WTF? SWA now has biz class?
- Thread starter MadJack
- Start date
i used to think that too.
the boarding deal is very good if you just get your boarding pass online 24 hours in advance. i learned that from dawgball and it's good advice because you always get A boarding. NOW...it looks like they're charging EXTRA to get in front of the A line. assholes!
doesn't matter to me because i don't fight to get in line and the end of A is fine with me.
not if you get your boarding pass online 24 hours in advance, even 12 hours in advance, because you will be in A seating. it's good. :shrug:
i went to book my vegas trip today and noticed for the first time they have BIZ CLASS :mj07:
all it looks like to me is a free drink and pre-A boarding FOR CLOSE TO DOUBLE THE PRICE! :shrug:
Southwest has not adopted a "Business Class", but rather a Business Select fare, which enables you to be among the first to board.
Jack, it sounds like you have not flown Southwest since they changed their boarding procedure:
SOUTHWEST BOARDING CHEAT SHEET
FAQ's
Q: When will the new boarding process begin?
A: It has begun! As of November 8, the new way to board is effective in all airport locations.
Q: Why is Southwest changing its boarding process?
A: You spoke and we listened. The majority of our Customers told us that they enjoy our "open seating," but they don?t like waiting in line to board. Through a series of evaluations, surveys, and much deliberation, we decided to organize our boarding process. Our new way to board will reduce time spent in the boarding line and give back what you value most?your time. Spend time doing what you choose?whether working, picking up a snack, or just relaxing. And, you still have the freedom and flexibility to choose your favorite seat once onboard the aircraft.
Q: How does the new boarding process work?
A: Customers will be placed into the A, B, or C boarding groups based on the time of check-in. In addition, Customers will now be assigned a position within that group (For example: A35). This unique combination represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate. When your boarding group is called, you can find your designated place in line and board the aircraft.
Q: Does this mean I have an assigned seat?
A: No. At Southwest Airlines, we believe the best way for you to like where you sit, is to sit where you like. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat, stow your carry-ons in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and relax.
Q: When can I check in and receive my boarding pass?
A: You may check in for your flight online at southwest.com beginning 24 hours prior to your departure (for eligible reservations only). You also may check in at an E-Ticket Check-In kiosk (where available), the Skycap Podium (in select locations), Ticket Counter, Departure Gate, or on your mobile device.
Q: How do I get an "A" boarding pass?
A: Available boarding positions will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis upon check-in. The earlier you check in, the lower your boarding group and position on your printed boarding pass. You may also purchase a Business Select fare, which enables you to be among the first to board.
Q: How will I know when it's my turn to board the plane?
A: It?s easy. You?ll hear one of our friendly gate agents make an announcement for each boarding group. When your group is called, proceed to the column that represents your boarding position (columns are labeled in groups of five) and board the airplane. Additionally, there will be monitors positioned at the front of the lines that display the current group boarding.
Q: Do families still get to pre-board?
A: An adult traveling with a child four years old or younger will board between the "A" and "B" boarding groups, unless you have an "A" boarding pass. Those Customers holding an "A" boarding pass should board with the "A" boarding group. With an all-jet fleet outfitted with comfortable, leather seats, our families traveling with small children are easily accommodated together.
Q: Do passengers with disabilities still get to pre-board?
A: Prior to general boarding, Customers with disabilities or unaccompanied children between the ages of five and 11 may pre-board.
Jack, it sounds like you have not flown Southwest since they changed their boarding procedure:
SOUTHWEST BOARDING CHEAT SHEET
FAQ's
Q: When will the new boarding process begin?
A: It has begun! As of November 8, the new way to board is effective in all airport locations.
Q: Why is Southwest changing its boarding process?
A: You spoke and we listened. The majority of our Customers told us that they enjoy our "open seating," but they don?t like waiting in line to board. Through a series of evaluations, surveys, and much deliberation, we decided to organize our boarding process. Our new way to board will reduce time spent in the boarding line and give back what you value most?your time. Spend time doing what you choose?whether working, picking up a snack, or just relaxing. And, you still have the freedom and flexibility to choose your favorite seat once onboard the aircraft.
Q: How does the new boarding process work?
A: Customers will be placed into the A, B, or C boarding groups based on the time of check-in. In addition, Customers will now be assigned a position within that group (For example: A35). This unique combination represents a reserved spot in the boarding group at the gate. When your boarding group is called, you can find your designated place in line and board the aircraft.
Q: Does this mean I have an assigned seat?
A: No. At Southwest Airlines, we believe the best way for you to like where you sit, is to sit where you like. Once onboard, simply choose any available seat, stow your carry-ons in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and relax.
Q: When can I check in and receive my boarding pass?
A: You may check in for your flight online at southwest.com beginning 24 hours prior to your departure (for eligible reservations only). You also may check in at an E-Ticket Check-In kiosk (where available), the Skycap Podium (in select locations), Ticket Counter, Departure Gate, or on your mobile device.
Q: How do I get an "A" boarding pass?
A: Available boarding positions will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis upon check-in. The earlier you check in, the lower your boarding group and position on your printed boarding pass. You may also purchase a Business Select fare, which enables you to be among the first to board.
Q: How will I know when it's my turn to board the plane?
A: It?s easy. You?ll hear one of our friendly gate agents make an announcement for each boarding group. When your group is called, proceed to the column that represents your boarding position (columns are labeled in groups of five) and board the airplane. Additionally, there will be monitors positioned at the front of the lines that display the current group boarding.
Q: Do families still get to pre-board?
A: An adult traveling with a child four years old or younger will board between the "A" and "B" boarding groups, unless you have an "A" boarding pass. Those Customers holding an "A" boarding pass should board with the "A" boarding group. With an all-jet fleet outfitted with comfortable, leather seats, our families traveling with small children are easily accommodated together.
Q: Do passengers with disabilities still get to pre-board?
A: Prior to general boarding, Customers with disabilities or unaccompanied children between the ages of five and 11 may pre-board.
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sounds like a crock of shit but doesn't affect me because i'm always in A and usually one of the last A's to board (because i'm not a line jumper kinda guy). plenty of good seats even if you're in the middle of B.
right?
right!
here's another pet peeve, however 
like i said, i will ALWAYS have A seating because i will get my boarding pass online 24 hours in advance.
i will NOT jockey for position in the A line because even at the end of the A line there's plenty of good window seats still available (my preference).
these fcuking greedy fuks that have C seating BUTT in line in the A seating and SWA doesn't enforce this infraction unless you "say" something and i'm not that kind of person either.
pet peeve = fuks that get in the A line with C seating :wtf:
like i said, i will ALWAYS have A seating because i will get my boarding pass online 24 hours in advance.
i will NOT jockey for position in the A line because even at the end of the A line there's plenty of good window seats still available (my preference).
these fcuking greedy fuks that have C seating BUTT in line in the A seating and SWA doesn't enforce this infraction unless you "say" something and i'm not that kind of person either.
pet peeve = fuks that get in the A line with C seating :wtf:
I flew southwest to and from vegas
Basically it is just like it used to be but there is two sections for A
1-30
30-60
Then the same for B
1-30
30-60
then C
It was nice because like you said you don't have to fight for a place in line, you simply go and get lined up when they call it and compare numbers. Then you go sit where ever you want
Basically it is just like it used to be but there is two sections for A
1-30
30-60
Then the same for B
1-30
30-60
then C
It was nice because like you said you don't have to fight for a place in line, you simply go and get lined up when they call it and compare numbers. Then you go sit where ever you want
so the BIZ class (there are 2 of them - one doesn't get the FREE drink)
for about TWICE the price?
:mj07: :mj07:
so, same ole, same ole for me, right?
they just figured out that people will actually pay WAY extra to get in the few front rows and not even a bigger seat? :shrug: really?
:mj07: :mj07:
Jack,
You should check out Midwest Airlines (.com). I think they fly out of Indy, not sure if it is direct to LV...first class seats throughout and select your seat on line.
Non-stop Fort Lauderdale to KC (there & back) in April...SWA several $$$ more and one or two stops.
You should check out Midwest Airlines (.com). I think they fly out of Indy, not sure if it is direct to LV...first class seats throughout and select your seat on line.
Non-stop Fort Lauderdale to KC (there & back) in April...SWA several $$$ more and one or two stops.
Fly Midwest from KC to New York & Philly all the time Love those seats :00hour
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Ok. I think you guys know at this point that I am a SWA fan.
I am torn about the new seating arrangements.
To answer your original question, Jack. If you are signing in 24 hours in advance, you will see no changes... and possibly a little bit of advance.
Instead of A. You will get A18.
In the 5 airports that I have flown SWA with this structure so far, they have all been broken down into groups of 5. A1-5 and A6-10 are the business select (more on this later).
I use the A seating exactly as you describe. I sit around and wait for the A line to be done, then walk right through. No hassles, no standing, no jockeying, and I can stay away from the freaking blue-toothers talking in a volume that could be used with two cans tied with string (freaking morons!).
So you can still wait around until all As are gone then go through. No changes.
Here's the advance part. Most people don't stand in line anymore (very nice). They say we are getting ready to board and you find your group of 5 space and board away.
I didn't like it at first, but I am starting to warm up to it.
On the business select: what a freaking joke. Anyone who uses this bullshit does not care about their company, stock-holders, or clients. You are willing to pay 2-3 times more money for a ticket in the same fecking seats, so you don't have to check in 24 hours in advance. BUT you do get a free drink??
The ONLY way I see this as acceptable (and it's still borderline at best) is if you are booking very late, and the price difference is not as big. I don't know if this is the case because I almost always have the luxury of booking in a reasonable amount of time.
But, anyway. Off the soapbox.
Jack -- no changes for you if you don't want them. :00hour
I am torn about the new seating arrangements.
To answer your original question, Jack. If you are signing in 24 hours in advance, you will see no changes... and possibly a little bit of advance.
Instead of A. You will get A18.
In the 5 airports that I have flown SWA with this structure so far, they have all been broken down into groups of 5. A1-5 and A6-10 are the business select (more on this later).
I use the A seating exactly as you describe. I sit around and wait for the A line to be done, then walk right through. No hassles, no standing, no jockeying, and I can stay away from the freaking blue-toothers talking in a volume that could be used with two cans tied with string (freaking morons!).
So you can still wait around until all As are gone then go through. No changes.
Here's the advance part. Most people don't stand in line anymore (very nice). They say we are getting ready to board and you find your group of 5 space and board away.
I didn't like it at first, but I am starting to warm up to it.
On the business select: what a freaking joke. Anyone who uses this bullshit does not care about their company, stock-holders, or clients. You are willing to pay 2-3 times more money for a ticket in the same fecking seats, so you don't have to check in 24 hours in advance. BUT you do get a free drink??
The ONLY way I see this as acceptable (and it's still borderline at best) is if you are booking very late, and the price difference is not as big. I don't know if this is the case because I almost always have the luxury of booking in a reasonable amount of time.
But, anyway. Off the soapbox.
Jack -- no changes for you if you don't want them. :00hour
Jack,
Don't know if you book direct with airline,
but if not check this site out. www.ultimatefares.
com. I get round trip from Char. N.C.to Vegas for $159.00.
Don't know if it was alright to post the site, if not
sorry. Dates i booked were 11-18 June.
Don't know if you book direct with airline,
but if not check this site out. www.ultimatefares.
com. I get round trip from Char. N.C.to Vegas for $159.00.
Don't know if it was alright to post the site, if not
sorry. Dates i booked were 11-18 June.
Living in Milwaukee, I can tell you that Midwest is Milwaukee's best secret. I fly 'em 70 times a year - and each and every time it is a wonderful experience.
Seats are larger - about 1/2 the flights they are effectively first class seats throughout - for about the same price as coach for another airline (although not quite as cheap as SW).
"Leisure" destinations are smaller seats, still leather, and they are a bit larger than other airlines "normal" seats.
I guess the downside for most is, if you don't live in Milwaukee or want to fly to Milwaukee, or want to fly through Milwaukee, Midwest is not the ariline for you.
But if you live here, they make our airport feel like a major airport, as we can get nonstops to most major cities in the US, with the best seats and reasonable fares to boot!
i remember the good old days.
- they had stewardesses that were all very good looking, NOT "flight attendants"
- you could arrive at the gate 1 minute prior to take off.
- all drinks were free, even ones containing alcohol.
- you got a meal even on the short flights.
- you could smoke :mj07:
- they had stewardesses that were all very good looking, NOT "flight attendants"
- you could arrive at the gate 1 minute prior to take off.
- all drinks were free, even ones containing alcohol.
- you got a meal even on the short flights.
- you could smoke :mj07:
- Feb 12, 2000
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For that matter, you could arrive at your parking spot about 10 minutes before take off!
- Feb 12, 2000
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Last I checked, you didn't have to have a license to be jerked out of the car by your licensed <b>parent</b> and go on a mad dash through the airport parking lot. :scared
It wasn't that long ago where you could walk directly into an airport. It just seems like a long time because of how painful security is at bigger airports now.
We have it pretty good at the Nashville airport. It has a ton of directs, but it's nothing crazy like JFK, ATL, or LAX.
