Other airlines charge you fees for things you need or have to have. Then also there’s this, from the internal memo: The price used to top out at $50, and then $60. Increased demand doesn’t mean more people boarding early, creating some sort of diminution of value for those purchasing it.And then monetize the rest at check-in and at the gate.They sell some of these with Business Select fares.The total number of spots available is fixed.The airline gave employees talking points that are… somewhat suspect? They claim to be doing to “protect the value” that Upgraded Boarding “offers to our customers” as the feature “becomes more popular on specific routes.” But this makes no sense at all. Price points within the new range are subject to change at any time, as is the case today. Upgraded Boarding prices can vary based on the length and popularity of each flight (per segment). Pricing is still dynamic, but has become more so, with a higher potential price than before, according to an internal memo reviewed by View From The Wing:Įffective yesterday, May 15, we implement a price change to Upgraded Boarding, now offering Customers the product for a variable price point between $30 and $80. Since yesterday Southwest has increased how much they’re charging for upgraded boarding. It used to be that you had to buy these at the gate, but last summer they began selling them during online check-in. When there are fewer than 15 people on a flight buying Business Select, they will sell the remaining spots. The first 15 boarding spots are given to people paying for the most expensive ‘Business Select’ fares, which are more expensive than refundable tickets.They offer ‘Early Bird Check-in’ – pay extra to get a boarding order number in advance of those checking in 24 hours prior to flight.But since the order you board the plane determines what seat is available for you to choose, they sell getting the on the plane sooner. They don’t sell advance seat assignments. It helps get passengers on the plane quickly, since people show up at the gate on time and queue up in order to get better preferred seats. "Business select" customers will also get a complimentary cocktail and will be able to earn points faster in Rapid Rewards, Southwest's loyalty program.Southwest doesn’t offer advance seat assignments, and that works well for them. Southwest doesn't assign seats but puts passengers into A, B and C boarding groups that determine the order for boarding. Starting today, Southwest is raising last-minute fares - its highest - and calling that category "business select." Customers who buy those tickets will get a guaranteed place in Southwest's "A" boarding group.
The changes come at a time when Southwest's operating costs are rising and industry competition is intensifying for business customers, who tend to book late and pay more. The Dallas-based discount giant on Wednesday announced changes that CEO Gary Kelly said will generate at least $100 million a year in additional revenue by attracting business travelers willing to spend more for tickets. — - Southwest Airlines luv, the feisty and unconventional airline founded in the 1970s on cheap fares and one-class service, will start actively courting high-paying business travelers and allowing them to be among the first to board flights.
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