51961 B-Rad Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:44:22 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-51961 I applaud that guy! It also goes to show that great leaders attract incredible employees. Who'd thought that job/person existed? I applaud that guy! It also goes to show that great leaders attract incredible employees. Who’d thought that job/person existed?

]]> By: Robert Mark http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-51834 Robert Mark Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:41:24 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-51834 Thanks for that correction Drew. Through the magic of on-demand media that has just been fixed. Thanks for that correction Drew. Through the magic of on-demand media that has just been fixed.

]]> By: Drew http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest-airlines/comment-page-1/#comment-51828 Drew Thu, 18 Dec 2008 22:12:14 +0000 http://www.jetwhine.com/2008/12/smart-swarming-at-southwest/#comment-51828 One correction: The new boarding process has been in place just over a year, not a few years. Thank you for posting this insightful piece! One correction: The new boarding process has been in place just over a year, not a few years. Thank you for posting this insightful piece!

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