Southwest Is Testing Out a Speedier Boarding and Deplaning Process

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Southwest is Testing Out a Speedier Boarding and Deplaning Process
By Emily McNutt/ News/ The Points Guy/ thepointsguy.com

"Southwest Airlines is reimagining what boarding could look like on its flights in the future. The airline, which is known for its standard three-group, No. 1 to No. 60 boarding procedure, is looking to speed up the process.

As detailed on its website, Southwest is opening up another option for both boarding and deplaning at select airports. So, what’s different about the new process? Well, not all too much is changing with the letter and number you’ll see on your boarding pass, which varies based on what kind of fare you buy and when you check-in. However, Southwest says that it’s opening two doors to the aircraft instead of one — you’ll have the choice to board or deplane out of the front or the rear door....."

Richard

 

[Luanne]

I wonder how many airports will be able to accommodate this? Also, I can't imagine boarding and deplaning through the rear in bad weather would be all that appealing.

United is also touting a "new" boarding process to speed things up. Uh huh. Instead of having signs for boarding groups 1 through 5 they now only have signs for 1 and 2. However, they still have all boarding groups, but 2 - 5 board through the 2 entrance, but still by number. I can't see what exactly this did to improve anything.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Denver could accommodate, but it will probably be the bigger planes for the two jetways. They are preparing for those Hawaii flights out of CA. I hope they give Alaska some competition, since Alaska keeps whining about low profits due to award seats.

 

[sfwilshire]

I hate the flights I get on small aircraft with boarding/deplaning via stairs (United in Dulles, some American flights in Charlotte) but this is actually a pretty brilliant idea. I could see my young adult children racing up the stairs to get the best seat possible. Knowing how well Southwest usually does things, they will probably use ramps or the portable stairs to make it more pleasant. And they specifically mention that pre-boards will continue to use the jet bridge. Once the plane is half full, boarding slows to a crawl. That won't change, probably, but they'll get to that point quicker and be coming from two directions when it happens.

Sheila

 

[urban5]

I had this process happen on a flight from San Jose CA several weeks ago. Problem I saw was that people who boarded from the back were going against the flow of people coming from the front and trying to get seats near the front of the plane instead of getting a seat in the middle or back. I didn't see that it was any quicker or more convenient.

 

[dougp26364]

Possibly the most idiotic idea I’ve heard in awhile.

 

[bizaro86]

When I flew Virgin Australia they did this. They had two advantages:

1) iirc they pre-assign seats, so could direct those sitting in the back to use the back stairs

2) snow and cold are not a serious issue for most of their network

 

[AJCts411]

Even more brilliant...line you up like cattle in rows...wait someone already does that LOL. If you BUY your seat, with carry on luggage rights (remember most now charge you for this luxury) then do you also have the rights to the overhead above your seat assignment? If this was enforced, then whats the rush getting on the plane...last I checked the back laves about the same time as the front. The idea of using rear door, much like is done in the Caribbean, not sure it will work with security and immigration (unloading) in the USA. That would call for more security personnel to corral you to the correct door.

 

[rickandcindy23]

Hawaiian does this at some airports, but I think they used two jet ways. I don't remember exactly.