Southwest Airlines Review

Mostly, I don't fly Southwest Airlines, primarily because they didn't have a good schedule to my airport. I did fly  Southwest once before, after driving three hours to an airport they served. It was to save money.

That's why I flew this time as well, plus an effective brand presentation that convinced me to give them a try.

First problem was learning, at the airport, that seats were not reserved. I guess regular Southwest flyers know about, maybe even like it. But I'm used to having a seat reserved for me. That gives me some control over where I sit and who I sit with.

Instead, I got a place in line. I wondered who assigned the place in line, when and by what standard. My wife and I ended up among the last folks on the plane. Guess where our seats were.

Upon boarding the plane I asked one of the attendants when they went to non-reserved seating. His answer? "Thirty-eight years ago" That came off to me as a "Duh-uh, hey stupid" answer. I don't think the question justified that attitude. After all, I am the customer and I obviously had not experienced this policy before.

On the way back, we were somewhat closer to the head of the line, but still not enough for my wife and I to sit next to each other.

In conversation with a lady sitting next to me, not my wife, I learned that your place in line is dictated by when you check in. Since I checked in at the airport, all the people who checked in online were ahead of us.

Why wouldn't someone at Southwest have told us that?

I am pretty web savvy and, when I have flown on other airlines I have received emails suggesting I could check-in online. I never received one from Southwest.

I won't comment on the cabin food and drink service. All airlines are abysmal these days. But if they had a chance to make up for the steerage feeling of the boarding prcess, they missed it in cabin service.

So, would I recommend Southwest? Only if you had no other choice.

Sorry, I realize Southwest is the darling of some flyers. I just calls them as I sees them.

PS: Just heard Southwest is flying planes with rebuilt used parts. Not reassuring.