Moderator, saving seats on an airline that doesn't reserve seats, is a chronic problem that is wantonly ignored by SWA, based on reading this forum and from my own experiences. "Any open and available seat" may be interpreted differently based on need. We all know the perspective of the "saver" who seeks preferential treatment that the airlines supports by not taking a stand but what about the rest of us that know how to follow the rules? Do you think we always get the best seats, whether it's in the front for quicker deplaning, or the exit row for added leg space? Do you think we always get to sit together as a family? NO! Do you want me and everyone else to play by our own rules or your rules? No policy is no answer. By not taking a position you are advocating vigilante justice and it will eventually result in violence, placing you in a liable position. If a seat doesn't contain a body, it's open and available, PERIOD. If they won't step out, I've been forced to step over them. What's next? Will they use force? Will I have to defend myself with equal force? Look, it's very simple. If a family wants to sit together, no exceptions, they have two choices. Either buy an early boarding priviledge for a few dollars more or they can fly on another airline that assigns guaranteed seats. Your part? 1) Post a policy on your website, pushing for the early boarding privilege; 2) Include a summation of the policy, i.e., NO SEATS MAY BE SAVED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, on the confirmation Email when the purchase is made; and 3) Include the statement via public address when you invite lines to form for boarding. You have to expect them to conform to principles for the good of everyone or be willing to cut them loose as a selfish customer who shouldn't belong to the SWA family. There's no half way about it. Your failure to act will lead to consequences for everyone involved, including yourself. It's merely a matter of time.
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