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Boarding Process

All articles tagged with #boarding process

Southwest’s First Day of Assigned Seating Sparks Boarding Chaos and Packed Bins
travel28 days ago

Southwest’s First Day of Assigned Seating Sparks Boarding Chaos and Packed Bins

Gary Leff details his experience on Southwest’s launch of assigned seating on a day of winter storms, noting chaotic boarding as passengers line up by group even with assigned seats, long lines to store carry-ons in oversized bins, and flight attendants attempting to manage the congestion. He critiques Southwest’s move from free checked bags and perks to paid seating and bag fees, arguing the new process mirrors other airlines and worsens the in-flight experience, with ongoing questions about execution and future improvements.

via View from the Wing|
#assigned-seating#bin-space#boarding-process
Assigned seating debuts at Southwest, drawing cheers and grumbles
business28 days ago

Assigned seating debuts at Southwest, drawing cheers and grumbles

Southwest Airlines started enforcing assigned seating for the first time in decades, introducing eight boarding groups and new seat options while phasing out open seating. The rollout drew mixed reactions: some travelers praised the predictability and family-friendly aspects, while others grappled with glitches in the new system and longer preflight processes, signaling a broader industry shift toward monetizing cabin choices and premium seating.

via Yahoo News UK|
#airline-industry#assigned-seating#boarding-process
Southwest Moves to Assigned Seating, Ending Its Open-Seat Era
travel29 days ago

Southwest Moves to Assigned Seating, Ending Its Open-Seat Era

Southwest Airlines has retired its decades-long open seating policy in favor of assigned seating with three fare-based categories (standard, preferred, extra legroom) and a new boarding order tied to fare class and elite status. The change also ends the flexible policy for plus-size passengers, requiring two seats upfront. Premiering with water-cannon salutes and celebratory gates, the move aims to modernize the experience and boost revenue, but drew mixed reactions from longtime fliers who valued the old system’s unpredictability and egalitarian ethos.

via The New York Times|
#assigned-seating#boarding-process#open-seating
Southwest Airlines Introduces Assigned Seating and Boarding Groups in January
travel7 months ago

Southwest Airlines Introduces Assigned Seating and Boarding Groups in January

Southwest Airlines will introduce assigned seating and a new eight-group boarding process starting January 2026, replacing its traditional single-file line. Boarding priority will be based on fare class, elite status, credit card ownership, and additional options like purchasing priority boarding. The change aligns Southwest with industry standards, with the key to early boarding being the purchase or upgrade to extra legroom seats, especially since the airline no longer offers a first-class cabin. The new system aims to streamline boarding while still rewarding higher-paying and elite customers.

via The Points Guy|
#airline-policies#assigned-seating#boarding-groups
Southwest Airlines to Launch Assigned Seating in July 2023
travel7 months ago

Southwest Airlines to Launch Assigned Seating in July 2023

Southwest Airlines will switch from open seating to assigned seats starting January 27, 2026, with seat selection available from July 29, 2025, including new premium extra legroom options. The airline is also revamping its boarding process into eight groups, prioritizing elite and higher fare passengers, as part of a broader shift to increase revenue and meet customer preferences.

via The Points Guy|
#airline-policy#assigned-seats#boarding-process
American Airlines Targets Boarding Line Cutters with New Tech at 100+ Airports
technology1 year ago

American Airlines Targets Boarding Line Cutters with New Tech at 100+ Airports

American Airlines is implementing a new system that uses loud beeps to deter passengers from boarding before their designated group is called. This technology, now in over 100 U.S. airports, aims to improve the boarding process by reducing gate crowding. Other airlines, like United, have adopted quieter methods such as app notifications and digital signage to manage boarding order.

via TechCrunch|
#airline-technology#airport-operations#american-airlines
American Airlines Introduces Tech to Curb Boarding Line Cutters for Holidays
travel1 year ago

American Airlines Introduces Tech to Curb Boarding Line Cutters for Holidays

American Airlines is expanding its use of new boarding-pass scanning technology to over 100 U.S. airports to curb 'gate lice'—travelers who board before their assigned group. The technology, which gently shames queue-jumpers by rejecting their boarding passes and sounding an alert, was successfully trialed at several airports. This initiative aims to maintain an orderly boarding process, especially during the busy holiday season, and has received positive feedback from frequent flyers. The move comes as airlines continue to refine boarding procedures, with American Airlines leading in baggage fee revenue.

via Forbes|
#airline-technology#american-airlines#boarding-process
American Airlines Introduces Tech to Prevent Early Boarding
travel1 year ago

American Airlines Introduces Tech to Prevent Early Boarding

American Airlines is expanding its technology to enforce boarding group assignments at over 100 U.S. airports, aiming to prevent passengers from boarding earlier than their assigned group. This system, which alerts gate agents with a beep and visual cue, was initially trialed at select airports and is being rolled out ahead of the busy Thanksgiving travel period. The move is part of American's effort to enhance customer experience by ensuring a calm and orderly boarding process, which is a significant aspect of their service offering, especially for premium ticket holders and loyalty program members.

via The Points Guy|
#airports#american-airlines#boarding-process
"Delta Air Lines Introduces Updated Boarding Process for Passengers"
travel1 year ago

"Delta Air Lines Introduces Updated Boarding Process for Passengers"

Delta Air Lines is updating its boarding system to simplify the process for passengers, replacing group names with numbered groups one through eight starting May 1. The change will not affect the existing boarding order, with Basic Economy passengers still boarding last. Delta will continue to offer pre-board opportunities for those needing extra assistance and update boarding lane signs to display the new zone numbers. Other airlines, such as United, have also made recent changes to their boarding processes.

via KTLA Los Angeles|
#air-travel#boarding-process#delta-air-lines
"Delta Air Lines Revamps Boarding Process with Zone Numbers, Farewell to Group Names"
travel1 year ago

"Delta Air Lines Revamps Boarding Process with Zone Numbers, Farewell to Group Names"

Delta Air Lines is changing its boarding process starting May 1, introducing numbered boarding zones for all flights to speed up loading passengers onto planes. Customers will have a zone number assigned to them instead of boarding groups labeled by airline status or fare class. The change aims to provide more clarity and make the boarding process more intuitive, especially for infrequent travelers and non-English speakers. However, some experts question whether the change will significantly speed up the process, suggesting that other changes, such as boarding based on seat location, could be more efficient.

via CBS News|
#airline-travel#boarding-process#delta-air-lines