Quantcast

Southwest Airlines revises boarding rules amid incidents involving aggressive behavior

Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
Brazilian airline Azul to go 'back to basics' after challenging 2024
Airlines cancel flights as air travel to ‘grind to complete halt’ this week ahead of major strike action in Europe
Dramatic moment American Airlines plane diverted to Rome is escorted by fighter jets after mid-air bomb threat
Jetstar Faces Major Backlash as Nationwide System Outage Causes Travel Chaos, Stranding Passengers and Disrupting Flights Across the Australian Airline Industry
Sudden oil supply outages creating turbulence for airline industry
Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Southwest bends further to activist shareholder Elliott's demands
Downgraded on a flight? Take these simple but important steps to get your money back
Delta Offers Over $2 Million to CRJ Crash Passengers
Boeing Delays Continue for Alaska, Hawaiian
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
Southwest Airlines revises boarding rules amid incidents involving aggressive behavior
Research
Webp txr36ytg6uuvd13i8xrjnuempd4m
Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

On Tuesday, a Southwest Airlines passenger was queuing to board with his wife. They held boarding positions A2 and A3, which are among the best. However, an individual with the A4 position became hostile and stood in front of them, just behind the person with the A1 position.

Southwest’s boarding system is designed to be social. Passengers typically compare their boarding numbers with others and line up accordingly. Signage helps them identify their general area, but within that structure, they figure out who goes where.

In this instance, however, the individual with the A4 position refused to interact with passengers holding A2 and A3. This refusal escalated into violence.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

"They called for A1-30 to board, and he pushed me and hit me with his bag trying to block me from moving in front of him," recounted one of the passengers involved. "I called for the agent to help, and the agent called a manager over to file a complaint. They took both of our names down and said they would check the security cameras to determine what happened. At that point, the other passenger seemed to realize there were consequences to pushing another person in public and started acting like it was no big deal and a joke. The manager just kept saying they would check the cameras."

A4 is nearly as advantageous as A3; passengers will generally get their preferred seat regardless of slight differences in boarding order. Even those holding an A1 position may not have perfect choice due to 'through passengers' from previous flights still on board.

Southwest Airlines has announced plans to maintain what they describe as “organized calm” during their current boarding process even as they transition to assigned seating next year—a move aimed at curbing scammers and refining passenger interactions.

One prevalent issue involves wheelchair requests from individuals who do not need them but use them for expedited security clearance since Southwest pays for wheelchair service. This practice is less common on other airlines where boarding priority does not impact seat selection significantly.

"No more wheelchair scammers," noted a spokesperson from Southwest Airlines.

A friend shared a typical sight from Puerto Rico: "55 'handicapped' during pre-boarding, including 25 wheelchairs." On his return flight: "15 used wheelchairs to board; only 1 deboarded."

Other changes include ending practices such as saving seats by placing personal items on them or attempting to sit next to attractive passengers—actions that often lead to discomfort or harassment among travelers.

"We regret any disappointment during the boarding process today," stated Hannah from Southwest Airlines via Twitter on March 28, 2022. "As you may know, all Southwest flights are open seating, and we don't have a specific policy for or against saving seats."

The new assigned seating approach aims at eliminating antisocial behaviors associated with open seating while potentially increasing revenue for Southwest Airlines by capturing extra value currently enjoyed freely by some passengers through various tactics.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

This year, Earth Hour will take place on Saturday, March 22nd.

Mar 27, 2025

At Flying Food Group, a commitment to fair and competitive wages is being demonstrated through a partnership with Fair Wage.

Mar 27, 2025

In 2023, Flying Food Group initiated a sustainability journey with EcoVadis, an online platform that evaluates companies on environmental, social, and governance criteria.

Mar 27, 2025

Long Beach Airport has launched an expanded live music program, LGB Live!, aiming to entertain travelers with local musical talent.

Mar 27, 2025

As noted by Reuters in 2021, Airbus had not yet secured sufficiently low prices for many components of the A220 to make the project profitable.

Mar 27, 2025

Korean Air recently introduced a new corporate identity for the first time in 41 years.

Mar 27, 2025

Loading...
You’re Denied An Earlier Flight With 13 Empty Seats—Because American Airlines Now Forbids Agents From Assisting With Standby - View from the Wing https://t.co/5c8wOOWmpm
Mar 26
We’re elated to announce that we have won first place at the Customer Relations Awards® for the 10th year in a row. Thank you to all for your continued trust! https://t.co/KSVl85LIjU
Mar 26
The Chicago Department of Aviation has extended the deadline for submission of #ORDerUp proposals to June 6. If you’re ready for your business to take off, visit https://t.co/dQaOdxAIC1 to learn more about the available opportunities. ✈️ https://t.co/MAr8s3yzTT
Mar 26
Real adventure awaits those who are #REALID ready. Upgrade yourself to a REAL ID before the May 7 deadline to board domestic flights. Learn more: https://t.co/tqRptfMapN https://t.co/4ucqHH3b4J
Mar 26
Up To 100% Transfer Bonus From Bilt To British Airways, Iberia, And Aer Lingus - View from the Wing https://t.co/F58Kk5c8xc
Mar 26
‘They Told Me To Unplug His Life Support’: Mom Says United Airlines Targeted Her Toddler [Roundup] - View from the Wing https://t.co/2Cel1M4d3h
Mar 26
Esiste qualcosa di più perfetto di questo scatto del nostro @Airbus #A350 dedicato ad Alessandro Del Piero che si fonde con lo skyline di Tokyo? 😍 Noi siamo innamorati e non vediamo l’ora di far innamorare anche te: https://t.co/IzbRfH5Z14 📸: kotaviation su Instagram https://t.co/vhJCTobeG9
Mar 26
. ✨15店を厳選✨ #江の島 グルメマップ📍 🍦⋱🐟⋰🍕⋱🐙⋰🥐 #湘南 名産のシラスを使った海鮮料理や 和洋実力派のスイーツなど 観光と一緒に楽しめるグルメをご紹介😋 江の島の新ご当地スイーツ⁉️ 地元の精麦メーカーが手掛ける 健康食材の大麦を使ったプリンとは👀🍮 🔍https://t.co/UkN9Z1AHi4 https://t.co/GYtLPNUGNs
Mar 26
You might be ready for your next vacay, but is your #REALID? Upgrade yourself to a REAL ID before the May 7 deadline to board domestic flights. Learn more: https://t.co/0sw1Vn1RjD https://t.co/0RfYjYwc6M
Mar 26
/ 好奇心をくすぐる😎 #奄美群島 周遊旅へ✈️🏝️ \ 🌳奄美大島 カヌーで探検🛶神秘的なマングローブの森 🛣️喜界島 どこまでも続く、サトウキビ畑の一本道 🏖️与論島 1日数時間しか見られない絶景「幻の砂浜」 など、自然のパワーを受け取りに 行ってみませんか?😊 ⇒https://t.co/GmJIF9Lgg3 https://t.co/cUEJqhT1jn
Mar 25
Your next job or business opportunity takes flight at the 4th Annual Airport Expo and Job Fair! Join us on May 1st at the UIC Forum to explore contracting and employment opportunities at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Learn more: https://t.co/hQX1WHAPP9 https://t.co/Go8IAXBPq6
Mar 25
Your next job or business opportunity takes flight at the 4th Annual Airport Expo and Job Fair! Join us on May 1st at the UIC Forum to explore contracting and employment opportunities at O’Hare and Midway International Airports. Learn more: https://t.co/ZnLLhaH7eg https://t.co/fbqxFwKfKi
Mar 25
Welcome to the Busiest Square Mile in the World. 🌍 📸: peytonthepilot https://t.co/jhALSx5rx6
Mar 25
The CDA Workforce team has been out and about connecting with Chicagoans! Last week, the team attended the Building Chicago's Skyline Skilled Trades event hosted by @ChiPubSchools to discuss careers in aviation and share insights on job opportunities at Chicago's airports. https://t.co/7mpTEgXBY0
Mar 25
Swing by the 7-Eleven in Terminal 1, near Baggage Claim 3 (pre-security), for quick access to your favorite snacks, drinks, and travel essentials! Whether you're arriving or picking up, it's the perfect stop to refuel while at LAX. https://t.co/jZJo4IdRqc
Mar 25
You heard 'em, pack your bags! @FlyFrontier is flying from Chicago O'Hare to San Diego for the first time ever on their new nonstop route. 🏄☀️ https://t.co/I5sZoSqSsQ
Mar 25
He Bought A $1,000 Ticket—Then American Airlines Charged $28M, Froze His Amex, And Took Four Weeks To Make It Right - View from the Wing https://t.co/T42OTtPuHf
Mar 25
The CDA Workforce team has been out and about connecting with Chicagoans! Last week, the team attended the Building Chicago's Skyline Skilled Trades event hosted by @ChiPubSchools to discuss careers in aviation and share insights on job opportunities at Chicago's airports. https://t.co/nHspxUAFCp
Mar 25
She Missed Her Alaska Airlines Crush—Then A Commenter Shared A Genius Trick To Find Him [Roundup] - View from the Wing https://t.co/LRFkYbnWGK
Mar 25
どうも、JALの中の人です|・ω・)ノはろじゃる きらりと輝くエアバス #A350-900を 置いていきます✈️🍑 メタリックな光沢感がかっこいい✨ 今日も1日お疲れさまでした🍀 #JALおすすめアングル https://t.co/NsVsXhZ5ky
Mar 25

No comments available.