September 25, 2007

Southwest Airlines Revamps Boarding Procedure to Eliminate Line-Waiting

I love flying Southwest Airlines, but I hate the line waiting; the mind games of figuring out when to get in line before the other passengers, sitting on the floor waiting to board, etc. Now Southwest is changing their boarding rules so that line waiting becomes unnecessary, which makes me happy.

For those unfamiliar with Southwest Airlines boarding procedure, when you check in (either online or at the airport) you are put into a group A, B or C. The A's board first, then B's, then C's. So when you get to the airport, even if you're an A, you could be behind thirty other people, which means it could take you a while to get off the plane, you might not get overhead space near your seat, or a window or aisle depending on your preference.

Now Southwest is dividing the A, B and C groups into smaller groups of about five, so you don't have to worry about getting in line well before boarding. The new system starts in San Antonio and will be going nationwide soon.

Of course, the best way to get a great seat on Southwest is still to wear an air cast. ;)

Posted by Greg at September 25, 2007 9:25 AM in | TrackBack
Comments

You make it sound like the aircast wasn't worn legitimately! Also, a good way to get a good seat is to go on with kids. Only bad thing is that you have to fly with kids.

Posted by: peninah at September 25, 2007 10:05 AM

RE kids: Yes, that's why I left them off my list. ;)

Posted by: Greg at September 25, 2007 11:24 AM

Under the new policy, families with childen will no longer board first

Posted by: baltimore native at September 25, 2007 4:23 PM

I was in San Antonio about a month ago when Southwest was testing this. They passed out comment cards after boarding. I was very happy but only because I was #4. The problem is with flights that take off Sunday. If I can't check in until after Shabbos, I might still be A, but I might be closer to 60 than 4. And then I can't get to the airport early Sunday to make up for it.

What they did during the testing, at least, was to have people who needed assistance first, then A group by groups of 5, then families, then B group (not in groups of 5), and then everyone else.

Posted by: Lara at September 25, 2007 4:58 PM

There's a FAQ on the new program here: http://www.southwest.com/help/boardingschool/faq.html#8

It does indeed appear that families will no longer pre-board.

Posted by: Greg at September 25, 2007 7:30 PM