Military Boarding Policy

[SWFlyer007]

THANK YOU, for your service to our country.  It might be something to bring up with customer relations, but as stated by Chicago, it has been a policy for some time,  (taking his word on it)  Sounds like a policy that might be looked at if you press the issue politely.  

[bwallet]

I appreciate what our military does. However, I'm sure that I'm not alone in wishing military members would feel less entitled. Yes, it is a hard and a dangerous job for some. However, the US military is all volunteer. If Southwest chooses to give special boarding privileges to military members, that is great. But, if they don't, well, I don't see that as a reason to be upset.

[ThatOneDude]

You don’t understand the problem, there are plenty of stores that don’t offer discounts, barns and noble doesnt and I slays go there but I don’t complain about it. The problem is that southwest says they board military before B when they don’t, they only say it so they can seem like a company which supports the military. It is a shady practice which only tricks military members. If they had chosen not to give special boarding privileges nobody would be upset, it’s the fact that they use underhanded tactics to fake their special boarding privileges. Most military cannot travel in their uniform and for any situation when they can most would rather not, making this special boarding privilege just for show 

[bwallet]

I see people in uniform all the time. I do not pretend to know why some are in uniform and some are not.

[Idesofmarch2008]

You don’t pretend to know the difference because you don’t know.  It’s funny how the ones who get the “privilege” are *usually* trainees heading home for block leave or to their school from basic/boot.   

All or none.  It’s not about entitlement but optics, as mentioned previously.

[Akangela1]

As a 22 year veteran, I decided to respond to this comment despite the fact that it’ll make very little difference. Entitled is having the audacity to disrespect the people who allow you to enjoy your own entitlements…and yes we do it voluntarily. Because we’re built that way. Clearly you’re not. 

Preferred seating on Delta or American is cool; however, my seat is the same no matter when I board the flight. Since SWA is open seating, preferred boarding would provide a greater show of appreciation for those who serve for obvious reasons….

[dfwskier]

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@Akangela1 wrote:

As a 22 year veteran, I decided to respond to this comment despite the fact that it’ll make very little difference.  

Actually, it will make no difference at all.

Why?

Answer: because this is a customer to customer forum that is used to obtain information, complain and compliment. Issues are not "fixed" here.

If you want to try to "fix" an issue, then you need to contact SW directly. To do so. click on "contact us" below and proceed.

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[kasey97]

Does a CAC card show that you're an Active Component military servicemember?  My hubby has a CAC card becuz he's a DOD civilian employee.  I agree with your sentiments regarding not being in uniform.  But why not show your military ID?  Is there a prohibition against that now?  On a side note, I always feel a bit slighted when I, as an Army Retiree over 20 yrs, are not included in certain military benefits.  BUT.....only a bit, and then I think....well I'm still VERY thankful that our current active duty are afforded discounts, benefits, etc.

[Idesofmarch2008]

Yes, the CAC says “Active,” and most airlines either check that or trust that people who say they are, are.  There are plenty of reasons we might need to board first, and some airlines let Veterans/retirees, as my spouse gets to on those.

[SWICTD]

I agree this policy is just for optics and clearly shows a poor understanding of the military. This happened to me and I was extremely disappointed. I will never use Southwest again and I’ll encourage everyone in my circles to do the same.