Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating, Introduces Complex Boarding Process
In a significant shift from its long-standing practices, Southwest Airlines has officially adopted an assigned seating policy. This change marks the end of the airline’s unique open seating approach that had been in place for over five decades.
New Boarding Process Details
Beginning this week, passengers will no longer board the aircraft based on check-in times. Instead, Southwest will implement a new boarding system organized by group. This strategy uses the Window-Middle-Aisle (WILMA) method, which allows window seat passengers to board first, followed by middle seat travelers, and finally aisle seat holders.
- Window Seats: Boarding starts from the back of the plane.
- Middle Seats: Next to board after window seat passengers.
- Aisle Seats: These passengers are the last to board in the group.
The WILMA method aims to minimize congestion in the aisle and speed up the boarding process. It has been adopted by other airlines, including United Airlines, which reports improved efficiency when using this technique.
Additional Changes to Boarding Policies
Alongside the new seating arrangement, Southwest Airlines has introduced a tiered boarding system that rewards frequent fliers and those willing to pay for premium services. The order is as follows:
- Priority boarding fare purchasers
- Top-tier frequent fliers and those selecting “choice extra fare”
- Passengers who pay for “extra legroom” seats
- Other frequent fliers and credit card members
- Economy class customers
These changes are designed to enhance profitability. The introduction of extra legroom seats, for instance, is expected to generate an additional $1.5 billion in revenue by next year, according to Southwest President and CEO Robert Jordan.
Impacts on Efficiency
Experts express concern that these new complexities might hinder the efficient boarding of flights. John Milne, an engineering management professor at Clarkson University, notes that these perks could slow down the overall process rather than optimize it. He states, “They’re trying to get the extra money—I understand that, but it does slow things down.”
While there is a clear demand for assigned seating from passengers, the added intricacies of boarding can lead to longer waits and decreased efficiency. Southwest’s latest changes reflect a trend in the airline industry that points towards prioritizing profit through tiered service options.
