I admit that I’m a very infrequent air traveller within the USA, but usually use Southwest, and am getting more and more p***ed off with their ever changing free seating priority for boarding procedures.
Initially, it seems to me, that one was given an A boarding pass as a reward for arriving at the airport terminal in good time – something I try to do, with mixed success when travelling with Mrs. Y.T. who has no concept of getting a puncture, or being embroiled in an accident, or other traffic hold-up, and delights in achieving an absolute last minute arrival. At least it cuts down her time in the Airport Shops I guess, but always resulted in being given a C pass. Justice prevails !
On one occasion we had to change airlines in the middle of the night, and were first at the S’West check-in around 03.00 – to be awarded a C pass. I complained loudly –“ where is everyone else ?” probably still in bed, I was told, “why didn’t you check on Online yourself, which can be done after Midnight on the day of travel.” I was on another
aeroplane, I replied. ( this was in the days before airborne iPads and the like)
Next trip I got up at 23.55, and still got a C pass, then I learned that one can now check in 24 hrs. before the time of travel on the day before !
Later I learned of, and practised myself, the art of loading ones’ computer at 24 hrs. and 1 minute before travel, being denied due to being too early but then rattling the computer refresh key, so that one micro-second after the 24 hr. start time one is accepted, and given an A pass. Success !!
Last time, using the above procedure, I got an A pass bearing the number A-30, and the significance of the number was of no interest to me – until I arrived early and took up my position at the head of the A queue, to be berated by the next arrivals when the new system of priority being given to those who pay an extra $10 for early seating was forcibly explained to me !!
It seems that S’West have lost the plot, now there is no reward for turning up early, priority is given to the computer savvy who are prepared to pay a premium for the privilege, and maybe even write their own computer programme to make the booking whilst they still sleep !
My question is … what happens if everyone pays $10 for priority boarding, do S’West rub their hands with glee, take the money and let us all still scramble for early seating electronically ?
Maybe the ability to pay $10 is restricted to only the first 30 or so who are the first to get in during that initial micro-second after Online check-in is released, which means that those with nimble fingers – and the fattest wallet - now get priority ?
Can't stand it, I have a choice (usually !) Southwest.