Southwest: Flyers can pay $40 to board first
DALLAS (AP) - Want to board first on a Southwest Airlines flight? Now you can pay $40 for the privilege.
Southwest Airlines will let people pay to be part of their first boarding group, group "A." The airline does not have assigned seating and lets passengers board in three groups, A, B and C.
Currently, passengers can ensure they board first by buying a special business class ticket or joining a loyalty program. Now, everyone will have that option if spots are available. Passengers will be able to pay at the gate starting 45 minutes before a flight leaves.
Facing higher fuel and other costs, airlines have sought to boost revenue in a variety of ways including charging extra to check a bag or sit next to a loved one.
Southwest Airlines will let people pay to be part of their first boarding group, group "A." The airline does not have assigned seating and lets passengers board in three groups, A, B and C.
Currently, passengers can ensure they board first by buying a special business class ticket or joining a loyalty program. Now, everyone will have that option if spots are available. Passengers will be able to pay at the gate starting 45 minutes before a flight leaves.
Facing higher fuel and other costs, airlines have sought to boost revenue in a variety of ways including charging extra to check a bag or sit next to a loved one.
What about Penguins, Islanders, Rangers and Black Hawks?
Who gets on first if everyone pays the $40. Â And if you want to get on last, will they refund you $40.
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 @RandyHÂ
"Now, everyone will have that option if spots are available."
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The important piece of this quote is "...if spots are available." Meaning there will be X number of "first" boarding spots, the first for those go to the business and special patrons, then to those who paid who are not members of those groups, then the riff raff (i.e. everyone else).
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 So not everyone can buy a "first" ticket.
When it comes right down to it, does it really matter who boards first? The plane will still leave at the same time with you and the people who dished out the extra $40.00 on board.
 @Pointblank The precious overhead bin space goes quickly. Early boarders get first crack at this, in addition to the best seats.
 @PointblankÂ
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Southwest does not have assigned seating (usually from my experience).
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Thus if you get on "first" you can sit where you want, with who you want. You can even go both window and isle and intimidate people into not sitting between you and your friend to get a whole seat to yourselves.
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It's a tool to allow bullies with money to act more like bullies. Oh and it makes them more money.
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I am with Ralph, soon SW will charge you extra for "pressurized cabin access" and "seating" (otherwise you stand).
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Can airline management get anymore stupid?? Oh, that's right. Most of them have been through multiple bankruptcy filings.
"Facing higher fuel and other costs, airlines have sought to boost revenue in a variety of ways including charging extra to check a bag or sit next to a loved one."
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Soon they will charge extra to actually fly inside the plane instead of on the wings.