The Grey Area

Not if you check in online...I walk up with my seat assignment in hand. I don't think you can do that at Southwest, it's first come first serve and they board their planes just like you would load a cattle car

AdobePinon

The beauty of SW is that they recognize that they have a bus with wings, and they run it that way. If you don't like the lack of seat assignment, don't fly with them. Myself, I find it refreshing. The other airlines still pretend to be running something special, and then whip out the truncheon when you get to the airport.

AdobePinon

BTW, the official rule with most airlines is that you have to be at the gate at least 30 min before departure. Having said that, I've been bumped off a plane for not being there at least 45 min early (Delta). Don't know the rule with SW, but usually they'll let you on if there's still a seat and the plane is still at the gate.

Poppy girl

1 word "cheap"

scrubbedexpat091

And showing up 20 minutes before flight your risking having said seat assignment canceled and given to someone else.

20 minutes is pushing it on any airline.

Unless flying first class on other airlines, Southwest product is not any worse then any other airline, I find their boarding with the new process more organized then airlines with assigned seating.

I rarely fly them however since their prices tend to be higher then Alaska and US Airways.

E3only

Sorry.

I got the lower fare and the rest was held to credit because my original ticket was non refundable. I just uses the unused credit this AM for an LA booking !!

E3only

I don't know what the fuss is about.

If I were an executive or an uptight person that needed my drink certain way or wanted my newspaper certain way or an aisle seat a must then sure.

But all I want is to arrive my destination safe. On a single salary every dollar counts and I stay with cheapest airline. May be not cheapest but cheap and decent service. Southwest or Jetblue suits the bill and I dont do heck of travel but I have had no issues with either. Touch wood ....

Noorah101

Our experience is exactly the opposite, SW is almost always late, or even often cancels flights altogether so you have to wait for the next one leaving. Fortunately between LA and Phx, there's one almost every hour...but it's still a hassle.

But for the price, running late is still tolerable because the trips are just for pleasure...no deadlines involved.

I do agree they are good at solving problems if they come up.

Rene

Noorah101

Yay! Glad to hear the good result!

Rene

E3only

Yahoo. Saved 24 per person for 6 of us. More beer ...

I am planning to change the other leg too and get on the next flight 1.5 hour later. Saves me 50 each!!

I did nothing just kept my eyes open for cheaper tickets. Love SW thus far

scrubbedexpat097

Sounds good!

Our tickets from Houston to San Francisco were so much cheaper than Continental. We booked them last month for Xmas week and really got a deal

The Grey Area

Thinking it, but didn't want to say it

The Grey Area

You've set the bar very low there

scrubbedexpat097

Sometimes, for some of us, this is the only way to go.

E3only

Yeah well sure I won't tolerate sub standard customer service but my point was I am not looking for 5 star service. Like I said for a single salary living in CA, every bit helps.

PS. I want to arrive at my destination safe and on time most most of the times.