Southwest Airlines next month is starting a test of several boarding methods to see about changes to its traditional and oft-criticized open seating often characterized as “cattle calls.”
The test will be conducted on several departures from San Diego, the airline said, and will last several weeks.
“This evaluation is an important step to determine the feasibility of assigned seating, but this is only a test,” said Gary Kelly, the airline’s CEO.
Rumors recently have been widespread that Southwest may be inclined to change its long-standing seating policy.
“But the efficiency of the airline’s boarding process has played an important part in the carrier’s successful 35-year history,” wrote Airline Travel News.
Its limited time on the ground has helped Southwest maintain an on-time record with cost advantages over its competitors.
Report by David Wilkening
