Originally Posted by
Hank Moody
Perhaps one solution is to allow saving for one adjacent seat only. That should resolve issues with spouses and travel partners that become separated in the boarding process.
That would devalue the product for everyone else behind that person, especially if they are BS or EBCI and have forked out more money.
The idea is that getting a lower boarding number gives you an earlier shot at the seats. If they allowed each person to save an adjacent seat, that effectively halves the options for everyone AND takes incentive away from people buying the product.
Even for regular fare boarders, what good is A20 when everyone ahead of you can potentially save an adjacent seat? That puts you functionally at A40 at best assuming no thru pax or pre-boards..
The question is, do people
really have to sit with their travel partners?? I get people who need care like the elderly and young children..but for everyone else, there is no reason they cannot be apart for a few hours. Sitting with companions is not a NEED. It's a WANT. Spouses are adults. Co workers are adults. It is not a problem to not sit together.
If people want to sit together on WN, they can buy BS, EBCI or buy together and check in at the same time. Otherwise, they can board with the person who has the highest number and hope for the best.