Not Everyone Is on the Same Boat (EMH)

[Kimberly9701]

Let's put this in perspective-

Any of us COULD have come up with the idea for Apple, Microsoft, Facebook etc. I for one know that I would never have been so brilliant..lol.

I don't/didn't have any ill feelings towards Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or Mark Zuckerberg. They deserve their money.. Kudos to them.

And you can move down the line from there...

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

You should see southwest passengers in the airport get upset once they realized they should have paid $15 for the early bird if they don't want to board after those in "business class" (yes they have a business class, although all it gets them is the ability to board at the head of the line) elite flyers (yes they have elite flyers), those who paid for early bird, and anybody traveling with a child age 6 or under. Plus, they allow saving seats. Don't pay, you are in a middle seat OR you are in the back of the plane. Front of the plane appears to be preferred by many passengers, with Southwest now unless you are a party of one and will accept a middle seat, it's the back of the plane for you if you didn't pay for EBCI.

I'm sorry but that really seems to be something that I don't experience though it does seem to be yours.

1) They do not (or at least every time that I've flown) encourage saving for seats and if the flight is completely full they haven't allowed it regardless. Do people still save seats? Absolutely. When I flew from MCI to BWI on April 8th the flight was completely full to the point where there wasn't overhead cabin space left and some passengers had to gate check a bag (which is not something only for SWA-I've experienced that before on Delta, United, and U.S. Airways). On that flight no one was allowed to save a seat period. If they were seen saving a seat they were told they could not do that and were closely watched.

2) Business Select (as I already meantioned in my previous post) doesn't just allow you to board early, you earn a lot more points per dollar you spend. I've seen many business travelers fly SWA. Also A-list people really do earn the right to board early you have to fly 25 one way flights or earn 35,000 pts in a year....for an average person that is extremely hard to get and for the person who does get it they have flown a lot in a year. That's just for the base A-list. If you want the A-list preferred you have to fly 50 one way flights or get 70,000 points. My husband just got his base A-list for this year 2 weeks ago but he's also been traveling back and forth from BWI to MCI every two weeks (arriving late friday night and leaving mid-day sunday) for 5 months straight. Granted he also buys the Wanna Get Away Fare unless it's unavailable (his company pays for this tickets but that doesn't mean they would be ok with an ~$800 RT ticket every 2 weeks if there was a cheaper option).

3) Yes you can pay for EBCI and that might make you seem a little more elite than those who didn't but the only thing EBCI gets you is the vast liklihood that you will get an A. My last flight, where I flew to meet my husband who is working in Maryland at the moment and we paid for EBCI but only because his company was paying for it and it was the 1st time flying by myself the flight was completely full and my boarding postition was A59..but that also was due to booking 13 days before the flight (my husband always buys his tickets under 2 weeks before his flight). Part of the problem with EBCI is that it's gotten way more popular than it used to be and a product of that is because the flights are fuller than they used to be (but that's something all airlines have been doing in the last few years).

4) The desire to not sit in the middle is not in any way related to SWA. It's actually most people in generally. Many flights when looking at seat options when buying your tickets will have middle seats open with the others taken 1st. Three years ago when I was going on my honeymoon we booked our tickets for Delta 7 months in advance to St. Lucia. The leg to Atlanta we had no problems however the flight from Atlanta to St. Lucia there were no seats together period..7 months in advance and we had to sit separately with both of us in the middle approx 5 rows apart..the problem was EVERYONE was on their honeymoon and no one wanted to switch seats.

5) Some people prefer the front of the plane for sure but that can be due to a tight connection, need to get somewhere quickly (often that is the business person) or a general preference. I prefer over the wings due to my husband (he graduated with aerospace engineering degree and has said many many times the seats over the wings are the safest in a plane) so even it there are seats available in the front of the plane I sit over the wings. Some people prefer the back of the plane (especially if they want to be near the back restroom where they can form a line).

Apologize for the long post

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I've been on four Southwest flights in the last month. On all of them, people were saving seats. Flight attendants said nothing. I have three more this month. Assuming seats will be saved.

And yes they were grumbling when they realized how many people were going to board ahead of B. On an Orlando flight, if parties with kids 6 and under are allowed to board before you, that's pretty much everybody. Some of my flights were to/from St. Louis, there were practically no children on those flights. And because they couldn't sit in the front of the plane with a B. On all four flights.

 

[mshanson3121]

I don't mind stuff like this as long as it doesn't take away from the base experience. Example, I think the different resort levels at WDW are a nice option.

I think the danger with theme parks, specifically WDW, is that sometimes things they turn into upcharges were things that used to be available to everyone.

^^^THS. 100% this.

Disney was created and remained for a long time, an equal opportunity park. Every body paid the same amount and got the same perks. I have no problem with them trying to create the extra magic hour specials, or the exclusive tours etc... More power to you if you have the money. But what I DO have a problem with, is if they start taking away things that used to be included, and start trying to charge for them (ex. the resort fee proposal). I'm also not a big fan of the packages for the shows. I really dislike the idea that if I want a decent spot at what is advertised as a "free" show, that I have to pay an extra $250 for my family of 4 to attend said show. I'm sorry, it should be first come, first serve. You want a good seat? Get there in time and wait for it - just like you have to do with the parades, fireworks etc...

 

[Skywise]

Disney was created and remained for a long time, an equal opportunity park.

To be fair that was true of general admission but you had to purchase tickets to go on the rides and the only way to ride multiple E-ticket rides was to buy more tickets.

I'm also not a big fan of the packages for the shows. I really dislike the idea that if I want a decent spot at what is advertised as a "free" show, that I have to pay an extra $250 for my family of 4 to attend said show. I'm sorry, it should be first come, first serve. You want a good seat? Get there in time and wait for it - just like you have to do with the parades, fireworks etc...

What's a "seat"? In most cases you're paying $250 to STAND and that's first come, first served (after the $250 admission) too these days!

 

[jade1]

I'm also not a big fan of the packages for the shows. I really dislike the idea that if I want a decent spot at what is advertised as a "free" show, that I have to pay an extra $250 for my family of 4 to attend said show. I'm sorry, it should be first come, first serve. You want a good seat? Get there in time and wait for it - just like you have to do with the parades, fireworks etc...

What show/s is this again?

 

[Kimberly9701]

^^^THS. 100% this.

Disney was created and remained for a long time, an equal opportunity park. Every body paid the same amount and got the same perks. I have no problem with them trying to create the extra magic hour specials, or the exclusive tours etc... More power to you if you have the money. But what I DO have a problem with, is if they start taking away things that used to be included, and start trying to charge for them (ex. the resort fee proposal). I'm also not a big fan of the packages for the shows. I really dislike the idea that if I want a decent spot at what is advertised as a "free" show, that I have to pay an extra $250 for my family of 4 to attend said show. I'm sorry, it should be first come, first serve. You want a good seat? Get there in time and wait for it - just like you have to do with the parades, fireworks etc...

Understandable, but look at another perspective-

If your family arrives an hour early to a show, and a kid has to use the restroom, what happens? I'm assuming you or your spouse will run said kid to the restroom while the other saves your spot.

I'm the sole parent to my child. I don't have someone to "hold our place in line" "hold our seats" "drop me off in front to get in line while they park the car" etc etc.

I'm not complaining just stating facts. But really if I want to spend my money to have a little bit of convenience for once, and gaurantee us a decent spot (that we won't lose due to a potty break) , please let me have it!lol

 

[Kimberly9701]

What show/s is this again?

I'm assuming he's talking about Fantasmic dinner packages.

 

[wilkeliza]

^^^THS. 100% this.

Disney was created and remained for a long time, an equal opportunity park. Every body paid the same amount and got the same perks. I have no problem with them trying to create the extra magic hour specials, or the exclusive tours etc... More power to you if you have the money. But what I DO have a problem with, is if they start taking away things that used to be included, and start trying to charge for them (ex. the resort fee proposal). I'm also not a big fan of the packages for the shows. I really dislike the idea that if I want a decent spot at what is advertised as a "free" show, that I have to pay an extra $250 for my family of 4 to attend said show. I'm sorry, it should be first come, first serve. You want a good seat? Get there in time and wait for it - just like you have to do with the parades, fireworks etc...

You know that isn't true right? From day 1 the more you paid the more you played. E-tickets, private tours, concierge services, and Club 33 have been there since day 1. Walt actually sought out ways to make big spenders feel like they were welcomed and wanted at Disney in order to ask them for investments in the company.

I have had a mass jump in economic status in the last 6 years and I can tell you when I was dirt poor living pay check to pay check I wasn't jealous of what others had. Maybe I was upset that I didn't get to do similar things but I didn't hate the kids who could afford the senior trip to Cancun or the school sponsored trip elsewhere. Instead I worked ridiculously hard to be able to afford the few I could go on. If I couldn't go (so senior Cancun trip) I found something with equal budget friends that was just a fun for us. Now that I can afford to do more "luxury" things I don't rub it in that I can. However, I don't feel bad that I can do those things now because I worked to get what I have and should be made to feel bad that I can enjoy the fruits of that labor.

 

[jade1]

I'm assuming he's talking about Fantasmic dinner packages.

Ah, we never do that and always get in. Good seats as well. Did FP+ once and that worked as well.

I think that only takes up part of the stadium-and they filled us in there when its not full.

 

[mshanson3121]

What show/s is this again?

Fantasmic, and also the upcoming ROL

 

[mshanson3121]

You know that isn't true right? From day 1 the more you paid the more you played. E-tickets, private tours, concierge services, and Club 33 have been there since day 1. Walt actually sought out ways to make big spenders feel like they were welcomed and wanted at Disney in order to ask them for investments in the company.

I have had a mass jump in economic status in the last 6 years and I can tell you when I was dirty poor living pay check to pay check I wasn't jealous of what others had. Maybe I was upset that I didn't get to do similar things but I didn't hate the kids who could afford the senior trip to Cancun or the school sponsored trip elsewhere. Instead I worked ridiculously hard to be able to afford the few I could go on. If I couldn't go (so senior Cancun trip) I found something with equal budget friends that was just a fun for us. Now that I can afford to do more "luxury" things I don't rub it in that I can. However, I don't feel bad that I can do those things now because I worked to get what I have and should be made to feel bad that I can enjoy the fruits of that labor.

All the things I said I don't care about - I don't care that they sell extra up-charge things like private tours. But it's the basic things that everyone should be able to get. The shows, the rides, the fast pass etc...

And... yay for your new economic status and lack of jealousy? But no idea what your point is. I don't really think anyone here has been whining that they're jealous, or rubbing in their wealth?

 

[mshanson3121]

Ah, we never do that and always get in. Good seats as well. Did FP+ once and that worked as well.

I think that only takes up part of the stadium-and they filled us in there when its not full.

I was under the impression that now that they're only offering 1 show (Fantasmic) a night it was much harder to get seats. But maybe not. In which case, my comment becomes kinda moot

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I've been on four Southwest flights in the last month. On all of them, people were saving seats. Flight attendants said nothing. I have three more this month. Assuming seats will be saved.

And yes they were grumbling when they realized how many people were going to board ahead of B. On an Orlando flight, if parties with kids 6 and under are allowed to board before you, that's pretty much everybody. Some of my flights were to/from St. Louis, there were practically no children on those flights. And because they couldn't sit in the front of the plane with a B. On all four flights.

Yeah I did say people save seats. You're going to find that when you can pick your own seats. The thing is we all experience different things in different airports in different regions. They don't encourage you to save seats but many times it's not prohibited. On my full flight it was prohibited but you're also going to find that is something that varys from flight crew to flight crew, if they are already delayed and are trying to speed up the boarding process, etc.

Several years ago the flights, at least for me, were not completely full on SWA and so saving seats wasn't as big of a deal. When we fly as a family that's a total of 4 to 6 people. We don't save seats. Orlando for sure is a high family destination. The time of day you flight also impacts the number of travelers. We fly the 1st flight out or the last flight out if possible..lot less passengers. The completely full flight I was on last was at 6pm at night on a Friday but the flight coming home that left at 9:30pm on a Monday only had 60 people on it.

I personally haven't experienced someone grumbling about boarding positions or available seats on the SWA planes. It for sure happens and obviously you have. The only question I've had recently had last month is a couple behind me didn't know how you got the A1-A15 positions I said they are for Business Select or when you get to the gate you can pay extra (if there are slots open) if you have a Anytime or Wanna Get Away fare. They said "oh ok we were wondering because most of the time they are full but there have been once in a while where they was on one in them". They didn't seem afronted at all. I also sat next to a person while waiting to board the plane who had a C position on the completely full flight..there was no hard feelings towards me when she saw I had an A. She said "well I didn't check in until pretty late so that's on me".

I love SWA and I'm not trying to say they are without flaws but to me every airline has flaws in their ticketing process, procedures, prices, comfort level, amenities, etc.

 

[Kimberly9701]

You know that isn't true right? From day 1 the more you paid the more you played. E-tickets, private tours, concierge services, and Club 33 have been there since day 1. Walt actually sought out ways to make big spenders feel like they were welcomed and wanted at Disney in order to ask them for investments in the company.

I have had a mass jump in economic status in the last 6 years and I can tell you when I was dirty poor living pay check to pay check I wasn't jealous of what others had. Maybe I was upset that I didn't get to do similar things but I didn't hate the kids who could afford the senior trip to Cancun or the school sponsored trip elsewhere. Instead I worked ridiculously hard to be able to afford the few I could go on. If I couldn't go (so senior Cancun trip) I found something with equal budget friends that was just a fun for us. Now that I can afford to do more "luxury" things I don't rub it in that I can. However, I don't feel bad that I can do those things now because I worked to get what I have and should be made to feel bad that I can enjoy the fruits of that labor.

I said something to this effect in a previous post-

I wonder how many of these people complaining grew up going/staying at WDW? If you did, please ask your parents about it.

Like I said, my family of 5 went annually, staying at Poly or CR. My parents have always joked about Disney prices. It has NEVER been overly affordable. The sole reason they purchased so many non expiring tickets throughout the years, to give to me and my siblings- was to save us a bit of money on our future trips with our own children.

 

[MariMama]

Cheers!

Unfortunately, you are correct. It's sad but true.

Someone above mentioned that they can't see people with "money having empathy" or something like that..can't remember the exact quote.

That's so offensive and generally untrue. Has anyone looked around and seen the philanthropy that typically results in having "excess money". There's no reason to demonize it.
Live your life according to your means.
If you want more, strive for more. If you are happy with what you have, then just be happy. Who cares what someone else does with their money.

Every single person alive will always have "more" than someone else, and every single person alive will always have "less" than someone else. It's just a fact.

In percentages, the 'rich' donate lesser amounts of their incomes than middle class folks and those who would be considered poor.

 

[jade1]

I was under the impression that now that they're only offering 1 show (Fantasmic) a night it was much harder to get seats. But maybe not. In which case, my comment becomes kinda moot

Part of it still applies.

I'm sorry, it should be first come, first serve. You want a good seat? Get there in time and wait for it -

 

[Kimberly9701]

Ah, we never do that and always get in. Good seats as well. Did FP+ once and that worked as well.

I think that only takes up part of the stadium-and they filled us in there when its not full.

Ah, we never do that and always get in. Good seats as well. Did FP+ once and that worked as well.

I think that only takes up part of the stadium-and they filled us in there when its not full.

It's the center section. That's all. Then there is another section for FP and the rest is open game.

 

[Hikergirl]

Fantasmic, and also the upcoming ROL

I haven't done the Fantasmic dinner show in 8/9 years so I don't know if the seating area has changed but it wasn't like you got premium seating. There were IMO better spots and those were open to the everyone else.

I'm with the pp said that if there are those willing to pay for the convenience then I'm all for it. if here is a high demand for seats and there is a way that some people can be assured a seat, I'm all for (any business) making the decision to offer special areas at an added price, even if those areas were once free to everyone.
Just because there are those who aren't willing to pay for it doesn't mean it shouldn't be offered to those who are.

 

[wilkeliza]

All the things I said I don't care about - I don't care that they sell extra up-charge things like private tours. But it's the basic things that everyone should be able to get. The shows, the rides, the fast pass etc...

And... yay for your new economic status and lack of jealousy? But no idea what your point is. I don't really think anyone here has been whining that they're jealous, or rubbing in their wealth?

My second point was in response to the article only the first part was in response to you or the over all attitude of the thread.

Now I still don't think that people aren't getting to ride rides or see shows because some can pay more. The dinning packages take up one section of the Fantasmic! amphitheater. If you want a great view you can still line up early. The same goes for parades and fireworks. The dessert parties take up one section of the hub. All other areas are still open for the taking. Same goes for Illuminations. The dessert party takes up probably 1/10 of the World Showcase if that. You can still get great if not better views by staking out a spot early.