Supposed to start very soon. No more people standing in line for an hour before the flight!

 

I don't get it. I always have my seat number as soon as I buy the ticket.

 

not if your flying on Southwest Airlines.

 

Got a link to some documentation, please?

 

I saw it on the news. Living in Dallas its big news to us since its where southwest is based. Here is one link....

http://www.usatoday.com/travel/fligh...st-plans_N.htm

 

'Bout damn time!!.. the "red, blue, gold" cattle-call was okay 10 years ago, but the way the whole boarding experience is now (no fault of SWA), passengers are so already pissed-off/frustrated that it's like being in a mosh pit to get a seat on SW.

I love SWA, except for the keeping chicks in mini-skirts off, LOL.. but it's long past time that they assigned seating..

Just got me to reminiscing.. the only almost penthouse forum worthy (LOL) thing that ever happened to me was on / following a SW flight from Austin to Pheonix.. 1993.. apparently SW had no problem with a girl dressed like that back then..

 

Oh ok. Ya, I don't think I've ever flown with them. Every other airline though...

 

The way I read that, it may not be "assigned seating" the same way as done by other airlines - we need to wait and see.

 

"...Southwest will announce its new boarding plan before year's end. Kelly did not spill the beans as to what the procedures will be, but some rivals have generated extra revenue by charging more for the most desirable seats,
using three price ranges; Front of plane, Back of plane, and toilet."

 

"Wimmin on the left, men on the right, and AC's all go thru that big revolving door in the middle ..."

 

"assigned seating" always starts with an "***"

And usually ends with one, too.

 

Just got an email from Southwest. I am so happy they finally eliminated the lining up at the gate an hour early.

"You spoke and we listened. Today, Southwest Airlines is thrilled to announce that you will continue to be able to choose your favorite seat once onboard the aircraft. And it doesn’t stop there! We’ve figured out how to make our open seating method even better by doing away with the so called “cattle call” and eliminating the need to “camp out” in the boarding line.

Beginning in early November, you will be assigned not only a boarding group (A, B, or C) but also a number within that boarding group based on the time you check in for a flight (for example: A32). This unique combination represents your reserved spot in your boarding group. Next, listen for one of our friendly gate agents to announce your group. When your group is called, simply take a position next to the column that represents your boarding number and proceed onto the airplane to find your favorite seat. Boarding columns will be divided into groups of five. "

http://www.southwest.com/help/boardingschool/

 

All that does is break up the current cattle call into 5 subgroups. People are still going to be standing in line pushing and shoving.