In the past I really avoided flying Southwest (sorry Jacque). The survival of the fittest mentality drove me crazy and I hated the way people lined up 30-45 minutes before the flight to have a good place in line. Dumb.
Well Southwest got creative this year. They still board by A, B and C groups but they have now assigned a number to each person and they board in numerical order. Brilliant, really. You still get the choice of where to sit and you no longer have to line up 30-45 minutes before the flight because you have a number. Did you hear that people you have a number? The funny thing is people do not get it! They still line up 30-45 minutes before the flight. I don't get it. I absolutely do not get it. Sit down. Relax. Read your book, play on your computer, people watch. There is no need whatsoever to get in line before they start boarding. Its not like you are going to be able to move up in order because you stood there longer. You have an assigned number. And its not like you will have to go to the back of the line once you do stand up to get in order. You can cut right in front of all those crazy people who stand and stand and stand because your number might be lower than theirs. There is no benefit. The only benefit I see is for those people who have medical conditions when they sit for too long and really must stand. But even they can stand elsewhere and not in the boarding line.
Oh but there are those sneaky people who just think they can board in the A group even though they are a B or a C as if the person taking the tickets won't pay attention. Guess what? They do pay attention and they will make you wait.
So when you stand and wait you just are embarrassing yourself and really just giving a bad name to civilization. We are smart. We can figure out how to line up in numerical order once they start the boarding process.
5 comments:
I totally agree. It made me laugh when Southwest did this, because I thought, "even though it's a great idea, people won't get it". Maybe standing in line is deeply rooted in our collective subconscious?
I have developed a new love for Southwest airlines because of their new numbering system. And, yes, I AM making this comment at 7:30 p.m. on a Friday night...I'm such a devoted reader of your blog, I logged on whilst on my date. better get back to it...
wow I am so glad that they are doing that now..not that I fly that often, but when I do that will be much better. I must admit I did hate Southwest too. They are ALWAYS delayed!!! (At least when I fly) Sorry Jacque.. :)
I really like flying Southwest. If it's a domestic flight they are the best. I was Baltimore where I ended up having to change my flight 3 three times. Every time I called SW they said no problem it took less that 2 minutes to change the my flight. I like SW because I just want a seat nothin' else. Just get me home. Try doing this with US Air...
Thanks everyone for thinking about my feelings! Southwest Airlines is not always late, Heather! Like you fly so much?? LOL There were alot of people (including employees) that were not happy about the changes with boarding. But I'm telling you as a FA, I love it! Boarding is quicker! It puts the people who know what they're doing towards the front and forces families, who take the longest to board and deplane, towards the back. You will always have people that stand in line, even the airlines that assign seats! I've seen alot in the 14yrs with SWA! I love their style!!! Keep me in a job! FLY SWA!!!!
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