Southwest's New Seating Policy: Start Date & What You Need to Know
Hey there, fellow travelers! We've all been there - cramped seats, limited legroom, and the dreaded middle seat. But guess what? Southwest Airlines has heard our cries and they're shaking things up with a new seating policy! Let's dive into the details, including the start date and what changes you can expect. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and southwest new seating policy start date.
When Does Southwest's New Seating Policy Start?
Mark your calendars, folks! Southwest's new seating policy is set to take off on March 1, 2023. That's right, in just a few short months, your flying experience with Southwest could be a whole lot comfier. So, what exactly can we expect from this new seating policy start date?
More Space, Less Crowding: Southwest's New Seating Policy
Bigger Seats & More Legroom
Southwest is increasing the size of their seats and adding more legroom in their planes. Here's what you can look forward to:
- Standard Seats: Now 17.8 inches wide, up from 18.5 inches. That's a full inch of extra space! - Emergency Exit & Business Select Seats: These will remain at 18.5 inches wide, but with even more legroom - 35 inches, to be exact!
New Boarding Process
Southwest is also revamping their boarding process to make it more efficient and less chaotic. Here's what's changing:
- Group Boarding: Instead of A, B, and C groups, boarding will now be divided into five groups, with pre boarding for families and customers requiring extra time. - Family Boarding: Families traveling with children under 6 will now board during pre-boarding, along with customers who need extra time or assistance.
What Else is Changing with Southwest's New Seating Policy?
No More Open Seats Policy
Southwest is phasing out their open seats policy. This means that if you're looking to book a flight, you might see more flights listed as "sold out" earlier. But don't worry, Southwest promises that they're working on ways to make more seats available.
Changes to Southwest's Fare Classes
Southwest is also making changes to their fare classes. Here's what's happening:
- Business Select: This fare will now include priority check-in and security lane access, in addition to the current benefits. - Anytime & Wanna Get Away: These fares will now include more flexibility for changes and cancellations.
What's Staying the Same with Southwest's New Seating Policy
No Change in Bag Fees
Despite all the changes, Southwest's bag fees will remain the same. That's right, you can still check your first two bags for free!
No Change in Flight Attendant Uniforms
And for those of you who were wondering, Southwest's flight attendant uniforms will also stay the same. Phew!
Why the Change in Seating Policy, Southwest?
Southwest is making these changes to improve the customer experience and keep up with their competitors. With other airlines offering more legroom and comfortable seats, Southwest wants to ensure they're still the go-to choice for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfy ride.
How to Prepare for Southwest's New Seating Policy
So, what can you do to prepare for Southwest's new seating policy? Here are a few tips:
- Book Early: With the new open seats policy, flights might sell out faster. So, if you have a specific flight in mind, book it as soon as possible. - Check Your Fare Class: Make sure you're aware of the benefits and restrictions of your fare class. With the changes, you might be eligible for more perks! - Plan Your Boarding Time: With the new boarding process, make sure you know when your group is boarding to avoid any last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts on Southwest's New Seating Policy
Southwest's new seating policy is bringing some big changes to the way we fly. With more space, a new boarding process, and changes to fare classes, Southwest is working hard to improve your flying experience. So, mark your calendars for March 1, 2023, and get ready for a comfier ride with Southwest!
Happy travels, folks!