What To Know
- In an effort to streamline the boarding process and improve customer experience, Southwest Airlines has implemented a new boarding policy.
- Passengers check in as usual and receive a boarding pass with their assigned boarding group.
- Passengers board the aircraft in order of their boarding position within their assigned group.
In an effort to streamline the boarding process and improve customer experience, Southwest Airlines has implemented a new boarding policy. This policy aims to reduce congestion at the gate and provide a more efficient and organized boarding procedure.
Key Features of the New Boarding Policy
The new boarding policy consists of the following key features:
- Group Boarding: Passengers are assigned to one of six boarding groups (A, B, C, D, E, and F) based on their boarding pass number.
- Priority Boarding: Passengers with A-List status, Southwest Companion Pass holders, and active military members continue to receive priority boarding.
- EarlyBird Check-In: Passengers who purchase EarlyBird Check-In can select a preferred boarding position within their assigned group.
- Family Boarding: Families with children under the age of 6 are now boarded after Group B.
- Pre-Boarding: Passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, and customers who require additional assistance continue to be pre-boarded.
- Zone Boarding: The aircraft is divided into three zones, and passengers are directed to board their specific zone during their assigned boarding group.
Boarding Process
The boarding process under the new policy proceeds as follows:
1. Check-In: Passengers check in as usual and receive a boarding pass with their assigned boarding group.
2. Boarding Time: Boarding begins approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
3. Gate Area: Passengers gather in the gate area and wait for their boarding group to be called.
4. Boarding Group Announcement: The boarding group is announced over the loudspeaker and on the gate information screens.
5. Zone Boarding: Passengers proceed to their designated zone and wait for their turn to board.
6. Boarding: Passengers board the aircraft in order of their boarding position within their assigned group.
Benefits of the New Boarding Policy
The new boarding policy offers several benefits, including:
- Reduced Congestion: The group boarding system helps to reduce congestion at the gate by organizing passengers into smaller groups.
- Improved Efficiency: The zone boarding process allows passengers to board the aircraft more quickly and efficiently.
- Enhanced Customer Experience: The new policy provides a more streamlined and stress-free boarding experience for all passengers.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: When did the new boarding policy go into effect?
A: The new boarding policy went into effect on February 1, 2023.
Q: How do I find my boarding group?
A: Your boarding group is printed on your boarding pass.
Q: Can I change my boarding group?
A: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In to select a preferred boarding position within your assigned group.
Q: Do I need to be at the gate early under the new policy?
A: Yes, it is still recommended to arrive at the gate at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time.
Q: What if I have special needs or require assistance?
A: Passengers with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, and customers who require additional assistance will continue to be pre-boarded.
