Southwest Airlines open seating question

KJC · 04-04-2002, 03:40 AM

I just flew Southwest for the first time in about 15 years this last weekend
(SMF-BUR). I avoided them for quite a while for a variety of reasons, including
the fact that I prefer the MD-80, or 757 for domestic routes, and that I really
dislike the open seating arrangement. I much prefer an assigned seat.

Well, I truly did enjoy flying Southwest. I found the employees to be quite
friendly, and all seemed to have a sense of humor about them (unlike many other
airlines I've flown!) The flight was on time, pleasant, and offered a generous seat pitch, but...

I still really don't like the open seating thing, and I have to ask, WTF?!? Why
does Southwest adhere to this? I really don't see how it simplifies things for
them. All I can see are disadvantages, including:

1. They have to process a huge line of people inside the concourse lined up to
get boarding passes. These lines often take up to 45 minutes to process.
Airlines without open seating don't have these lines.

2. As far as I can tell, most people (including me) prefer an assigned seat, and
hate standing in this extra line.

3. These huge lines create congestion in the concourse

Why don't they just issue an assigned seat when you check in? This is the way
UAL Shuttle did it (of course, we all know what happened to them!), and I much
preferred it. Does the open seating really save Southwest any time, effort, or
money? I know that a lot of people I have talked to would be much happier
flying Southwest if they had assigned seating.

Still, as I said, I did enjoy them, and in fact I booked some tickets for my wife
and I in May. (You can't beat that 'friends fly free' deal, not to mention the 'Rapid
Rewards' program.)

Sentinel Chicken · 04-04-2002, 10:20 AM

I've always understood the open seating as a method to expedite the boarding and turnaround process. It minimizes the number of passengers who like to mosey up to the gate at their leisure and hold up the turnaround. It encourages the passengers to get their early and get checked in if you want a decent seat. Since most folks want a decent seat, most folks will show up early.

Aside from that, I would also think it also saves them time in getting folks checked in or even in the reservations side of things, not having to devote computer time or people time to assigning seats.

I know there are other reasons as well, but it's early and I haven't had my pick-me-up for the morning yet.

That said, I've never been particularly bothered by it. I just show up early to avoid getting into the third boarding group!

Stanman · 04-04-2002, 10:50 AM

Don't forget that not assigning specific seats also saves money as far computer storage, and programming costs. Also I find boarding to be relatively quick without having to worry about people stopping and asking which row is which and the ubiquitous, "Excuse me I think you're sitting in my seat".

The one draw back is that you can't determine who is sitting where which is a matter of security debate after 9/11. Then again I'm not sure who would hijack a SWA flight. United and American I can see because of their international exposure but few outside the US give SWA a second thought unless you're in the aircraft industry.

Personally I enjoy the ability to more or less choose who you sit next to or around. Having been surrounded by a junior high girls softball team and a bevy of drunk conventioneers on an assigned seat flight in United's Economy Plus area I'm more than happy to find my own seat thank you.

hernan · 04-04-2002, 12:08 PM

What the problem? as long as the plane takes you where you want to go. why you care about the seat?

Jeremy · 04-04-2002, 02:35 PM

I am glad you had a good flight Kevin!
I have never liked this open seating thing either, and it is really hard when you are non-reving, because you are usually one of the last to board so you are stuck with a middle seat in the back.
If you are one of the last onboard and you are travelling with someone, forget sitting together or even close.
From what I have heard, the open seating may soon be a thing of the past very soon, they are already eliminating the plastic boarding cards and having paper boarding cards.

smoothjazz · 04-05-2002, 03:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sentinel Chicken
I've always understood the open seating as a method to expedite the boarding and turnaround process. It minimizes the number of passengers who like to mosey up to the gate at their leisure and hold up the turnaround. It encourages the passengers to get their early and get checked in if you want a decent seat. Since most folks want a decent seat, most folks will show up early.

Aside from that, I would also think it also saves them time in getting folks checked in or even in the reservations side of things, not having to devote computer time or people time to assigning seats.

I know there are other reasons as well, but it's early and I haven't had my pick-me-up for the morning yet.

That said, I've never been particularly bothered by it. I just show up early to avoid getting into the third boarding group!

Exactly Doc... I must agree... I usually get to the airport early as
I possibly can to get good seat arrangement.

Tony Sepanski · 04-05-2002, 11:52 AM

I really like SWA for a number of reasons you-all mentioned above, but as much as I like hanging around the airport to watch planes, I don't want to spend anymore time waiting there than I have to. To have to get to the gate 90 minutes early for a flight that may only be 90 - 120 minutes is really a pain. Especially here on the west coast where you've got to catch that gawdawful 5 or 6 am flight east to one of the other time zones. Usually their service, efficiency and cost makes up for it, but its something I would certainly not shed a tear over if SWA decided to scrap the seating free for all.

tpozstl · 04-06-2002, 03:00 AM

I just flew STL-TPA-STL on two consecutive Saturdays for spring break with my wife and three young kids. This was my first time on SWA since my Texas days of the late 1970s! Two hours of various lines (Security, Wait To Get A Low Boarding Card Number, Wait in the Cattle Pens so we could sit together) all for the sum of $2140.00 round trip for the five of us. Of course, American was $3600+ for non-stops STL-RSW-STL, thus we did the the SWA hurry up and wait thing.

Southwest's success is the fact that they wear you down so much just to get on the plane that by the time you're on the plane their low level of service seems good! It's ashame that so many people accept such a low level of service and actually think it's good, WOW! With American controlling STL now it means it will be just that much harder to book around SWA. At least you don't need to clean up before you fly on SWA.

Man, I knew I had it good for so many years with TWA and their loose upgrade policies! You just knew it was too good to last!

Jeremy · 04-14-2002, 03:09 PM

The way I see it, there are good points in not having an assigned seat.
1. You can sit anywhere you like and next to ANYONE you like. You can sit next to a pretty girl instead of Talkative Tom, Large Marge, or crying infants. With assigned seating, if you are stuck next to a 400 pound person and the plane is full, you are screwed.
2. Southwest's seating is first come, first served. When it comes down to it, so are all other airlines. If you don't get your seat assignment early enough from AA, DL, or any of the others then you are stuck in a middle seat. Hey, at least it is an ASSIGNED middle seat though!

Southwest's seating process is not perfect, then again, what is perfect?
Don't worry, the open seating will most likely be a thing of the past due to 9/11.

Forrest Tohill · 04-16-2002, 07:32 PM

Tpozstl: Is American's "service" $1,460+ better than Southwests? Was your being "worn down" by Southwest worth the $1,460 you saved?

For all of you open seating whiners... "Our flight is full today - if you see an open (middle) seat, it has your name on it so sit down and STFU"!

BTW, these are referred to as CMS (Coveted Middle Seats).

The major benefit I see with the open seating? If you happen to be the dumb smuck (or unfortunate soul?) who waited 'til the last minute to book the flight, rather than most assuredly getting slammed in a middle seat with assigned/reserved seating, you still have as good a shot as anyone at getting to the "line" first and ripping off the best seat right from under all the smart smucks that booked their flights weeks ago.

04-04-2002, 03:40 AM	#1
KJC Insane Collector Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Pasadena, CA Age: 37 Posts: 2,529	Southwest Airlines open seating question I just flew Southwest for the first time in about 15 years this last weekend (SMF-BUR). I avoided them for quite a while for a variety of reasons, including the fact that I prefer the MD-80, or 757 for domestic routes, and that I really dislike the open seating arrangement. I much prefer an assigned seat. Well, I truly did enjoy flying Southwest. I found the employees to be quite friendly, and all seemed to have a sense of humor about them (unlike many other airlines I've flown!) The flight was on time, pleasant, and offered a generous seat pitch, but... I still really don't like the open seating thing, and I have to ask, WTF?!? Why does Southwest adhere to this? I really don't see how it simplifies things for them. All I can see are disadvantages, including: 1. They have to process a huge line of people inside the concourse lined up to get boarding passes. These lines often take up to 45 minutes to process. Airlines without open seating don't have these lines. 2. As far as I can tell, most people (including me) prefer an assigned seat, and hate standing in this extra line. 3. These huge lines create congestion in the concourse Why don't they just issue an assigned seat when you check in? This is the way UAL Shuttle did it (of course, we all know what happened to them!), and I much preferred it. Does the open seating really save Southwest any time, effort, or money? I know that a lot of people I have talked to would be much happier flying Southwest if they had assigned seating. Still, as I said, I did enjoy them, and in fact I booked some tickets for my wife and I in May. (You can't beat that 'friends fly free' deal, not to mention the 'Rapid Rewards' program.) __________________ The white zones are for the immediate loading and unloading of passengers only. No parking! Last edited by KJC; 04-04-2002 at 03:46 AM.

04-04-2002, 10:20 AM	#2
Sentinel Chicken Go-Getters Go Ozark Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: DFW/THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS Posts: 4,167	I've always understood the open seating as a method to expedite the boarding and turnaround process. It minimizes the number of passengers who like to mosey up to the gate at their leisure and hold up the turnaround. It encourages the passengers to get their early and get checked in if you want a decent seat. Since most folks want a decent seat, most folks will show up early. Aside from that, I would also think it also saves them time in getting folks checked in or even in the reservations side of things, not having to devote computer time or people time to assigning seats. I know there are other reasons as well, but it's early and I haven't had my pick-me-up for the morning yet. That said, I've never been particularly bothered by it. I just show up early to avoid getting into the third boarding group! __________________ *Piss on noise abatement!*

04-04-2002, 12:08 PM	#4
hernan Senior Collector Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: CAROLINA,PUERTO RICO Age: 42 Posts: 426	What the problem? as long as the plane takes you where you want to go. why you care about the seat? __________________ FLY SOUTHWEST. THE ONLY WAY TO FLY ! COLLECT STAR JETS. THE BEST MODELS!

04-04-2002, 02:35 PM	#5
Jeremy Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: BAA Indianapolis Posts: 583	I am glad you had a good flight Kevin! I have never liked this open seating thing either, and it is really hard when you are non-reving, because you are usually one of the last to board so you are stuck with a middle seat in the back. If you are one of the last onboard and you are travelling with someone, forget sitting together or even close. From what I have heard, the open seating may soon be a thing of the past very soon, they are already eliminating the plastic boarding cards and having paper boarding cards. __________________ One Nation under God There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

04-06-2002, 03:00 AM	#8
tpozstl Collector Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: ST. LOUIS, MO Age: 50 Posts: 145	SWA's open seating SUCKS! I just flew STL-TPA-STL on two consecutive Saturdays for spring break with my wife and three young kids. This was my first time on SWA since my Texas days of the late 1970s! Two hours of various lines (Security, Wait To Get A Low Boarding Card Number, Wait in the Cattle Pens so we could sit together) all for the sum of $2140.00 round trip for the five of us. Of course, American was $3600+ for non-stops STL-RSW-STL, thus we did the the SWA hurry up and wait thing. Southwest's success is the fact that they wear you down so much just to get on the plane that by the time you're on the plane their low level of service seems good! It's ashame that so many people accept such a low level of service and actually think it's good, WOW! With American controlling STL now it means it will be just that much harder to book around SWA. At least you don't need to clean up before you fly on SWA. Man, I knew I had it good for so many years with TWA and their loose upgrade policies! You just knew it was too good to last! __________________ Go Getters Go OZARK!

04-04-2002, 10:50 AM	#3
Stanman Senior Collector Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Waxahachie, Texas, USA Posts: 426	Don't forget that not assigning specific seats also saves money as far computer storage, and programming costs. Also I find boarding to be relatively quick without having to worry about people stopping and asking which row is which and the ubiquitous, "Excuse me I think you're sitting in my seat". The one draw back is that you can't determine who is sitting where which is a matter of security debate after 9/11. Then again I'm not sure who would hijack a SWA flight. United and American I can see because of their international exposure but few outside the US give SWA a second thought unless you're in the aircraft industry. Personally I enjoy the ability to more or less choose who you sit next to or around. Having been surrounded by a junior high girls softball team and a bevy of drunk conventioneers on an assigned seat flight in United's Economy Plus area I'm more than happy to find my own seat thank you.

04-05-2002, 11:52 AM	#7
Tony Sepanski Master Collector Join Date: May 2000 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 798	I really like SWA for a number of reasons you-all mentioned above, but as much as I like hanging around the airport to watch planes, I don't want to spend anymore time waiting there than I have to. To have to get to the gate 90 minutes early for a flight that may only be 90 - 120 minutes is really a pain. Especially here on the west coast where you've got to catch that gawdawful 5 or 6 am flight east to one of the other time zones. Usually their service, efficiency and cost makes up for it, but its something I would certainly not shed a tear over if SWA decided to scrap the seating free for all.

04-14-2002, 03:09 PM	#9
Jeremy Master Collector Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: BAA Indianapolis Posts: 583	The way I see it, there are good points in not having an assigned seat. 1. You can sit anywhere you like and next to ANYONE you like. You can sit next to a pretty girl instead of Talkative Tom, Large Marge, or crying infants. With assigned seating, if you are stuck next to a 400 pound person and the plane is full, you are screwed. 2. Southwest's seating is first come, first served. When it comes down to it, so are all other airlines. If you don't get your seat assignment early enough from AA, DL, or any of the others then you are stuck in a middle seat. Hey, at least it is an ASSIGNED middle seat though! Southwest's seating process is not perfect, then again, what is perfect? Don't worry, the open seating will most likely be a thing of the past due to 9/11. __________________ One Nation under God There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth

04-16-2002, 07:32 PM	#10
Forrest Tohill Master Collector Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Dallas, Texas, USA Age: 51 Posts: 713	Tpozstl: Is American's "service" $1,460+ better than Southwests? Was your being "worn down" by Southwest worth the $1,460 you saved? For all of you open seating whiners... "Our flight is full today - if you see an open (middle) seat, it has your name on it so sit down and STFU"! BTW, these are referred to as CMS (Coveted Middle Seats). The major benefit I see with the open seating? If you happen to be the dumb smuck (or unfortunate soul?) who waited 'til the last minute to book the flight, rather than most assuredly getting slammed in a middle seat with assigned/reserved seating, you still have as good a shot as anyone at getting to the "line" first and ripping off the best seat right from under all the smart smucks that booked their flights weeks ago. __________________ And let us not forget - Braniff Jelly Beans and, oh yeah...Southwest Airlines -------------------------

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread: