United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Southwest: changing cattle call seating?
What are chances Southwest Airlines will finally do what all the other airlines d assigned seats?
Reports came up last week that Southwest was thinking about a change in its long-standing seating policy of virtually first-come, first-served.
One reason the airline may be moving towards a change is that it is overhauling its computerized reservation system.
“The $5 million upgrade of the reservation system will for the first time make it (assigned seats) possible,” said the Associated Press.
“In order to look at the possibility as to will this work for Southwest Airlines, we needed to bump up the reservation system a little bit,” said Southwest spokeswoman Beth Hardin.
Southwest is the US’s only major carrier not offering assigned seating, which has been the subject of some complaints about “cattle calls.”
Since the airline was founded 35 years ago, Southwest executives have traditionally opposed assigned seating. It’s been believed the change of policy could slow boarding.
To get a preferred seat now, passengers have to arrive hours before their flight to be among the first to board or check in for their flight via the internet at least 24 hours before their flight.
The airline’s chief financial officer, Laura Wright, said the only way Southwest would change is if the switch would allow it to continue its low-cost operational mode.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
EU airports bring back 100ml liquid rule
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’
Gatwick braces for strike