Although there’s no first-class seating on Southwest Airlines, members in the top tiers of the carrier’s frequent flier program do get one important perk when it comes time to get on the plane: Priority boarding, which means that they’re usually among the first in line. But a recent glitch has taken that benefit away for many passengers lately, ticking a lot of them off in the process. [More]
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American Airlines’ “Simplified” Boarding Process Now Has 9 Boarding Groups
By 2.24.17
In an attempt to better serve passengers and, you know, get things moving, airlines have been revamping their boarding processes in recent years, from Delta Air Lines employees pre-load carry-on bags to Southwest’s changes to family boarding. American will soon debut its proposed solution to this problem, by increasing the number of boarding groups to nine.
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Senator Pushes FAA To Require That Airlines Drop Seat Change Fees For Parents
By 6.29.15
Nowadays, airlines charge a fee for just about everything – even when it comes to travelers trying to ensure they’re seated next to their children. But that extra cost could be a thing of the past if one legislator has anything to do about it. [More]
United Ends Preboarding Policy For Families With Small Kids
By 5.25.12
While airlines love to put out press releases for even the smallest improvements in service, they tend to be pretty quiet when they do something that might tick off customers. Thus, many people are just learning now that back in April, United Airlines ended its policy of allowing families with small children to board flights early. [More]
Want To Cut The Boarding Line On Southwest Airlines? That'll Be $10
By 9.4.09
Do you know what the airline industry really needs about now? More fees! Luckily, Southwest Airlines is happy to oblige. They’re now charging a $10 fee to customers who want to board the plane before everyone else.
Parents Predictably Outraged At Southwest's New Boarding Policy
By 10.18.07
There’s a bit of backlash going on against Southwest Airlines’ for changing their “family first” boarding policy. Previously, families traveling with children under 4 were allowed to board before the “a” group. Now they’ve been bumped back behind “a” but before “b” and “c.”
Southwest To End "Family First" Boarding Policy
By 9.19.07
Southwest currently lets families board first, but they’re axing that policy in an effort to save time. Rather than board with the A group, families will now board after A but before B and C. If all members are in the A group, they will board with A.
HOWTO: Board Southwest Airlines Faster
By 7.31.06
Southwest Airlines has passengers board in three groups, A, B and C, with A’s going first. Here’s an at-home hack we spotted for if your boarding pass says B or C.
