Boarding Passes
One way Southwest cut costs was by issuing reusable plastic boarding passes and eliminating assigned seating. The passes were sequentially numbered and color-coded for each flight. Passengers boarded in groups in the order in which they checked in. This encouraged early arrivals and speeded up seating, thus allowing Southwest to return an aircraft to service quickly.
Gift of Southwest Airlines
Display Status
This object is on display in America by Air at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
Object Details
Date
Circa 2000
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
MEMORABILIA
Physical Description
Southwest Airlines pink plastic boarding pass with "Fourth Boarding Group" and number 101 printed in black on both sides.
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 20.3 x 7.6cm (8 x 3 in.)
Materials
Plastic
Ink
Inventory Number
A20010070003
Credit Line
Donated by Southwest Airlines
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.