Changes in flights
 

Ok, so I admit, I don't fly a lot anymore, but having the airline change flights and just blowing off you seat requests seems a little abusive to me. I bought tickets in February for June flights, then was notified that they flights had changed. One remained the same number but changed the arrival time by 2 minutes, the other change to a completely different flight number though only departing about 30 minutes later. The seat assignments however were blown out in both cases and the customer service people were of very little help. I will definitely not use this airline again.

The earlier you book your travel the more likely schedule changes will occur. You should always watch your e-mail as this is the way you'll be notified of these changes. Often the change not only to the flight number or departure/arrival times but to the type of aircraft. In this case seat assignments are often changed or dropped all together. That is why it's important to check your e-mail and check your reservation if you are notified of a schedule change.

Furthermore, seat assignments are never guaranteed. It is a request which in most cases is honored but sometimes seat assignments can be changed even at the airport due to equipment substitutions, weight and balance issues, etc. When you purchase a seat on a flight you are just purchasing a seat on that flight, not a particular seat. Not using an airline because of a seat assignment change is a bit unreasonable but if you feel strongly about the issue go ahead. This happens on all other airlines except Southwest which doesn't assign seats.

For not being an employee or sympathizer you sure sound like one. The point being, no other business would get away with these sort of practices. Maybe I've just been lucky, but at 52 I have never had this happen on any other airline. So yes, I will no longer consider Alaska as an alternative. Honestly, I prefer Southwest. They may not assign seats, but you know that going in and the price of the seat usually reflects it.

Until last year I had gold status on Alaska Airlines. I am very familiar with their policies and procedures. Don't be so accusatory - you don't know me.

Maybe you've just been damn lucky. Airlines adjust schedules and change aircraft types all the time. Some routes more than others. You have to be reasonable. If you have a coach ticket and selected seat 6A but then the aircraft type changed and now the first 8 rows are First Class do you really think the airline is going to give you a free upgrade just because you selected 6A on the old aircraft. I think not. I've been bumped out of First Class because of an aircraft change. It happens and it's not the end of the world.

It's interesting how Southwest has brainwashed the traveling public into thinking that they are always the cheapest option. They are not and it pays to shop around. I just can't fathom why you are so quick to throw Alaska Airlines under the bus for this one minor incident. If you bought a bag of apples at the grocery store and they all looked good but then you found that one apple in the middle of the bunch had a bruise on it would you not frequent that grocery store any more?

Please don't take this the wrong way, but you are lucky that you were notified of the schedule changes. Most carriers would not notify you of a scheudle change of less than 30 minutes.

I agree with the others. All airlines do this, and if it hasn't happened before, you have been lucky. The airlines are a different kind of business than most other businesses. This is why certain things happen with the airlines, that don't happen with other businesses. Other businesses are not operating aircraft.

It's interesting how Southwest has brainwashed the traveling public into thinking that they are always the cheapest option.

You are absolutely correct, although Southwest has won the PR battle on this one. Most people think they are the cheapest, and they don't have baggage fees. Unless you get one of their "web only" fares online, which are severely limited, you could definitely be paying a lot more to fly Southwest. For example, Frontier's highest fare, which is refundable, allows 2 free bags, advance seat selection, onboard TV, a good snack or meal, and no change fee is frequently hundreds of dollars less than Southwest's unrestricted fare, AND provdes services that Southwest simply doesn't offer. So, before you start throwing Southwest up as an example, do your homework.

SWA will be implementing baggage fees soon according to their own website.

Only for a second checked bag. For the time being the first bag will still be free.