shangyrhee Loc: Nashville TN to Sacramento CA

I am a regular flyer of SWA for many years. IMHO it is better than UA & AA in many ways. Shang

Drewline Loc: Castle Rock, Colorado

We just traveled round trip to Phoenix on SW. It was great.

fotoman150

I always fly on Southwest and have never had a bad experience. I lost count of how many times I’ve flown on Southwest. The overhead space is adequate but you should check their rules for carryon bags. They change over the years.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

The only thing different with Southwest as far as flights is a typically cheaper fare and limited free baggage policy, but the boarding procedure on SW stinks with respect to efficiency.

Pilot

Please explain how you think Southwest's boarding procedure could be made more efficient.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

How about assigned seating and boarding from rear to front? That way you don't have people stopping the full length of the isle while boarding is going on and people also saving seats. I have seen people on numerous flights tell others a seat was saved simply for the reason of hopefully ending up with two people in a row instead of three. I have also seen people save up to two full rows of seats thus limiting choices for A and B boarders, some of whom have paid $25 for an A pass.

Photocraig

I have flown on SOuthwest many times. The point here is there are NO assigned seats. Getting nearer the front of the "A" boarding group helps assure a good seat and carry on space. Even with a parity fare with United or American, Southwest will provide as good or better service, so don't fret. And the baggageg check in for free, I believe, alleviates the carry on space and teh hassle for you.

And yup, its the same 737 everybody else is flying.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

Actually all 737's are not created equal. SW has been moving to the Max 8's which includes deeper overhead storage. This allows for more luggage to go wheels in instead of sideways.

Pilot

I've never seen seated passengers saving seats for others. Of course I probably don't fly as often as you.

I pay extra for 'A' boarding. And, because I'm in no hurry to deplane once we've reached our destination, I'll choose a window seat well in back of the wing. I've never had a seating problem doing this.

If you haven't done so already, you might submit your idea and reasoning, as well as your observations, to Southwest Airlines. I'm sure they'd appreciate your input.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/airline-boarding-groups

This has been an industry topic for years. In the referenced link, note SW's "Southwest is (in)famous for its unique boarding procedure."

When you typically have the best prices, you can be as unique as you want.

If I don't have bags to check I'll use others. I'm cheap.

oldart Loc: Dallas, Texas

"How about assigned seating and boarding..."

I've been flying SWA almost from Day 1, and if you don't like the boarding the way it is now, you would have hated it in the early days; no ABC grouping, no nothin'. It was like a Grand Prix start: you ran like hell to get to the front, because smoking was permitted in all but the front five or six rows of the plane. It's much more civilized today.

Like others here, I'll pay the fee to get an early boarding number. I've even paid $40 at the gate to get in the first 15.

Southwest is definitely my "Company Plane."

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

LOL, showing up early and sitting on the floor by the numbers!

Pilot

If I'm not mistaken, Southwest evolved from Trans-Texas Airlines. Remember those red boarding passes? Ah, those were the days.

DaveO Loc: Northeast CT

They were enemies!

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

I really like their boarding process - much faster than the old-style Delta/United/US Air process, but I always buy up to “A”. At one time there was a service that would automatically check you in within seconds of the 24 hour opening, but no more. I have never seen anyone save a seat, nor do I think that would survive a challenge. The only downside to SW is that they’ve been flying those 737s for a long time. On my last trip, we had no less than two flights scrubbed due to mechanical failures, one requiring an overnight stay. SW payed for the (cut rate) motel, but not meals. After flying on business for 40 years, my rules are:

(1) always fly non-stop if possible - most of the issues with flying are missed connections because the first fight is late
(2) never check anything - carry on only if possible
(3) pay the $ for a TSA precheck unless you get it free if you fly regularly.
(4) buy up to an “A” check-in or front seats on other airlines. On early and off early with plenty of overhead room (nothing worse than sitting up front with your bags in the back because the overheads are full at your seat when you finally board.)
(5) personally, I always use National Enerald Aisle (no counter check in) and stay in Marriott properties.
(6) never take the “red eye” 😩
(7) Uber to the airport - no parking issues and drops you at the door.

Just my personal opinions to try to make the miserable current state of air travel somewhat bearable.