I use to be Pro-Southwest. But over the years, I have started to dislike Southwest more and more.
Here are five reason why I dislike Southwest:
1) The Boarding System
Southwest has created their own boarding system. Passengers are given a letter and number, which corresponds to when they board. Southwest board people in blocks of 30 people. First, they ask all those with A boarding to line up numerically. They board A 1-30 first and then move to A 31-60. Then the B Group and C Group.
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| Southwest Blog
Since Southwest does not have assigned seating, boarding becomes first come, first pick. For that reason, people want to be in Group A or Group B, to ensure good seats ie window or aisle. Those with C boarding group cards tend to be stuck with middle seats and very little overhead storage space.
My problem with the boarding system is that the C boarding group become zombies. They always tend to go to the back of the plane looking for overhead storage space or a possibility of a non-middle seat. Regardless of the announcements of the FA’s stating no overhead space in the back, these people head to the back of the plane. At some point, these “C” boarders resign to the fact that the overhead bins in the back are full and must turnaround and walk back to the front of the plane. This happens on almost every Southwest flight.
While the boarding system seems easy on its face value, it creates a lot of confusion. Infrequent travelers mistaken the Boarding Group as their seat number. The idea of open boarding is only used by Southwest and this can slow down the boarding process. Yes, Southwest does a great job at the gate trying to explain their boarding process. However, I am always behind some man or women confused by where to sit. The boarding system is quirky, which works with Southwest's culture, but doesn't help the process.
2) Amateur Comedians and Singers
Southwest allows their flight attendants (FA) some leeway on completing the boarding/safety/landing announcements. Sometimes you will get a professional FA who will do it normal mumbo jumbo. Then there are the times you get a flight attendant who wishes they were a comedian, singer or rapper.
The second batch of FAs will become creative with their announcements. On recent flights, I had a FA complete the safety announcement by telling jokes. Yes, some of them are funny, but safety demonstrations are a serious matter and should be taken so. On another flight to Orlando, the FA sang a song she made up, to the tune of It’s A Small World, from the moment we landed until we reached the gate 5 minutes later.
Some might find this flexibility nice. I find it irritating.
3) The Boarding System Again
How is the boarding system on there twice?
Well, the one thing I forgot to mention is that the letter/number combo is determined by how quickly you check-in. If you check-in right after the 24 hour mark, you are likely to get into the A or B group. However, if you wait until the airport to check-in, you are almost guaranteed to be the last to board. For instance, say you are on vacation without access to a computer, your almost guaranteed to get put in the “C” boarding group.
The system was easy to beat, as I would put a reminder on all my calendars to check-in. However, Southwest got a little greedy and wanted to earn extra money. For instance, if you buy a “business class fare” you are guaranteed to get A1-A15 boarding status. Don’t want to shell out that much for “business class fare,” then Southwest has got you covered. For $12.50 additional each way, you can get Early Bird Check-In, which allows you to check-in 36 hours before departure. However, at $25 roundtrip, that’s a lot of money for the ability to get on the plane earlier.
Southwest’s boarding system requires too much effort. I rather pick my seat, in advance. Then board the plane and take my seat.
4) The People The Fly Southwest
Yes, this one is a flat generalization. This is my opinion and apologize if it offends anyone.
The people that fly Southwest tend to be inexperienced flyers or those with children. Inexperienced flyers take their time getting on and off the plane. They tend to have a carry-on bag that too big and refuse to check it, even though Southwest doesn't charge for the first two check bags. Also, these inexperienced flyers tend to make up rules like “the person in the middle gets the armrest” or that your not allowed to leave your seat during the flight. Yes, I have had both those said to me.
On the issue of Southwest passengers with kids. My opinion can be found here.
Again, I apologize if you fly Southwest and fit this generlazation. I don’t hate you.
5) Southwest is Like Any Other Airline
A few years back, airlines introduced charging passengers for checked luggage and other fees.
Southwest came out with these cute commercials making fun of the airlines for charging these fees like
this one:
The problem is that Southwest is slowly becoming like the other airlines. Previously, Southwest's Rapid Reward program was a true frequent flyer program. After 8 round-trip flights, you earn a free round-trip ticket. It didn't matter how much you paid for each ticket, it just mattered that you flew. The new Rapid Reward program is based upon points. One earns points by the amount of money of money spent.
Similarly, Southwest made fun of other airlines due to them charging fees. While Southwest still does not charge fees for the first two checked bags or ticket changes, fees are starting to appear in Southwest.  As stated above, one can pay now for Early Boarding. In addition, WIFI and movies can be bought from Southwest for a price. The changes that Southwest has made already are tiny. However, I don't feel like this is not the end. Southwest will continue to become more like the traditional airlines. And those changes won't be for the better. I don't hate Southwest, but they are the ugly cousin that you have to invite to your wedding. |
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