Pre-Boarding
Jun 11, 2007, 11:25 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Programs: AA EXP+2MM & WN CP
Posts: 197
Pre-Boarding
I think WN could really help their true frequent flyers such as companion pass holders to allow them to pre-board. I refuse to fly WN on flights longer than a hour or so because I don't want to line-up an hour prior to boarding just to get decent seat. ^
Jun 11, 2007, 12:50 pm
#3
Moderator: Southwest Airlines, Capital One
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: California
Programs: WN Companion Pass, A-list preferred, Hyatt Globalist; United Club Lietime (sic) Member
Posts: 21,624
This mistaken perception is precisely why WN is considering assigned seating options. The reality, as cc says, is that it's simpler and easier to check in online 23 or 24 hours ahead and get an A boarding pass, rather than having to arrive early and wait in the B or C line. Nobody with an A needs to get in line until the boarding begins, unless you put an absurdly high value on getting an aisle up front rather than at mid-cabin. Mid-cabin rows are the upgrade (empty middle seat) section on flights that are not full.
Jun 11, 2007, 5:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: OH & NV
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, WN CP, Latin Pass Bonus
Posts: 3,707
But WN does need to go something more for its Most Freq. Flyers (I would peg at 60 RR Credits a year). Getting on board at end of Pre-board line would be easy to do --- just print an A+ on the BP for those qualified.
This would cost WN very little. And let those that want that Exit Row have a good chance. I bet that fewer than 4 pax on 95% of the flight earn 60 + credits a year (if a lot more, WN can raise the bar to 80 or 100). Or easier, just show your Companion Pass!
Jun 11, 2007, 5:46 pm
#5
Join Date: May 2007
Programs: Starwood Platinum, Hilton Gold and Marriott Silver
Posts: 112
SAP,
The problem is then you create an elite program which is what WN is against.
Op- There are so many sites that can get you an A boarding pass. Why are you lazy as a freq. flyer?
The problem is then you create an elite program which is what WN is against.
Op- There are so many sites that can get you an A boarding pass. Why are you lazy as a freq. flyer?
Jun 11, 2007, 7:53 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: DC
Programs: Amtrak slumbercoach value club
Posts: 1,163
There's a simple solution here - link pre-A boarding to volunteering to clean the plane, load disabled pax, etc. Doesn't raise revenue per se, but does help reduce costs. Most important, no one could characterize it as an elite program, so it stays in WN character.
Would also distract those who keep harping on the old, outdated notions of cattle call, bus-station pax, etc., with something that would really blow their minds.
Would also distract those who keep harping on the old, outdated notions of cattle call, bus-station pax, etc., with something that would really blow their minds.
Jun 12, 2007, 7:27 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: DCA / WAS
Programs: DL 2+ million/PM, YX, Marriott Plt, *wood gold, HHonors, CO Plt, UA, AA EXP, WN, AGR
Posts: 9,388
At one airport, they preboarded all the military folks in uniform. I counted: 45 of them, plus the usual preboards. I was the third group A person on board - the only reason I got a decent seat was that the FA had flipped over one of the seat cushions in the row to reserve it for an unaccompanied minor.
While I think this was a great gesture to our folks in uniform, and I support it, the fact is that folks at the end of Group A ended up in some 'less than desirable' seats.