Flying Southwest for the first time. (1 Viewer)

[SFBayDuck]

Replacing open seating with "assigned and premium" seating: https://www.npr.org/2024/07/25/nx-s1-5051580/southwest-airlines-assigned-seats

End of an era.

I've got my 3 favorite seats, in order - exit row aisle on the left, exit row window on the right (no seat in front of you), and the inside seat in front of that (group of 2 seats). I flew four SW flights (a roundtrip with a connection each way) this week and got one of those each time, including my favorite twice with the middle seat one of the only empty ones on the entire flight. And I was only A1-15 on one of those flights. It's almost weird how casual/non-biz travelers seem to avoid the exit row.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Southwest is consistently, if not the most expensive, close to it. Pass

I have never flown Southwest because of this very reason.

You have to search your flights way out in advance. With the free bags, I used to love flying Southwest.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Flew SW a third time, to Kauai. I wasn’t aware ahead of time, as wife booked the tix. Anyway, didn’t check in until right before the flight. We were C58 & 59, almost the worst possible boarding position.

Nonetheless, we were able to be seated in two aisle seats across from one another, row 18 IIRC. Not too shabby.

On the way back, checked in 24 hours ahead of time, mid A group. Sat next to each other row 8, three seats to ourselves.

Too bad they’re moving away from open seating

 

[Osaurus]

Rumor is (from Points Guy iirc) SW is doing away with open seating soonish. They are trying to appeal more to business travelers moving forward.

No surprise here

 

[urbanhack]

It's sad to see their new changes being implemented. They were always the first airline I checked when booking a flight.

Now, I'll use google flights to see who has the best prices and options. They are no different than anyone else now with all the new changes.

 

[ericttspikes]

It's sad to see their new changes being implemented. They were always the first airline I checked when booking a flight.

Now, I'll use google flights to see who has the best prices and options. They are no different than anyone else now with all the new changes.

Ditto. They haven't even been cheaper for a while now. Was a go to when my kids were little. Cheap, staff made it kinda fun, perks like drink tix, free bags. Now it's just another sucky airline that nickel and dimes you. Don't even have inflight entertainment options, which wouldn't be bad if they we're substantially cheaper or had other perks. Also not a fan of their fleet. Got a United card for free bags. Better experience IMO, and prices are similar if not lower in some cases.

 

[Hastur]

It's sad to see their new changes being implemented. They were always the first airline I checked when booking a flight.

Now, I'll use google flights to see who has the best prices and options. They are no different than anyone else now with all the new changes.

Check to see if Breeze or Allegiant fly out of where you are. They are the new Southwest.

 

[urbanhack]

It's sad to see their new changes being implemented. They were always the first airline I checked when booking a flight.

Now, I'll use google flights to see who has the best prices and options. They are no different than anyone else now with all the new changes.

Check to see if Breeze or Allegiant fly out of where you are. They are the new Southwest.

Nada. Allegiant has like 4 destinations out of PDX...so not great. Looks like either Delta or Alaskan Air.

 

[nirad3]

This reminds me I need to book travel to Sacramento, and this time NOT on Southwest. No need to anymore. Their prices are about the same as other airlines. Might as well just go with United, etc.

E2A: well crap, only nonstops from my local airport are with SW so guess I'll test out their new process.

Edit #2: assigned seating starts in January so looks like I'll have one more time the "old way". Express check-in FTW!

 

[Ron Swanson]

It's sad to see their new changes being implemented. They were always the first airline I checked when booking a flight.

Now, I'll use google flights to see who has the best prices and options. They are no different than anyone else now with all the new changes.

Ditto. They haven't even been cheaper for a while now. Was a go to when my kids were little. Cheap, staff made it kinda fun, perks like drink tix, free bags. Now it's just another sucky airline that nickel and dimes you. Don't even have inflight entertainment options, which wouldn't be bad if they we're substantially cheaper or had other perks. Also not a fan of their fleet. Got a United card for free bags. Better experience IMO, and prices are similar if not lower in some cases.

They aren't what they use to be and they wouldn't be my first choice anymore but for where I travel the most they have the most nonstop flights and in some cases the only flights into my preferred airports. And Companion pass is really nice for certain Caribbean and Central American destinations.