The budget carrier has announced a new boarding system launching early next year based on fare tiers. While there may be opportunities to “cut the line,” those options come with added fees and restrictions on how early travelers must book, leaving passengers wondering what happened to their favorite carrier.
Tony Roach, Executive Vice President Customer & Brand, at Southwest Airlines, said of the changes: "Our Customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience. The update, however, follows a series of major shifts to the entire boarding system—and ones devoted customers have appreciated most about the budget carrier.
Next, Southwest reversed its long-standing commitment to keep the first two checked bags free, citing profitability concerns. Loyal customers—accustomed to the airline’s reputation for avoiding nickel-and-diming—expressed significant disappointment.
Now, yet another update is on the horizon. While this shift won’t raise ticket prices directly, the new boarding procedure may further damage customer perception among those who feel the airline they once trusted is fading away.
How the New Boarding Groups Will Work
Choice Extra: Groups 1 and 2Choice Preferred: Groups 3 to 5Choice: Groups 5-8Basic: Last to board
If it seems familiar, it's because it is. The new boarding procedures are simply the same as every other carrier. And, similar to Delta, American and United, passengers can pay for small "perks" to "customize" their seating arrangements, including priority boarding within a 24-hour window—effectively changing the “real” cost of your seat.
While this new option may make some customers happy since it assures overhead space for carry-on luggage, a fast-track to seating and more, others say it's just another way to nickel and dime customers and could disincentivize loyalty members who've paid for and worked to accrue priority boarding status.
What Customers Have to Say About the Announcement
“My family just came home from a trip and used Southwest… Once we use all of our points, we’ll be canceling our credit card. I like assigned seating, but hate all the other changes… Once these points are gone, we will be too.”
“Kind of mimics the $19 boarding upgrade on United… Whatever exists at AA, United, and Delta gets ported over somehow. WN picked up the crazy boarding groups from AA, baggage fees from all, etc.”
“It’s the same planes. They don’t run out of bin space until late boarding groups, even on full flights… Paying extra to board before Group 1 seems silly unless they’re just trying to squeeze money out of Basic fare customers worried about gate-checking. You know, their core customers.”
Sources:
www.reddit.com/r/SouthwestAirlines/comments/1mkf43s/priority_boarding_allows_customers_to_upgrade/Hence then, the article about southwest airlines changes longtime boarding method frustrating customers again was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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