As a happy, loyal, lifelong customer of Southwest Airlines, I am appalled by the decision of their new leadership to get rid of the open seating. What makes Southwest stand out among its competitors is the things they do differently, especially open seating.
Most other airlines have a boarding policy that ignites an environment of pushing and shoving, but Southwest's system is methodical, organized, and courteous.
Today, July 25th 2024, COO Andrew Watterson announced his decision to change the Southwest Open Seating Policy, "effective in the coming months."
This change will lower Southwest, stripping its uniqueness, and loyal customers like myself will be forced to seek alternatives. If every airline is the same then the only hook left will be fare price. Does Southwest want to race to the bottom with everyone else or do they want to stand out?
Let's show Andrew Watterson that 80% of his customers DO NOT want this change. Southwest will lose customers over this, not gain them.
Every Southwestie has their own reasons for choosing this airline but for me, an immunocompromised individual, the open seating policy is a saving grace. It allows me to choose where I sit in relation to space and bathroom access, and who I sit next to, someone who looks healthy or someone who clearly needed to stay home. Boarding gives me a sense of security, comfort, and control.
The Southwest "Bags fly free" gives me the comfort of knowing I can bring what I need on my trip without fear of paying a cost equivalent to several hours of work for most people, like on other airlines. Is that next?
During COVID-19 I was able to avoid sitting next to someone who was physically sick, coughing and sneezing, and often noticed "mask buddies" found each other.
Some of us also like to avoid sitting close to small children who haven't flown much and get scared, act out, kick seats, scream, you've all been on a flight... I'd like to keep that ability.
There's also the benefit of choosing a seat with overhead bin space still available, which leaves my legroom intact.
Don't forget, Andrew Watterson, your company ends every flight with a sweet message to us all, "We know you have a choice when choosing to fly and we thank you for choosing Southwest." We'd like to continue choosing you.
Please sign this petition today to voice your support for the open seating policy, and all of the other wonderful uniqueness that Southwest has provided for decades.
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