Dallas, TX – Want to board first on a Southwest Airlines flight? Now you can pay $40 for the privilege.
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Southwest Airlines will let people pay to be part of their first boarding group, group “A.” The airline does not have assigned seating and lets passengers board in three groups, A, B and C.
Currently, passengers can ensure they board first by buying a special business class ticket or joining a loyalty program. Now, everyone will have that option if spots are available. Passengers will be able to pay at the gate starting 45 minutes before a flight leaves.
Facing higher fuel and other costs, airlines have sought to boost revenue in a variety of ways including charging extra to check a bag or sit next to a loved one.
I might consider paying $40 extra to get OFF the plane first (& extra $10 if I can stand up before the FASTEN SEATBELT sign goes off).
why would anyone fly southwest
when JetBlue goes most places…no drama, great seats, great on board TV, pay for more legroom if you like that thing…I mean why fly an airline that shows how bad their customer service is (they had a reality show) and is proud of that
I’d rather board last-who wants to sit on a plane one extra minute?
One time, we were coming into JFK Airport on Jet Blue. The inexperienced pilot went too close to the wake turbulence of another jet plane in front of us. As a result, our plane went into a very dangerous tilt to the right. The right wing dipped very rapidly, no less than 40 degres. it felt as it we were going to crash, since we were less than 1,500 feet above the ground.The pilot came on the intercom, and tried to minimize his error. However, it is the pilot’s responsibility to stay well enough away from another aircraft, to prevent aircrafts resulting from wake turbulence.
I wonder if those paying this fee will get preference over handicapped individuals and families with little children.
Please stop making fun of a great TEXAS airline. Again, we’ve proven how to run an airline successfully. Always on time, always friendly service, etc…
To #13 - To Shmuel G- Your consistency pertaining to your abrasive/confrontational postings, always intrigues me! The reason that I mentioned Jet Blue, is that #2 mentioned that he preferred Jet Blue over Southwest.
To #12 -Texas Jew- I’ve been on Southwest a number of times, and I’ve found some of their personnel as obnoxous as I’ve encountered on other airlines. For example, one time, at the Nashville Airport, there was an old lady on a wheelchair; the Southwest gate attendant initially refused to help board the plane, even when she was asked to by other passengers, including myself. When she finally assisted her, she was very mean to her, and acted as if she was doing her the biggest favor . Other times, I’ve encountered Southwest flight attendants who were very mouthy and rude! However, to Southwest’s credit, it responds to such complaints, which it takes seriously.
To #11 - Ultimately, it is the pilot’s responsibility, not ATC, regarding separation rules. ATC frequently makes errors, regarding planes following others too closely. If there is a collision, the NTSB will come after the pilot first, and only cite ATC’s negligence, as a secondary contributory factor.
To: #15 - Years ago, we were flying a Cessna 152 out of Port Columbus International Airport, near the vicinity of Rickenbacker Airport, when we noticed a large cargo jet in close proximity. The incompetent air traffic controller told us to make a turn, which would have placed us squarely in the wake turbulence of that large jet. We radioed ATC and told them that we couldn’t make that turn, because of the above situation. He immediately countermanded his previous order. Otherwise, the Cessna (chas v’shalom) could have crashed! Also, the FAA rules are very specific as to separation among aircraft. Whenever we took off from Port Columbus, and were in back of a larger commercial jet, we would always routinely wait several minutes until the wake turbulence in front of us cleared. The air traffic controllers cannot force pilots to commit suicide. It is the pilot who must make the ultimate decision, as to the safety of his aircraft. On Dec. 16, 1960, a United DC-8 jet crashed into a TWA Constellation over Staten Island. ATC was clearly at fault in that accident, yet the CAB placed most of the blame on the United pilot. If something happens, the pilot is left holding the bag!