Originally Posted by
SANdyFlyer
I have several data points in my SW experiences to suggest that not only is it ok to save seats on WN, but it is ENCOURAGED.
[LIST=1][*]When I first obtained my CP, my wife (who didn't have status at the time) and I were confused how boarding should work (I imagine this is a common confusion with varied boarding positions). I inquired with a GA, and her response to me..."You will need to board seperately, but just save a seat for her". I have overheard similar recommendations from FAs and GAs on multiple occassions.
[*]EVERY single WN flight I have ever boarded have had 'seat savers'. How many times have I seen an FA say this was not OK....ZERO!
[*]Even when a 'dispute' comes up that would force the issue on an FA, I have never heard a story of the FA siding against the 'seat saver'. Did you notice how even in OP's story, the saved seats remained saved, and she moved the OP somewhere else./LIST]
We already know this happens, but WN probably does too. For all we know, the WN bean counters looked at who was buying EBCI and A1-15 upgrades, and determined that a good majority of them were 'seat savers'; who may not purchase upgrades in the future if the perceived benefit of 'saving seats' is removed.
Now I'm not trying to suggest that this is fair to the rest of the passengers, but it is what it is...
That's why WN should just go with reserved seating. I wish I would have known that though in the case of my flight that stopped in BHM, I would have just taken the aisle Exit row and saved the middle. I was just scared that since my friend was in the high B's a couple would have wanted it (If it would have been a solo traveller taking the window probably wouldn't have been any issue).
Southwest should change their policy to give allow a CP holder to board with the passenger if the ticket holders is an A list member (or even paid ticket holders of an A list member if they are on the sam PNR). If I travel with someone on the same PNR on Delta they get the same luggage allowance, access to early boarding and the priority security lane, etc. About the only benefits I get they don't is a higher priority for upgrade if I don't split the PNR and the bonus miles. It wouldn't cost Southwest a dime to give the same benefits to someone on the same PNR as an a-lister and would generate some good will with their frequent flyers.
Not sure if this is still the case but it is possible to have a CP without giving much $ to WN. I use to get CP status by giving WN less than $1,500 a year in paid travel thanks to Chase and Hilton. I miss the days of RR1
I can understand when I was a CP holder and paid for BS or EBCI why WN would have a problem with me saving a seat for my CP holder, especially seeing the flight we were on was more than likey a free ticket to begin with