Although there are a lot of fans of Southwest Airlines out there, I cannot be counted as one of them. After flying them this past weekend from South Florida to New Orleans, there is plenty for me to gripe about.

First of all, I’m not a fan of Southwest’s open seating policy. Sure it sounds like a great idea getting to choose where you would like to sit. However, it is only a great idea if the plane is 50% filled. If the plane is over sold, like most of the flights on Southwest, it doesn’t really work out for the consumer. Instead of a seat assignment, you receive a letter on your boarding pass - either A, B, or C. Of course the letters are first come first serve. “A”s, then “B”s, then “C”s. And here’s what that translates to:

A - Aisle - What the first people in the plane usually select

B - Window - Not the Aisle but close enough

C - Center - What the last resort is if you wish to fly

If you remember to check in online 24 hours before the flight, you stand a good chance to get either an “A” or “B” line assignment. (Notice I said line assignment and NOT seat assignment - more on that later) Of course I did just that for the return flight and ended up with a “B”. Which is better than the “C” or center seat that I had for the previous flight.

Now with my “B” seat assignment in hand, I know exactly which line to stand in. There are three large letters A, B, and C, above the rows for which you line up in order to board the plane. The smart frequent patrons of Southwest know to camp out early in line if they know what’s good for them. You usually see them sitting criss cross applesauce on the ground with a good book in tow for the long hour plus wait. Gradually everyone get the drift and lines up accordingly. So now instead of sitting on the incredibly soft plush airline chairs, you’re stuck in a line as if a new bank is about to open and you’re going to receive a brand spanking new t-shirt with the bank logo on it. No such luck here. What a great idea! I would love to shake the hand of the brain trust that came up with such an innovative idea. I get it. Southwest airLINES. The line part is far too accurate.

Southwest could learn a lot by studying Jetblue’s playbook. Jetblue was founded by former members of Southwest. The smarter ones who knew what didn’t work at Southwest. Why is Jetblue so much better?

• Seat Assignments vs. line assignments
  I would rather know going in where I’m sitting on the plane than to roll the dice and stand in a line for over an hour only to end up with a center seat.
• Jetblue has personal TV screens built into the back of the seat headrest
  With 30+ TV channels for your enjoyment pleasure, it’s much better than looking at the back of the headrest
• An easy to follow point system
• Friendly flight attendants vs. smart-ass attendants
• Better snacks vs. tired, small bags of peanuts
• Solid branding vs. a giant heart, which isn’t aimed at me

Southwest started out as a great idea in 1971. However, time has not been kind and it’s showing it’s age. How long with they hang on to the open seating policy? Who knows the answer to that one but I can only guess they won’t change it anytime soon. *DING* You are now free to move about the country.