I usually fly Alaska to Hawaii but last week I flew to Hawaii on Southwest and it was perfectly fine. Families board after the A group which is fine. If you pay for early bird you will be boarded ahead of the families. I had a B number boarding and I still got an aisle seat and it was great. I don’t need wifi for five hours, it is actually nice to be offline for once. The fares can’t be beat on SW! 🙂
Yes! Yes! & Yes!!!!
Overhead space to make ez boarding.
The world is better with faster WiFi
USB ports help connections with rides and contacts after long flights of personal use for entertainment like movies & music!!!
Yes Please & Thank You!!!!
Felissa M
Leave family boarding where it is. Otherwise why should I pay to upgrade for better boarding position? Family boarding after A group is fair enough. Upgraded boarding is open to all (who are quick enough).
You do realize that currently, Family boarding boards after the first 60 people / 60 seats. The new way they are proposing them to do it would have them sitting after the first 90 seats.
15×6 = 90
That would mean More seats available up front.
From what I’m reading, SW plans on getting much more service to Hawaii. This all goes back to who SW hired from Hawaiian Air. But first they need to find/train more pilots. That will probably take some time. The last two flights we took on SW were booked solid. We use SW for no other reason than their routing is much better for us and that will probably be the reason for most other people too. SW has a very big network.
Yes the changes will improve the flight experience. But most of them not a big deal, like free wifi, and larger overhead storage very much. But free luggage is still the best reason to fly Southwest.
Yes these changes make a bid difference for those of us loyal SW travelers. Not sure why they wouldn’t? Power banks are Huge for long flights especially when you’re watching movies. Larger overhead bins are also important especially because of the business traveler that brings those huge carry ons that should be checked but they’re in a hurry, to fit amongst the other travelers who bring smaller carry ons. (I Was a business traveler and know what my fellow travelers brought). Also, why wouldn’t better wifi matter? Better drink and entertainment options? Yes, it’s a long flight—we’re doing Chicago to Kona in Feb—it’s long—I use wifi to work while I fly and so does my husband. Enhanced services just makes SW even more attractive! Way to go!
We always fly southwest when we can but for such a long flight my husband wants a more comfortable experience. So larger seats or more leg room or an enhanced business class section would be something he would be interested in.
Unable to understand why the change in family boarding procedure is necessary at all. As loyal SWA patrons who touts the carrier it seems at best an unfair & often visibly abused practice that will invite more egregious abuse. Can appreciate families with whom there are infants and toddlers but not older than that and certainly not when the entire clan boards along with them . We pay the same fare as families or even pay the up charge for early boarding and check in on time to avail ourselves of bin space snd couples seating. Are we being penalized for Not Having young children ?
What are you thinking?
Regardless of were you stand on SWA, it’s safe to say from the posts here, SWA’s boarding process is ugly and divisive. As we see here, it pitts passengers against each other, survival of the fittest if you will…..the polar opposite of the Aloha spirit and not a great start to experiencing what Hawaii is all about.
I applaud Southwest for the families boarding first. This will get our flight in the air sooner. I read a few days ago that families must sit beyond row 15. So the passengers like me that pay for Early Bird or set an alarm to check in at precisely the right time, will be able to select seats in the front of the plane.
I am ecstatic about the improvement in the WiFi and the USB ports at each seat. I hope this will be retrofitted to all flights not just the Hawaii flights as I travel around the mainland once I’m off island.
What will make a difference to me I’d boarding order. If I am willing to pay more for early boarding, why,should families with children be permitted earlier boarding?
I do not appreciate family early boarding as that usually includes at least 6 people. It is irritating to watch as you have to make sure and click on the exact time to get a decent boarding number and then to watch all these people board before you drives me crazy…I understand a family of 4 or 5 but they need to lower the age of the children that would make them qualify. The last time we flew SWA there wear least 10 families.
Family boarding: let the parents buy early checkin, like everyone else. The kids go on with their parent (s).
I want kids to sit with their parents. Its safer. Just not sure about the new system. If the plane has a large % of families, then Im going to feel frustrated, especially if Im in a hurry to catch another flight. What if SW prioritized people who have to catch connecting flights quickly? Then, allowing families to board earlier wouldnt be a big deal.
These do not make me want to fly with them … can’t stand that you don’t reserve seats. ( I disagree with family boarding as well…. But that goes along with the premise of I want to pay for an assigned seat).
Are these upgrades just for Hawaii ?
Also My husband and I noticed so many people taking advantage of the pre boarding ! We, paid over $250.00 more for our upgrades seats. Pre boarders should be allowed after everyone in group A !I, say this after seeing people being wheeled up in wheel chairs . Only to be able to get up with no problems!!! To run around without the wheeled chair !
It’s still a ‘cattle car’, with three across on both sides, narrow seats, one size fits all. The changes are nice, but not much as far a ‘comfort’ on a 5-6 hour flight goes. I’ll pay more, fly HA.
Faster Wi-Fi and bins…? Not so much.
Charging and more movies? Definitely!! That’s what’s needed for long, cross country flights (STL – LAX) and to Hawaii.
But the big question is will these additions be added to only the new planes? The added movies will be easy to add but the rest of the stuff is “infrastructure” and will take time.
Southwest’s Family Boarding sounds like a resounding Success, Saving time and Passenger Stress. Anything within reason to save both is certainly a Win/Win, thinking outside of the box has achieved this. Sometimes Change can be Good. As for premixed drinks, I am sure that some people shall partake, however, for the most part the majority won’t. No one will realize that it Benefits Everyone to a point in the fact that no one can get “extra” liquor in their drinks. It saves time for the Stewardess/Steward too, pop the lid and serve! I can hardly wait to see additional innovative practices in the future by SWA. I wonder what might be next, no sitting on your laurels.
I fly Southwest Airlines between HNL and LAX frequently. I am very appreciative of these new changes coming in 2023! Most important feature for me when flying: 1) Safe Airplanes 2) Comfort. What’s the point in flying 5 hrs. if you are miserable? My husband is 6’3″. Lots of leg room is a must. I made the mistake of flying on United Airlines, yesterday, there literally was no leg room! In order to get in and out of your seat, you needed to turn sideways.
Half way through my flight, I had the most painful charlie horse on my thigh! Probably due to poor circulation!
Southwests detractors will have much less to target with all of the Improvements that are being made, who will they take aim at now? The SWA effect will make passengers much happier too, real and dependable WIFI and the ability to charge while flying! Sounds like others may need to adjust their prices to compete, wouldn’t that be a shame? Hawaiian has a First Class Section, if that’s their advantage, but the Cost is Relative to the Exclusivity. SW is upping the Benefits and will begin to be more attractive than ever to those traveling to Hawaii.
Simple fact is SWA came into the Hawaii market with a very predatory attack on Hawaiian with the intent of trying to take local jobs and revenue that would support the State and taking it the mainland. As their handling of the recent Mauna Loa eruption indicated they lack local operational experience too. I still avoid them.
? Don’t they create local jobs? Agents, baggage handlers, etc. It is because they are here that Hawaiian cannot charge huge airfares on interisland travel.
Southwest Airlines needs to find a way to keep people in the A boarding group from placing items in the seats holding the seats for friends or family in the C boarding group
I talk to the cabin crew all the time about group boarding. They all would prefer assigned seats. In this day and age, boarding groups and A groups guarding seats for others is ridiculous!!
USB ports yes!! The others not so important to me. My biggest concern is how these will affect fares and the free check baggage features. They are an economy airline..
These upgrades sound great and convenient but flying to Hawai’i, on Southwest in February, will probably be too soon for us to benefit from them. Although, all of these are great tools that will be decision makers when choosing your airline to Hawai’i.
Welcome news on the faster wifi, usb ports at every seat, additional entertainment and larger bins. OK news on the beverage choice. No, No, No on the family seating first! Now if SWA would upgrade their snacks for their Hawaii route! Oh, and possible free wifi, who doesn’t like free???
I feel that all 4 of these are very good improvements But I want better snacks!
That stuff they serve on SW is truly ugly!
I usually fly Alaska to Hawaii but last week I flew to Hawaii on Southwest and it was perfectly fine. Families board after the A group which is fine. If you pay for early bird you will be boarded ahead of the families. I had a B number boarding and I still got an aisle seat and it was great. I don’t need wifi for five hours, it is actually nice to be offline for once. The fares can’t be beat on SW! 🙂
Never!! Worst thing to happen to our state is SWA.
Not to mention no first class and no reserved seats. Nope. HA always!
And that’s what choice is all about.
I willing to sacrifice a little comfort if I can fly to HI 2 for the price of one.
Yes! Yes! & Yes!!!!
Overhead space to make ez boarding.
The world is better with faster WiFi
USB ports help connections with rides and contacts after long flights of personal use for entertainment like movies & music!!!
Yes Please & Thank You!!!!
Felissa M
Leave family boarding where it is. Otherwise why should I pay to upgrade for better boarding position? Family boarding after A group is fair enough. Upgraded boarding is open to all (who are quick enough).
You do realize that currently, Family boarding boards after the first 60 people / 60 seats. The new way they are proposing them to do it would have them sitting after the first 90 seats.
15×6 = 90
That would mean More seats available up front.
These addditions should be on all flights. I only fly SWA and Love it. I have always said “if Southwest doesn’t fly there, not going there.
From what I’m reading, SW plans on getting much more service to Hawaii. This all goes back to who SW hired from Hawaiian Air. But first they need to find/train more pilots. That will probably take some time. The last two flights we took on SW were booked solid. We use SW for no other reason than their routing is much better for us and that will probably be the reason for most other people too. SW has a very big network.
I personally would like more seat room and more straight through flights but that won’t stop me from flying. Just my opinoin. Have a great day.
Yes the changes will improve the flight experience. But most of them not a big deal, like free wifi, and larger overhead storage very much. But free luggage is still the best reason to fly Southwest.
Yes these changes make a bid difference for those of us loyal SW travelers. Not sure why they wouldn’t? Power banks are Huge for long flights especially when you’re watching movies. Larger overhead bins are also important especially because of the business traveler that brings those huge carry ons that should be checked but they’re in a hurry, to fit amongst the other travelers who bring smaller carry ons. (I Was a business traveler and know what my fellow travelers brought). Also, why wouldn’t better wifi matter? Better drink and entertainment options? Yes, it’s a long flight—we’re doing Chicago to Kona in Feb—it’s long—I use wifi to work while I fly and so does my husband. Enhanced services just makes SW even more attractive! Way to go!
We always fly southwest when we can but for such a long flight my husband wants a more comfortable experience. So larger seats or more leg room or an enhanced business class section would be something he would be interested in.
Unable to understand why the change in family boarding procedure is necessary at all. As loyal SWA patrons who touts the carrier it seems at best an unfair & often visibly abused practice that will invite more egregious abuse. Can appreciate families with whom there are infants and toddlers but not older than that and certainly not when the entire clan boards along with them . We pay the same fare as families or even pay the up charge for early boarding and check in on time to avail ourselves of bin space snd couples seating. Are we being penalized for Not Having young children ?
What are you thinking?
Regardless of were you stand on SWA, it’s safe to say from the posts here, SWA’s boarding process is ugly and divisive. As we see here, it pitts passengers against each other, survival of the fittest if you will…..the polar opposite of the Aloha spirit and not a great start to experiencing what Hawaii is all about.
I applaud Southwest for the families boarding first. This will get our flight in the air sooner. I read a few days ago that families must sit beyond row 15. So the passengers like me that pay for Early Bird or set an alarm to check in at precisely the right time, will be able to select seats in the front of the plane.
I am ecstatic about the improvement in the WiFi and the USB ports at each seat. I hope this will be retrofitted to all flights not just the Hawaii flights as I travel around the mainland once I’m off island.
All I wish for is lower fares and better schedules to and from Sacramento. I plan on a trip for 7 in June 2023 and airfare is sky high.
What will make a difference to me I’d boarding order. If I am willing to pay more for early boarding, why,should families with children be permitted earlier boarding?
Southwest is stepping up in a big way. Wish they had tv screens on the back of every seat
I do not appreciate family early boarding as that usually includes at least 6 people. It is irritating to watch as you have to make sure and click on the exact time to get a decent boarding number and then to watch all these people board before you drives me crazy…I understand a family of 4 or 5 but they need to lower the age of the children that would make them qualify. The last time we flew SWA there wear least 10 families.
Family boarding: let the parents buy early checkin, like everyone else. The kids go on with their parent (s).
I want kids to sit with their parents. Its safer. Just not sure about the new system. If the plane has a large % of families, then Im going to feel frustrated, especially if Im in a hurry to catch another flight. What if SW prioritized people who have to catch connecting flights quickly? Then, allowing families to board earlier wouldnt be a big deal.
Leave family boarding exactly as it is now, between A and B group!
These do not make me want to fly with them … can’t stand that you don’t reserve seats. ( I disagree with family boarding as well…. But that goes along with the premise of I want to pay for an assigned seat).
Those changes would not be a deciding factor for me and I’m actually traveling to Hawaii next year.
Are these upgrades just for Hawaii ?
Also My husband and I noticed so many people taking advantage of the pre boarding ! We, paid over $250.00 more for our upgrades seats. Pre boarders should be allowed after everyone in group A !I, say this after seeing people being wheeled up in wheel chairs . Only to be able to get up with no problems!!! To run around without the wheeled chair !
5 to 6 hours on a packed 737, Nope.
It’s still a ‘cattle car’, with three across on both sides, narrow seats, one size fits all. The changes are nice, but not much as far a ‘comfort’ on a 5-6 hour flight goes. I’ll pay more, fly HA.
Hawaiian flys 3-3 layout planes from the mainland and they have similar legroom. What’s the difference? Same with the other legacy carriers.
I prefer a reserved seat spot and do not fly southwest
Faster Wi-Fi and bins…? Not so much.
Charging and more movies? Definitely!! That’s what’s needed for long, cross country flights (STL – LAX) and to Hawaii.
But the big question is will these additions be added to only the new planes? The added movies will be easy to add but the rest of the stuff is “infrastructure” and will take time.
I appreciate more movies being offered. I fly often and just got off a Southwest flight where I had to watch The Notebook. Haha. I cried.
Southwest’s Family Boarding sounds like a resounding Success, Saving time and Passenger Stress. Anything within reason to save both is certainly a Win/Win, thinking outside of the box has achieved this. Sometimes Change can be Good. As for premixed drinks, I am sure that some people shall partake, however, for the most part the majority won’t. No one will realize that it Benefits Everyone to a point in the fact that no one can get “extra” liquor in their drinks. It saves time for the Stewardess/Steward too, pop the lid and serve! I can hardly wait to see additional innovative practices in the future by SWA. I wonder what might be next, no sitting on your laurels.
I fly Southwest Airlines between HNL and LAX frequently. I am very appreciative of these new changes coming in 2023! Most important feature for me when flying: 1) Safe Airplanes 2) Comfort. What’s the point in flying 5 hrs. if you are miserable? My husband is 6’3″. Lots of leg room is a must. I made the mistake of flying on United Airlines, yesterday, there literally was no leg room! In order to get in and out of your seat, you needed to turn sideways.
Half way through my flight, I had the most painful charlie horse on my thigh! Probably due to poor circulation!
Southwests detractors will have much less to target with all of the Improvements that are being made, who will they take aim at now? The SWA effect will make passengers much happier too, real and dependable WIFI and the ability to charge while flying! Sounds like others may need to adjust their prices to compete, wouldn’t that be a shame? Hawaiian has a First Class Section, if that’s their advantage, but the Cost is Relative to the Exclusivity. SW is upping the Benefits and will begin to be more attractive than ever to those traveling to Hawaii.
Simple fact is SWA came into the Hawaii market with a very predatory attack on Hawaiian with the intent of trying to take local jobs and revenue that would support the State and taking it the mainland. As their handling of the recent Mauna Loa eruption indicated they lack local operational experience too. I still avoid them.
? Don’t they create local jobs? Agents, baggage handlers, etc. It is because they are here that Hawaiian cannot charge huge airfares on interisland travel.
And, how did Hawaiian treat you when they were the Monopoly? Gouged ya!
Just ror the record, HA’s inter island fares have never been higher then what SWA charges on similar distanced flights on the mainland.
Finally, USB ports. I love SW, but the lack of USB for flights out of and back to HI is inconvenient at best.
Southwest Airlines needs to find a way to keep people in the A boarding group from placing items in the seats holding the seats for friends or family in the C boarding group
Yes, I witnessed someone ask the attendant to place something in an aisle seat to hold it and the attendant did it.
It’s never happened but if I want a seat and someone is “saving it” to bad.
And don’t even think of trying that with an exit row.
I talk to the cabin crew all the time about group boarding. They all would prefer assigned seats. In this day and age, boarding groups and A groups guarding seats for others is ridiculous!!
Or early boarded handicapped who saves 4+ seats. Should only be permitted to save one!
USB ports yes!! The others not so important to me. My biggest concern is how these will affect fares and the free check baggage features. They are an economy airline..
All the new additions Southwest has added to the aircraft are nice,but the best things that Should be added is More leg room and wider seats Please.
These upgrades sound great and convenient but flying to Hawai’i, on Southwest in February, will probably be too soon for us to benefit from them. Although, all of these are great tools that will be decision makers when choosing your airline to Hawai’i.
Until they discontinue the cattle call and add some basic meal choices none of it matters to me.
Welcome news on the faster wifi, usb ports at every seat, additional entertainment and larger bins. OK news on the beverage choice. No, No, No on the family seating first! Now if SWA would upgrade their snacks for their Hawaii route! Oh, and possible free wifi, who doesn’t like free???
Won’t make a difference. I won’t fly Southwest.