Southwest says 80% of its customers didn’t like the unassigned seating policy. But I will miss it.

Introduction

Southwest Airlines recently announced that they are planning to discontinue their unassigned seating policy, which has been a signature feature of the airline since its inception. According to the airline, 80% of its customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the current seating arrangement, prompting them to make this change. However, despite the majority opinion, there are some passengers, including myself, who will miss the unique experience of unassigned seating.

Pros and Cons of Unassigned Seating

Unassigned seating has been both praised and criticized by Southwest passengers over the years. One of the main advantages of this system is the freedom it gives passengers to choose their seats upon boarding. This eliminates the stress of trying to secure a good seat in advance and allows for a more relaxed boarding process.

On the other hand, unassigned seating can lead to chaos and confusion, especially during peak travel times when flights are full. Passengers may rush to secure a seat, leading to potential conflicts and delays in the boarding process. Additionally, some passengers feel that unassigned seating diminishes the overall flying experience, as they are unable to select their preferred seat in advance.

Why I Will Miss Unassigned Seating

Personally, I have always enjoyed the unpredictability of unassigned seating on Southwest flights. I have had the opportunity to meet new people, strike up conversations, and even make new friends simply by sitting next to someone I wouldn’t have chosen otherwise. The communal atmosphere created by unassigned seating adds a unique charm to the flying experience that I will miss.

Conclusion

While Southwest’s decision to discontinue unassigned seating may be in response to customer feedback, there are still passengers who will miss this distinctive feature of the airline. The debate between assigned and unassigned seating will continue, but for those of us who appreciated the spontaneous interactions and sense of community that unassigned seating provided, its absence will be felt.

FAQs

1. Why is Southwest discontinuing unassigned seating?

Southwest has cited customer dissatisfaction as the main reason for discontinuing unassigned seating. According to the airline, 80% of its customers expressed a preference for assigned seating.

2. When will the new assigned seating policy take effect?

Southwest has not yet announced a specific date for the implementation of the new assigned seating policy. It is expected to be rolled out gradually across all flights.

3. How can passengers request specific seats under the new policy?

Passengers will have the option to select their seats in advance during the booking process or at check-in. Seats may also be available for purchase for those who wish to secure a particular seat.