SOUTHWEST AIRLINES has begun a limited test of several boarding methods
to see how much time is required to "turn" the aircraft if customers
are holding an assigned seat. This trial is being conducted on select
departures from San Diego and will run for some weeks yet. The test
is part of Southwest's ongoing look at assigned seating and how it
could possibly be adapted to Southwest's business model. Now much
copied the efficiency of Southwest's boarding process has played an
important part in the carrier's successful 35-year history. By
limiting aircraft time on the ground, Southwest claims to have
maintained an enviable ontime record at a significant cost advantage
over its competitors. The airline says it will not implement a policy
change that would negatively impact that position.
http://www.southwest.com