Originally Posted by
HNLbasedFlyer
I simply hate the Southwest style of boarding - I also acknowledge others love it.
I can't stand the numbering system - making you in a sense a number - and the lining up by number seems simply robotic to me....
As opposed to grouping up in a way that publicly telegraphs your status / class hierarchy, your value to the airline, and perhaps your personal economic means?
Southwest boarding culture does require you to get in line and consult your line-mates. But that is altogether better karma than being bulldozed by DYKWIAs and hanging back shamefacedly while awaiting Boarding Group 9.
With Southwest you are more inclined to make friends in line. It is egalitarian. With the others you are more inclined to resent other groups of pax and count them as opponents. It is nakedly classist and brings out the worst in people. Notice gate lice syndrome, where elites mass early in the priority lane so the proles can see who's most important, is virtually nonexistent at WN.