On queue, Southwest adjusts boarding policy

[question everything]

On queue, Southwest adjusts boarding policy

By Bruce V. Bigelow
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

September 20, 2007

If you are one of those passengers who doesn't like Southwest Airlines' open boarding “cattle call,” take a number. No, really. Take a number.

After testing alternative boarding methods in San Diego and San Antonio, Southwest has decided to keep its hallmark open-seating policy. However, the Dallas-based airline has decided to assign passengers a number within each of its A, B and C boarding lines that form in the terminal. The number, which assigns a place in line, will be printed adjacent to the A, B or C stamped on each passenger's boarding pass. The airline plans to install signs to help customers organize themselves sequentially. For example, the signs will be labeled A 1-5, A 6-10, etc.

“The number is simply so that customers don't feel like they have to 'camp out' at the gate,” Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz said. “They get that time back so they can get something to eat or work on their computer and not feel like they have to keep their place in line.” The change, which will begin in early November, will be adopted at every airport the carrier serves.

(snip)

Earlier this week, Southwest said that it also will end its long-standing family-boarding policy, which allows people with young children to preboard head of the first group. Instead, families can either board with the first group of 30 passengers – if they check in early enough – or directly after that group. The airline tested both of its new boarding methods in San Antonio, and customer feedback was positive, Mainz said.

(snip)

Find this article at:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070920-9999-1b20sw.html

[lligrd]

1. Still Going To Have To Get There Real Early

and be stuck in the airport. Just gets you out of standing (or sitting) in line.

[Bluebear]

2. Not at all, you can check in online 24 hours beofre the flight.

[lligrd]

3. Oh, That Is So True

Forgot about that and I always use the online check in. Then I am all for it.