SWA tips

[hannahryan]

I have never flown SW (we always fly US air). I was going to try it this time from Providence. It doesn't sound worth the savings for the aggravation. Is it really that bad all the time? And why don't they just assign seats...it seems it would save a lot of headaches for them.

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by hannahryan
And why don't they just assign seats...it seems it would save a lot of headaches for them.

Not assigning seats gets people to the airport (and the gate) earlier. Allows them to reduce ground time. In some cases it allows them to schedule an extra daily flight for the plane. People are lined up ready to board before the plane even gets to the gate. The plane will push off at (or even before) the scheduled departure time. With assigned seats people get to the gate late (shop, restaurants) and the plane is less likely to push off on time.

It sounds a lot worse than it is. Get to the airport a little early and you won't have a problem.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by hannahryan
I have never flown SW (we always fly US air). I was going to try it this time from Providence. It doesn't sound worth the savings for the aggravation. Is it really that bad all the time? And why don't they just assign seats...it seems it would save a lot of headaches for them.

It is really not bad at all. Every airline has horror stories, SWA is no different. Some of the stories you have read here makes it sound like a very disorderly process, but, in reality, it is very orderly. I used to fly only Delta, but, tried SWA once because the fares were really good, well....I have not gone back to Delta. I love to save money, BUT.....I will not put my saving money over my comfort. Their seats are larger than delta's the leg room is better than Delta's and their flight crews are definitely better than Delta's.
Lewis gave you an excellent reason why they have open seating, it has worked for them for years, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

 

[NotUrsula]

I'm a total convert to SWA, and DH is even more adamant about it, thanks to a really ugly experience we had a couple of years ago w/ AA (our airport's other big carrier.) Other than the reasons Lewis and Gail already cited, here are some of the other reasons I prefer SWA.

Good prices.--Lots of direct flights to the places we want to go.--No ticket change fees.--Credit for the price difference if there is a cheaper fare available after you buy.--Reasonably priced one-way fares.--A FF program that ALWAYS lets you have the seat for the miles if there is a seat open on the plane.--Honesty about flight delays.--A willingness to work with any passenger who has a special situation and is polite about making the request.--Staff who don't routinely snarl at bewildered passengers.

The open seating policy is what allows SWA to consistently make a profit, and that, I truly believe, is what makes all of the above possible. If I could fly SWA everywhere I travel, I would.