Another seat saving hassle and why I hate flying WN
Apr 17, 2014, 6:51 am
#376
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,700
I would respectfully disagree with everyone who says that Southwest does not have a policy for the OP's situation. Southwest policy states that you are free to take any "available" seat at the time that you board.
The word "available" can be considered somewhat vague, of course (as can most words in the English language if you try hard enough). In common parlance related to non-assigned seating (movie theatres, bars, certain sporting events) a saved seat is not "available".
However in this case, we also have repeated instances where the company HAS clarified what they mean by "available" by having their representatives tell people that it is OK to save seats for later boarding companions. In other words, those saved seats are not "available" as that term is defined by Southwest.
You can argue that Southwest should change their policy, but it's pretty hard to argue that the policy is actually different from what their own employees are consistently telling customers.
The word "available" can be considered somewhat vague, of course (as can most words in the English language if you try hard enough). In common parlance related to non-assigned seating (movie theatres, bars, certain sporting events) a saved seat is not "available".
However in this case, we also have repeated instances where the company HAS clarified what they mean by "available" by having their representatives tell people that it is OK to save seats for later boarding companions. In other words, those saved seats are not "available" as that term is defined by Southwest.
You can argue that Southwest should change their policy, but it's pretty hard to argue that the policy is actually different from what their own employees are consistently telling customers.
Not saying its right, proper or whatever but it does appear to be the defacto stance and practice. And they rely on human decency and a who-really-cares attitude to board without problems 99.95% of the time.
That said, I've heard a few, rare times a FA saying "you shouldn't be saving in an exit row" and people move on...
Apr 17, 2014, 8:45 am
#377
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
On a legacy, someone with status gets the benefits of priority boarding and premium seats, expedited security (although this isn't factor for a lot of people now with precheck) extended to everyone traveling on the same PNR, and I think WN should allow family members on the same PNR of an A-lister to board with them.
Apr 17, 2014, 10:26 am
#379
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Dallas, TX USA
Programs: Rapid Rewards/AAdvantage
Posts: 1,245
SANdyFlyer, at least now you are down to just accusing me of barking. The reality is that the person making most of the noise was the man behind me yelling to not take an open seat.
And when I asked the FA a direct question and did not get a direct response, I asked again and said that is a yes or no question. I am sorry you find that demeaning to the FA; had she answered my question in some way ( like "no, you can't take that seat, it is saved for someone else") I would not have had to ask the followup.
BTW, at congressional hearings, often when someone does not answer a question, often there is a follow-up with the statement "that is a yes or no question". It is not demeaning; rather, it is an attempt to ascertain the truth or the facts.
We will have to agree to disagree on what appropriate behavior is. For me, when someone asks me a direct question, I give them a direct answer.
And when I asked the FA a direct question and did not get a direct response, I asked again and said that is a yes or no question. I am sorry you find that demeaning to the FA; had she answered my question in some way ( like "no, you can't take that seat, it is saved for someone else") I would not have had to ask the followup.
BTW, at congressional hearings, often when someone does not answer a question, often there is a follow-up with the statement "that is a yes or no question". It is not demeaning; rather, it is an attempt to ascertain the truth or the facts.
We will have to agree to disagree on what appropriate behavior is. For me, when someone asks me a direct question, I give them a direct answer.
Apr 17, 2014, 12:10 pm
#380
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 104
The anti-seat savers in this thread crack me up. Throughout the course of this thread it has been discussed how prior to the flight, the GAs and CSRs recommend seat saving. During the flight, the FAs will almost always side and accommodate the seat saver in a dispute. If you have a problem with it after the flight, CS will send you a non-apology apology email stating that they are fully aware of seat saving and support it; too bad for you.
The anti-seat savers response to this... "The day-to-day reality of what ACTUALLY happens on Southwest flights means nothing! Instead, let's dissect this definition of 'available' on the website."
The anti-seat savers response to this... "The day-to-day reality of what ACTUALLY happens on Southwest flights means nothing! Instead, let's dissect this definition of 'available' on the website."
Apr 17, 2014, 12:14 pm
#381
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
To reiterate my point -- again -- I'm neither for nor against seat saving. I am against Southwest having an ambiguous policy that attempts to benefit from the monetization of their boarding system while avoiding responsibility for any issues that result.
Apr 17, 2014, 12:38 pm
#382
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 104
Your only premise for ambiguity lies in dissecting the meaning of 'available' on the website, and interpreting it as some limited definition of 'unoccupied'. After grasping at straws for this conclusion, you then suggest that it is motivated on Southwest's part by greed.
Apr 17, 2014, 12:39 pm
#383
Join Date: Oct 2001
Programs: LTP, PP
Posts: 8,700
The anti-seat savers in this thread crack me up. Throughout the course of this thread it has been discussed how prior to the flight, the GAs and CSRs recommend seat saving. During the flight, the FAs will almost always side and accommodate the seat saver in a dispute. If you have a problem with it after the flight, CS will send you a non-apology apology email stating that they are fully aware of seat saving and support it; too bad for you.
The anti-seat savers response to this... "The day-to-day reality of what ACTUALLY happens on Southwest flights means nothing! Instead, let's dissect this definition of 'available' on the website."
The anti-seat savers response to this... "The day-to-day reality of what ACTUALLY happens on Southwest flights means nothing! Instead, let's dissect this definition of 'available' on the website."
I fly solo 97% of the time for business. The 2 or 3 time a year I might bring someone along for personal travel, on points, I would love the courtesy of being able to sit together if the circumstances (like t-24 check in) fail and without spending $. Its never been a problem.
Apr 17, 2014, 12:57 pm
#384
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
And my point is that there is NO ambiguity in Southwest's operational policies. Everything points to Southwest being fully aware of seat saving and supporting it; prior to the flight, during the flight, and after the flight.
Your only premise for ambiguity lies in dissecting the meaning of 'available' on the website, and interpreting it as some limited definition of 'unoccupied'. After grasping at straws for this conclusion, you then suggest that it is motivated on Southwest's part by greed.
Your only premise for ambiguity lies in dissecting the meaning of 'available' on the website, and interpreting it as some limited definition of 'unoccupied'. After grasping at straws for this conclusion, you then suggest that it is motivated on Southwest's part by greed.
Glad that's finally settled!
Apr 17, 2014, 1:05 pm
#385
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
The anti-seat savers in this thread crack me up. Throughout the course of this thread it has been discussed how prior to the flight, the GAs and CSRs recommend seat saving. During the flight, the FAs will almost always side and accommodate the seat saver in a dispute. If you have a problem with it after the flight, CS will send you a non-apology apology email stating that they are fully aware of seat saving and support it; too bad for you.
The anti-seat savers response to this... "The day-to-day reality of what ACTUALLY happens on Southwest flights means nothing! Instead, let's dissect this definition of 'available' on the website."
The anti-seat savers response to this... "The day-to-day reality of what ACTUALLY happens on Southwest flights means nothing! Instead, let's dissect this definition of 'available' on the website."
Reading this thread makes me happy I don't fly Southwest much anymore. While I sometimes run into a person that feels entitled to sit with their family or spouse or friend or whatever, I can just refuse since I have an assigned seat.
90+ percent of the time there isn't even a middle seat in my row to worry about
And if I am not in economy comfort on those times I'm not upgraded, I have the exit row assigned and don't have to worry about the person in the middle or window saving that seat and don't have to rush to be the first on the plane to get that seat.Makes me wonder if I flew Southwest for every flight how much time would be wasted sitting on the plane being the first to board to be assured of a good seat.
Last edited by jamesteroh; Apr 17, 2014 at 1:12 pm
Apr 17, 2014, 1:13 pm
#386
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 104
You also seem to be confusing differing opinions on what individuals think the unofficial policy SHOULD be with what it ACTUALLY is.
Apr 17, 2014, 2:09 pm
#388
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: DFW/HOU/DAL
Posts: 611
for those don't like seats saving, have complained to wn until the cows come home, why don't you try this. just sit your ... down at any unoccupied seat that you want even tho someone said that seat is saved. if there's something on it, ask the person to remove it so you can sit your ... down. if they refused, just stand there until they remove the item for you to sit your ... down. just try all that and see what will happen.
all i can say is good luck and have a pleasant flight!
all i can say is good luck and have a pleasant flight!
Apr 17, 2014, 2:24 pm
#390
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,286
for those don't like seats saving, have complained to wn until the cows come home, why don't you try this. just sit your ... down at any unoccupied seat that you want even tho someone said that seat is saved. if there's something on it, ask the person to remove it so you can sit your ... down. if they refused, just stand there until they remove the item for you to sit your ... down. just try all that and see what will happen.
all i can say is good luck and have a pleasant flight!
all i can say is good luck and have a pleasant flight!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/south...l#post19228300