Flew TPA to DCA yesterday. Not a full flight.
Guy behind me was in a middle seat and, after boarding was complete, slid over to the empty aisle seat next to him to give a little space between himself and the window passenger. Seemed harmless.
FA walks down the aisle with her device and loudly announces everyone must return to their assigned seats or the plane won’t take off. Then looks straight at him and says, “I’m specifically talking about you.”
He said boarding was done and the seat was empty. Still a hard no.
It honestly felt like watching a school principal call out a kid in class. Two grown adults just wanting a little elbow room on a not full flight.
I used to roll my eyes at some of the complaints in here. But lately it just feels different. The charm, the flexibility, the fun vibe… it all feels gone. I grew up loving Southwest. First unaccompanied minor flight in 2002. The jokes, the warmth, the whole personality.
Now it just feels strict and tense.
RIP to the Southwest I used to love.
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