I really hope someone from Southwest is reading this and they bubble it up to the CEO and he/she contacts me about this, the CEO is ruining what always made Southwest great, the service. Hope they make a change for the better.
I have to say Southwest is really making a big mistake with their assigned seating and hardline on staying in your assigned seat.
Southwest was always my favorite airline to travel and was consistently ranked as being loved by customers.
Southwest stood out from the crowd, there was something nice about getting that check in, hopefully early enough to be in boarding group A or B, then casually getting on the plane, finding a seat you liked, aisle, middle or window, you had choice, freedom and comfort, even if you were in the latter groups, you typically could find a good seat or move if needed. Suddenly, where you sit on the plane has become a major issue, whereas in all the years Southwest has been in business you could sit anywhere you want. Don't try to fool your customers with why the seat matters, it is really only about the money.
As we boarded, they made multiple announcements that you "MUST" stay in your assigned seats, I mean they really, really stressed it, this has never been a thing for them or any carrier I have flown on in the last 30 years.
I purchased a flight, of course they want additional money to choose a seat, I get it, a way to make more money. Southwest is not the only one doing this to be fair. But I still think it is ridiculous, just include it in the ticket price. Of course I did not pay to pick my seat, why should we have to, is there a difference between seat A, B or C, they are exactly the same, seat A did not cost them more to install, no more leg room, etc. I did not want to add another $60 to the already overpriced ticket going to of all places Ohio. I can fly to Hawaii or some International destinations for less than going to Ohio, something is wrong there. I digress.
Of course they gave me a middle seat, since I did not pay extra, funny how that works. When I got on, my row was full, 3 people, but the flight was empty, possibly only half full, maybe less and no one in the exit row (premium priced seats, so not surprised). Mind you, I was sitting in the row right behind the exit row, so not like I was asking to move from the back of the plane.
I offered to sit in the exit row in case of an emergency to help, etc. I am sure having someone there to help is preferred if something ever happened. They did not give the typical talk about in case of an emergency are you willing to help, etc. Since no one was there, seems problematic to me as EVERY flight I have ever been on when I sat in the exit row or not, it is always a big deal to pay attention and we must VERBALLY acknowledge we understand and will help. I guess safety takes a back seat to the all mighty dollar now.
Of course me moving is a bit self serving, but why not be more comfortable sitting in the next row, as well as for the comfort of the people. Their response was "No" you must stay in your assigned seat, any changes must occur prior to boarding, yada, yada, some other Corporate speak on why, which is BS, they just want to charge people for the seats. It should make no difference at all. I have flown so many on Southwest and tons of other carriers, on the rare chance, when a seat is unsold or an open seat, even if just one move to side, you could move with no issues at all. Even at times I have been offered to move by an attendant to an open seat when they have noticed an open one and it would be more comfortable for all. Now suddenly it is a big deal, bad move Southwest, bad move. You are taking away what made you great by Nickel and diming your customers.
What poor service, if the seat is not sold, why not use it to help make all your passengers more comfortable and happy. If the plane sold 3 seats and the rest of the plane was empty, based on this experience, no one could move, ridiculous.
Things are getting more and more expensive for us all and competition is fierce out there for the airlines. But, IMO do things that attract loyal customers, stand out, be great and give them value and make them feel that you value them and you will have the advantage and grow your customer base. I would, and they would even be willing to spend a little more if you gave them that. This would grow your stock price, make share holders happy, increase loyalty and lead to repeat customers. But feeling like only a dollar sign does not bring customer loyalty, only resentment.
Return flight update : More of the same, they were passing out pistachios and there were two options, I did not hear what kinds there were, I asked nicely what the options were. She told me, no issues. Then the passenger sitting next to me, she said loudly so I could hear, I am glad YOU did not ask what options there are, how rude. Sorry I could not hear her.
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