Originally Posted by
Appletom
Everybody is already used to - and trained in - the A-B-C system, so it makes sense to keep the letters and the "chutes" in place.
In theory, 1 to 137 would work; but in reality A1 to A60, then B61 to B120, then C121 to C137 will be smoother.
Dumb question - why 60 in a group instead of 45? 60 x 3 = 180 and 45 x 3 = 135.
If what others have said is correct, they board Families AFTER the As. So easier to "seperate" the groups. Announce all A, then Families, then Bs, and I guess Cs. One reason they probably need to keep it this way is no need to change system as the other airports still use the old way. And I image they will gradually transform the other airports over a few month period -- still can use same BPs.
Maybe after that, they will combine Bs and Cs, and no real point there.
I think SWA believes 60 pax on board before Families will still leave enough adjacent seats for families, but still allow more As to board before families. My guess is -- similar to now --- most of first 25 As will take Exit and Front.