NORTHWEST changes boarding procedures

[Belle1962]

Heard it on CNN this morning and found this on yahoo news:

Northwest Airlines changes seating policy
June 20, 2006 - The seating policy is changing for an airline. Northwest Airlines has stopped using the traditional back-to-front boarding process and is now using random boarding for coach class.

That means passengers who are first-in-line will be first to take their assigned seats.
Northwest says the random seating system cut the boarding process by 5-to-10 minutes in recent tests.

 

[TAKitty]

When we flew Spirit they had a similar boarding procedure. We we towards the front of the plane, the last to load, but the back and front (not first/business class) where already full when we entered the plane.

Now if they could only stop people from standing in the isles for 10 minutes as they block all of the other people from getting by.

 

[cjnix29]

For the newbie...I have never flown NWA, will I get my seat assignment then when I check in, so I should get there really early? Or will I just be able to pick the seats when I get on the plane. (Oh dear, traveling with a 3 year old for first time on a plane!)

 

[seashoreCM]

For the newbie...I have never flown NWA, will I get my seat assignment then when I check in, so I should get there really early? Or will I just be able to pick the seats when I get on the plane. (Oh dear, traveling with a 3 year old for first time on a plane!)

You will get specific seat assignments when you check in at the airport, or under some circumstances, earlier if you requested same over the phone and/or checked in on line.

Northwest "must'a" from time to time in the past announced boarding with no regard to seat position or zone, much to the chagrin of more seasoned travelers. From these seemingly neglectful and agent-lackadaisical but actually statistics gathering maneuvers they found out that the plane boards faster.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[cjnix29]

Thanks!

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

For the newbie...I have never flown NWA, will I get my seat assignment then when I check in, so I should get there really early? Or will I just be able to pick the seats when I get on the plane. (Oh dear, traveling with a 3 year old for first time on a plane!)

Actually you need to call NWA and request seat assignments to make sure that you and your child are seated together. I wouldn't wait until you got to the airport.

 

[dudspizza]

For the newbie...I have never flown NWA, will I get my seat assignment then when I check in, so I should get there really early? Or will I just be able to pick the seats when I get on the plane. (Oh dear, traveling with a 3 year old for first time on a plane!)

If you have an eTicket (confirmation #), go to nwa.com and check your itinerary. There "may" be a tab to click on to choose your seats. Give it a try. NWA offers advanced seat assignment, so check it out.

Duds

 

[safetymom]

You should have gotten seat assignments when you bought the seats. I would call now and have them assign your seats. If the flight is overbooked those without seats should worry if they will get on the plane.

If you can't get a seat assignment get to the airport early. There are seats that can only be assigned at the airport.

 

[cjnix29]

Thanks! I will do it as soon as I get home tonight!!

 

[angel's momma]

Seat assignements were not available when we purchased our tickets for Sept. in Apr.

This thread reminded me that I need to check on that.

I wasn't aware I could do that online instead of by phone, so thank you dudspizza.

It says that seat assignments will be made at 90 days, and to check back after that.

 

[DebbieB]

I flew NW last week PIT/MSP and return. Both were DC-9's. Both times they announced boarding all rows (after the usual pre-boards, first class,elites). I don't think too many people were expecting it so there was no line.

I don't like the idea of lines. A couple of weeks ago at LAX, you could hardly get by in the concourse in terminal 1 because of all the extended lines for Southwest stretching across. They need to control this better, leaving the walkways clear.

 

[pugdog]

Seat assignements were not available when we purchased our tickets for Sept. in Apr.

This thread reminded me that I need to check on that.

I wasn't aware I could do that online instead of by phone, so thank you dudspizza.

It says that seat assignments will be made at 90 days, and to check back after that.

NWA does seat asignments 90 days out from your flight.

 

[cjnix29]

90 days? Hmmm...I booked mine less than 90 out, but through expedia. Didn't get a seat assignment. Also didn't realize expedia charges a $15 booking fee!!! Word of advice...if you see a good fair on expedia, see if you can get the same through airlines website! Lesson learned!!

 

[seashoreCM]

On some airlines (not sure about Northwest) if there is a schedule change, no matter how slight, even if the flight number stays the same, your seat assignments might be lost. Savvy travelers check back every so often, and promptly telephone in to remake seat assignments if needed.

 

[DebbieB]

Northwest holds alot of seats for their elite frequent flyers. Sometimes all the seats in the front half. Northwest allows you to change your seat on their website, it's very easy. I use them often for work trips PIT/MSP and often are booked 2 or 3 weeks ahead. Often I do not have a seat assignment when I book it but I keep watching the website and can usually snag one ahead of time (someone probably cancelled).