MSNBC says SW to charge for assigned seats in early '08
Jul 3, 2007, 7:53 am
#1
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MSNBC says SW to charge for assigned seats in early '08
Heard this on TV this morning, but have not found any corresponding info in print. MSNBC mentioned during their business travel segment on "Morning Call" this morning that Southwest will be anouncing their assigned seating plan to be implemented in early 2008, and will be adding a surcharge for assigned seating. The surcharge will be voluntary, and those not paying the surcharge will be left with the "unassigned" seats at the airport. (Of course, that means if you don't pay, you sit in the middle).
Please post if anyone finds more scoop on this.
Please post if anyone finds more scoop on this.
Jul 3, 2007, 9:46 am
#2
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I can't wait to see how this works... let everyone with an assigned seat board first and then everyone else take the empty seats. What happens if you're late (connecting, etc), do you lose your assigned seat? What a nightmare that would be.
Jul 3, 2007, 9:56 am
#3
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You buy the assigned seat at point of ticket sale. Then those seats are blacked out and when the others check in they are forced to select a seat remaining. No more choosing a seat onboard.
Jul 3, 2007, 10:07 am
#4
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I think you're on the right track, though there will be a carve-out for last-minute purchases that fits into WN's stated intention to grow its share of business travel.
Jul 3, 2007, 10:09 am
#5
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Jul 3, 2007, 10:19 am
#6
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Jul 3, 2007, 10:32 am
#7
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I hope that this is a trial balloon that is quickly popped.
If true, this is a great way to destroy loyalty to Southwest. Sell all shares of Southwest, immediately!
If true, this is a great way to destroy loyalty to Southwest. Sell all shares of Southwest, immediately!
Jul 3, 2007, 10:35 am
#8
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On the legacies it's no big deal as there's usually a connection (change of planes) even on "direct" flights...but on WN, it's the same plane and it will be visible and irritating.
Jul 3, 2007, 10:53 am
#9
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Here's one way to do it:
Rows 1-12 are assigned. Middle seat assignments are free. Rows 13-22 are open seating.
After assigned seaters board, Rows 1-12 become open seating. For a continuing flight, any continuing passengers sitting in Rows 1-12 without assigned seats will need to move to the back before boarding begins for the continuation leg.
Rows 1-12 are assigned. Middle seat assignments are free. Rows 13-22 are open seating.
After assigned seaters board, Rows 1-12 become open seating. For a continuing flight, any continuing passengers sitting in Rows 1-12 without assigned seats will need to move to the back before boarding begins for the continuation leg.
Jul 3, 2007, 11:05 am
#10
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AirTran is already do exactly this. One could follow how it works with them and see if it is a positive or negative. Cost is $5 per booking for "regular" seats or $15 for exit rows.
I recently booked a couple of reservations for my company, fairly last minute, and most of the seats on the aircraft were available although the flight itself was heavily booked. It could be that people aren't paying the fee because it is a new procedure, but I cannot imagine why anyone wouldnt' pay the $5.
I recently booked a couple of reservations for my company, fairly last minute, and most of the seats on the aircraft were available although the flight itself was heavily booked. It could be that people aren't paying the fee because it is a new procedure, but I cannot imagine why anyone wouldnt' pay the $5.
Jul 3, 2007, 11:13 am
#11
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Jul 3, 2007, 11:33 am
#12
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A few years ago SW was wondering if they needed assigned seats in order to compete. The answer is they probably don't BUT
SW is now looking at assigning seats as an additional revenue stream. Sounds like some kind of charge is inevitable. We'll either be able to pay for an "A" BP, short term, or pay for an assigned seat, long term. Passengers that don't want to pay may wind up with middle seats. Not the end of the world, every passenger arrives at the same time.
SW is now looking at assigning seats as an additional revenue stream. Sounds like some kind of charge is inevitable. We'll either be able to pay for an "A" BP, short term, or pay for an assigned seat, long term. Passengers that don't want to pay may wind up with middle seats. Not the end of the world, every passenger arrives at the same time.
Jul 3, 2007, 11:33 am
#13
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Here's one way to do it:
Rows 1-12 are assigned. Middle seat assignments are free. Rows 13-22 are open seating.
After assigned seaters board, Rows 1-12 become open seating. For a continuing flight, any continuing passengers sitting in Rows 1-12 without assigned seats will need to move to the back before boarding begins for the continuation leg.
Rows 1-12 are assigned. Middle seat assignments are free. Rows 13-22 are open seating.
After assigned seaters board, Rows 1-12 become open seating. For a continuing flight, any continuing passengers sitting in Rows 1-12 without assigned seats will need to move to the back before boarding begins for the continuation leg.
Jul 3, 2007, 11:57 am
#15
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They would have to do something like that, or else the last minute business travelers would never be able to get the good seats. The current system actually works very well for the last minute business travelers who know enough about the WN system to get an A pass (in contrast to the legacy airlines, where preassigned seating means that the last minute business traveler gets the worst seat unless s/he has elite status).