The Southwest Airlines Boarding Process Why Checking in for Your Flight Is so Important Then once you are on board, you can choose any available seat that you want. However, it’s not a free for all - there is a specific system that you’ll need to follow to board the plane. The Southwest Airlines boarding process is different because they don’t assign seats. What Makes the Southwest Boarding Process Different? We’ll also show you some ways to help boost your chances of getting the seat you want plus answer some common FAQs. In this post, we’ll detail what makes the Southwest boarding process different and what you need to know to navigate it like a pro. If you have never flown Southwest before, this last one can throw you for a loop! But have no fear - Upgraded Points has got you covered! They don’t charge change fees, they don’t charge for checked baggage, and they don’t assign seats. Holders of Southwest’s premium co-brand cards from Chase shouldn’t worry so much about this, since the terms of conditions of reimbursing upgraded boarding payments four times per year don’t specify a dollar amount.Southwest Airlines has gained a lot of popularity over the years in part because they do things a little differently. We hope our Customers continue to enjoy this product. Price points within the new range are subject to change at any time, as they do today. Upgraded Boarding price points will work the same as they do today whereby prices can vary based on the length and popularity of each flight. We’ve shared with our Employees that Upgraded Boarding now will be offered in a variable range of $30 to $80. Upgraded Boarding is one of Southwest’s most popular ancillary products, allowing Customers the option to buy an upgraded boarding position in Group A1-A15 (when available). When they do, it helps us keep fares low for everyone.Īccording to Southwest Airlines, here’s their official statement on the price increase: This is a service that has a value that some Customers are willing to purchase. Other airlines charge you fees for things you need or have to have. Then also there’s this, from the internal memo: The price used to top out at $50, and then $60. Increased demand doesn’t mean more people boarding early, creating some sort of diminution of value for those purchasing it.And then monetize the rest at check-in and at the gate.They sell some of these with Business Select fares.The total number of spots available is fixed.The airline gave employees talking points that are… somewhat suspect? They claim to be doing to “protect the value” that Upgraded Boarding “offers to our customers” as the feature “becomes more popular on specific routes.” But this makes no sense at all. Price points within the new range are subject to change at any time, as is the case today. Upgraded Boarding prices can vary based on the length and popularity of each flight (per segment). Pricing is still dynamic, but has become more so, with a higher potential price than before, according to an internal memo reviewed by View From The Wing:Įffective yesterday, May 15, we implement a price change to Upgraded Boarding, now offering Customers the product for a variable price point between $30 and $80. Since yesterday Southwest has increased how much they’re charging for upgraded boarding. It used to be that you had to buy these at the gate, but last summer they began selling them during online check-in. When there are fewer than 15 people on a flight buying Business Select, they will sell the remaining spots. The first 15 boarding spots are given to people paying for the most expensive ‘Business Select’ fares, which are more expensive than refundable tickets.They offer ‘Early Bird Check-in’ – pay extra to get a boarding order number in advance of those checking in 24 hours prior to flight.But since the order you board the plane determines what seat is available for you to choose, they sell getting the on the plane sooner. They don’t sell advance seat assignments. It helps get passengers on the plane quickly, since people show up at the gate on time and queue up in order to get better preferred seats. Southwest doesn’t offer advance seat assignments, and that works well for them.
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