Southwest tells us about "open seating" and that we are free to sit in any empty seat. Looks like what SW suggests to the passengers doesn't match the official rules.
I see a lot of "issues" if passengers think paying $10 gives one passenger the right to reserve 3 seats. Currently many of the passengers with B BPs can get seats together. if a bunch
Originally Posted by
N702ML
Expert,
As a Southwest flight attendant, I can understand your frustration at the cabin crew not confronting Customers who are saving seats.
However, after a lot of searching, I have managed to find a copy of our official Inflight Services monthly publication dated March 2009.
This ISSUE is addressed:
"Myth: Customers are NOT allowed to save seats for their traveling companions.
Busted: We currently have NO policy preventing Customers from saving seats, and as a flight attendant, you are not expected to monitor Customers who are attempting to save seats for their traveling companions."
The article goes on to explain that in a situation where two people are on a PNR and one Customer is A-List and the other person is not, our Ground Operations personnel are to suggest that they save a seat for their traveling companion since they will not be able to board together.
The article also states: "Customers are also to be told that if they are going to be attempting to save seats in a 'prime real estate area,' they can expect to be challenged by their fellow Customers."