Traveling can be a bit unpredictable these days.
Southwest Airlines
And if you’re catching a flight, well, part of that travel is essentially entirely out of your hands. Folks who traveled with Southwest Airlines over the 2022 holiday season knew this all too well, as the airline suffered a nationwide meltdown in the form of canceled flights. Southwest has made its own boarding process a bit less chaotic in recent years, but that service may be on its way out soon.
According to the Associated Press, Southwest Airlines is changing its boarding system. The airline does not assign passengers to specific seats ahead of time and instead operates on a first-come, first-served basis. But, passengers can upgrade with EarlyBird boarding — essentially, an extra fee that allows travelers to get first dibs on seats.
©Southwest
Southwest Airlines began “limiting the number of [EarlyBird] spots available for purchase on certain flights, routes, or days” as they “work on product enhancements.” They shared that it has not dropped the service entirely from any flights, but is “unavailable for some customers looking to purchase it.”
EarlyBird upgrades usually start at $15 but can be higher depending on the flight and demand for seats. This could force guests who want to choose their seats into buying the highest-priced fare known as Business Select.
Southwest Plane
These changes took effect on August 15th, and a spokeswoman for Southwest didn’t say how many of these spots will be cut. EarlyBird allows travelers to jump to the head of the boarding line by checking in earlier than standard guests. According to the Associated Press, EarlyBird has been popular among folks looking for window and aisle seats, along with more space in the overhead bin.
We’ll be on the lookout for more changes to the program.
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I doubt this will change much in customers who take full advantage of the system. flight attendants need to enforce customers who “hold” seats for family members who board in late group B or even C. One family member boards in group A then they reserve several seats. I encountered 1 person who was holding 12 seats near the front of the plane. I proceeded to take a seat and the person proceeded to say it was reserved. So I moved back a row, same think. I told her she wasn’t allowed to reserve that many seats, she proceeded to say a few “choice” words. The flight attendant within ear shot did nothing. Reporting online to customer service produced no results.
One or two seats, not a big deal, but 2 full rows??? On top the SWS meltdowns, another reason why I now fly one of the other 3 major airlines.