Post all SW questions concerns, etc. here...

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

November points just dropped significantly in both directions, even lower than what the "big sale" numbers were last week (two weeks ago? time is a blur).

It's sure a hassle having to cancel and rebook for Basic flights: we're on points, so everything is fully refundable. It's more that, when I cancel, there's that worry voice in the back of my head telling me that someone else is going to grab the lower point flight in the 30 seconds I'm canceling. Hasn't actually happen, but that doesn't stop the anxiousness, unfortunately.

 

[EACarlson]

I would strongly prefer to just do this this time. We won't, but it would for sure make things easier. Making sure we're in the exact correct position is often a little tedious, but we always do it. Will be more tedious this time, but it is what it is. Excited to get our trip started regardless!

The correct answer was given up thread, you all group together at the highest number in the group. If you have A 42,44 and 46, all three of you stand and board at A46.

 

[pens4821]

I guess I stand corrected. I'll be honest, I just stood in my "group of 5". Never checked or had anyone check if they were 1 spot in front or back of me. I've had positions across two number ranges and would stand towards the back for one and the other would stand in the front of the second group keeping us together and never had anyone say otherwise. Definitely didn't do it to with any ill intention and I definitely wasn't trying to insinuate someone with position 60 try to stand with 50.

I’ve also never asked others numbers. I just stand in the area that my number includes. I have had people ask me my number, and have had people in front of me that should be behind me (couple numbers difference), but I’ve never cared much.

 

[MarBee]

Just saw an offer from SW that says it’s now possible to book international flights with their points through partner airlines. Has anyone had any experience with this? Just curious before I start exploring prices on some trips…

 

[eticketplease]

Just saw an offer from SW that says it’s now possible to book international flights with their points through partner airlines. Has anyone had any experience with this? Just curious before I start exploring prices on some trips…

It’s through Iceland air. It would be curious to see the value you get booking with SW points.

 

[focusondisney]

Assigned seating starts Jan. 27

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/07/21...-a-date-plan-for-the-end-of-open-seating.html

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

Looks like my guess was correct with the next release being it. It's going to be very interesting to see how they handle people wanting to sit next to each other. Per the article my husband sent "“I think that if families want that sense of control, they have the optionality to pick their seats through … our existing products that we’re selling,” she said. “We will try to do our best to make sure that families are seated together no matter how they buy a ticket.”

The bolding it mine but I foresee issues afoot on this part and while this next part is not just aimed at families it is a problem other airlines have where people book either with no seat selected or the lowest fare which won't have a seat selection and then cause issues when they are not seated next to people in their traveling party. So the big question will be how will SWA reconcile this issue that crops up with other airlines.

 

[EACarlson]

I know how I'd like them to handle it. Too bad, deal with it. The only time it should be changed is if there is an involuntary change, flight cancelled or missed connection due to SW. Other than that, you paid your money, took your chance and lost.

 

[eticketplease]

Assigned seating starts Jan. 27

https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2025/07/21...-a-date-plan-for-the-end-of-open-seating.html

Link is not opening for me at the moment. I assume that is for flights flying on 1/27 or later with the next schedule release, not booking flights on 1/27?

 

[Marrila]

Link worked fine for me

• Southwest Airlines tickets with seat assignments will go on sale on July 29, the airline told CNBC.
• The carrier plans to end its hallmark open-seating policy on Jan. 27.
• There will be eight boarding groups starting next year.

 

[awrites]

My Southwest app had a big popup about it that I could click through to their site:

https://mobile.southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating?clk=CB1033215

 

[Mackenzie Click-Mickelson]

I know how I'd like them to handle it. Too bad, deal with it. The only time it should be changed is if there is an involuntary change, flight cancelled or missed connection due to SW. Other than that, you paid your money, took your chance and lost.

I always want the airlines to get that part correct but it just isn't done as much as it should be. They also don't have all the varied seats the same as other airlines so there's even less incentive for them because it would be easier to say just sit in this row it's the same as that other row (when yeah not how us passengers usually see it). Extra leg room is the only actual seat difference as in what the seat itself is.

So I agree with you but don't know how they will go on publicly stating they will seat families together regardless of the ticket as best they can, which to me it far too easy for people to interpret they can disregard what they have actually paid for, and actually have the firm stance of your seat is this seat because you chose that option.

 

[eticketplease]

Link worked fine for me

• Southwest Airlines tickets with seat assignments will go on sale on July 29, the airline told CNBC.
• The carrier plans to end its hallmark open-seating policy on Jan. 27.
• There will be eight boarding groups starting next year.

Thanks I'm sure it is a problem with my computer

I assumed it was for the next booking period and flights actually taking off on 1/27/26.

Thanks for confirming for me!

 

[EACarlson]

I always want the airlines to get that part correct but it just isn't done as much as it should be. They also don't have all the varied seats the same as other airlines so there's even less incentive for them because it would be easier to say just sit in this row it's the same as that other row (when yeah not how us passengers usually see it). Extra leg room is the only actual seat difference as in what the seat itself is.

So I agree with you but don't know how they will go on publicly stating they will seat families together regardless of the ticket as best they can, which to me it far too easy for people to interpret they can disregard what they have actually paid for, and actually have the firm stance of your seat is this seat because you chose that option.

I've got a simple solution but none of the airlines want to implement it. Only allow those bottom tickets for passengers 14 and up. Require all passengers 13 and below to have an assigned seat with a member of their travelling party 16 and up. No Basic fares for anyone that can't sit by themselves.

 

[eticketplease]

No Basic fares for anyone that can't sit by themselves.

Just stating that in general is better imo as there are many older people that can not sit by themselves for various reasons.

 

[focusondisney]

Per the article my husband sent "“I think that if families want that sense of control, they have the optionality to pick their seats through … our existing products that we’re selling,” she said. “We will try to do our best to make sure that families are seated together no matter how they buy a ticket.”

I have booked Jetblue when the date is just released. They open with certain rows blocked off from being selected. I could see SW blocking several rows at the back of the plane from being selected. Then when someone books with a young child & doesn’t pick a seat, they could be assigned in those rows. IDK if that’s what they’ll do of course, just a possibility.