Originally Posted by LeRoySmith (Post 2353211)

That topic will really get me fired up.

I managed a data center in Dallas a few years ago and I got a request from the systems manager to increase the number of handicap parking spots. I took a look and we had 12 handicap spots for about 150 employees (500 spaces total so plenty of spots to convert). The problem came when I got the company I used to stripe the spaces said all my spaces were too steep to meet the ada regulations (must be under 2% grade), I was going to have to tear up a bunch of concrete, repour then paint the handicap symbols. A simple project turned into 25k spend and budgets were getting tight .I went back and looked at the typical ratio of accessable spaces needed and I should have been able to get by with 7 or 8 spaces for the number of employees I had, with 12 in place there should have been plenty of spaces. I directed security to post a guard at the handicap spaces the next morning and ask each person to provide their placard number and fill out a parking permit. Texas is great, if you have the placard info you can get the backing information from the state. Of the 14 employees vying for the 12 spaces there were 3 that had valid handicap placards.

I called each of the violators and told them there was a $1250 fine and 50 hours of community service for accessable parking violations and I would be calling the sheriff to come out and check the spaces that afternoon. There was a rush to the parking lot, no one hobbled, shuffled or needed a wheel chair.

I had plenty of empty spaces from them on.

Bastards.

Originally Posted by rjn5656 (Post 2353067)

I am glad to see Southwest changing. I quit flying them due to this reason. I stayed with Jet Blue.

Originally Posted by npwalters (Post 2353335)

It's good and bad. I prefer assigned seating as do most. Expect Southwest to join the other airlines and charge extra for all the "preferred" seats. The middle seats will be free.

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2353347)

When I would travel alone, I always chose a middle seat. When hubby and wife found they didn't have an empty middle seat I never agreed to change my seat. Such fun!

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2353347)

When I would travel alone, I always chose a middle seat. When hubby and wife found they didn't have an empty middle seat I never agreed to change my seat. Such fun!

Originally Posted by golfing eagles (Post 2353350)

How kind of you! Get off my lawn!!!!:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Originally Posted by fdpaq0580 (Post 2353380)

I know. I'm a sweetheart. And when I poop on your lawn I always clean it up with a mulching mower, kitty litter, and a battery powered leaf blower. 🫢💩🤢 I'm the one in the middle

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353061)

Finally, Southwest will allow passengers to reserve a seat on their planes. I would never fly on a plane without an assigned seat. And, don't ask me to change seats. The time to select a seat on a plane is when you buy the ticket, not when you get on the plane. Plan ahead. Rant over.

Originally Posted by Caymus (Post 2353122)

The seating system creates "Miracle" flights. Many passengers in wheelchairs board the plane (and jump the line) but somehow are able to run off the plane when it lands. I never noticed this same level on airlines that have reserved seating. This is most paravent with flights from the Northeast to Florida.

Originally Posted by Susan1717 (Post 2353410)

I’d rather SW stays as they are. I try and only fly them. I can change my flight a million times with no cancellation or change fee, I can book several flight months ahead for lower rates, and then cancel last minute for which dates work best. Once they assign seats, we will soon pay for seats and pay for luggage. Then the flight rates you see will be like the other airlines and almost double in actual cost by the time you add in seat selection and baggage check. I really cannot stand airlines that charge for even carry ons!

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2353061)

Finally, Southwest will allow passengers to reserve a seat on their planes…

Originally Posted by darkim (Post 2353414)

.
So true. People have found loop holes and abused Southwest policies for early boarding. Sometimes there’s 50 people in line for assisted boarding going down the jetway, but nobody needs help going up the jetway. It’s a miracle

Originally Posted by laryb (Post 2353183)

Personally, I'd rather not see it change. I don't have a problem with lining up in the A,B,C,D preboarding system. We always buy the early bird option for $25, and have always been in "A" group. We always bring an empty bag or two so we can load up on the local and ethnic food items we can't get down here, so the 2 free bags work for us. I guess I can live with the new seating since I already pay extra to board early, but the free bags going away (if they do) might lead me to change airlines.