Southwest testing boarding methods to possibly replace cattle calls
Southwest Airlines next month is starting a test of several boarding methods to see about changes to its traditional and oft-criticized open seating often characterized as “cattle calls.”
The test will be conducted on several departures from San Diego, the airline said, and will last several weeks.
“This evaluation is an important step to determine the feasibility of assigned seating, but this is only a test,” said Gary Kelly, the airline’s CEO.
Rumors recently have been widespread that Southwest may be inclined to change its long-standing seating policy.
“But the efficiency of the airline’s boarding process has played an important part in the carrier’s successful 35-year history,” wrote Airline Travel News.
Its limited time on the ground has helped Southwest maintain an on-time record with cost advantages over its competitors.
Report by David Wilkening
David
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025