Originally Posted by
Algebralovr
Sounds like you started off having a rough day if you got to the gate that late.
My day was fine both before and after this happened. :-)
First question, did you self-identify ahead of time by purchasing the extra seat using the middle initial X as the WN site recommends? Their policy is to refund you the extra seat even if the plane is sold out when you do, but it helps with their planning.
No I did not. Southwest's policy contains no such recommendation. Either method is fine based on the customer's preference. In either case, you must see a GA to get a preboard document and a seat reserved ticket before boarding (which is the part that takes 10-30 minutes).
As for saying PAX and small child, it sounds nicer to say over the intercom than COS who needs two seats.
I understand the reasoning, I'm just trying to figure out if this is how they normally handle it. I can easily see someone getting upset if they gave up an aisle seat and no kid shows up.
The policy is that you shoukd arrive in time to get your documentation ahead of time, then pre-board with a seat reserved document. This takes care of the problem.
Let me guess.. you aren't a COS? If there is a delay in getting paperwork together, the GA will normally get a hold of the FA during A-group and have them reserve two seats together while they finish.
Another iteration of this that I've run into is a tight connection due to a delay, which puts me at my connecting gate during C group. So far, the one time this has happened, there were still two seats together.
As I stated above... not complaining, just looking for others' observations. :-)