Originally Posted by
sirdatary
My day was fine both before and after this happened. :-)
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).
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.
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. :-)
When you've already identified and been approved and have a connection, you are in the system. Thus, there are two seats together being held.
No telling why the GA didn't have the FA hold two seats, that was a mistake on the part of the GA.
As for identifying at the airport vs ahead of time, WN mentions it at https://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/extra-seat/?clk=GFOOTER-CUSTOMER-COS.
I interpret that as saying they appreciate the advance notice.
I routinely need to preboard and always make sure to arrive a good 20-30 minutes before boarding is to begin, which is generally 30 minutes before expected takeoff. You said you arrived at the gate 35 minutes before expected departure, which would be cutting it close in my book when you need a preboard doc and COS doc.