United Airlines wants to assist you in avoiding the dreaded "C" boarding group on Southwest Airlines.
Yes, you did read that right.
The Chicago-based airline will debut an unusual advertising campaign on Thursday, reminding Southwest customers to check in 24 hours before to their flights in order to secure a more desirable boarding group.
To receive a call from United in time for the check-in window, visitors can go to NotGroupC.com.
Hello, this is United Airlines calling to remind you to check in for your Southwest flight so you don't get put in boarding group C. A recording of the call was made available before to the campaign's start.
Consider flying with United on your subsequent flight since we allow you to select your seat in advance.
Because it does not assign seats, Southwest is exceptional among American airlines.
Instead, it gives boarding numbers in three different groups—A, B, and C—based on the order in which passengers check in.
Then, in the gate area, passengers line up according to their boarding group and seat number.
There are a few methods to escape the infamous C group, like having Southwest status, purchasing a Business Select fare, or checking in early.
But United would like to expand that toolkit with its brand-new, ironic reminder service, which it calls a "Courte-C call."
In a statement, Maggie Schmerin, managing director of advertising and social media for United, said, "We're sounding a cheerful alarm to warn travelers who may not pick United that there's a simpler way to travel."
"Ideally, these travelers won't need a 24-hour notice to check in the following time they fly because they've decided to fly with United, where consumers may choose their seat in advance and avoid the penalty of landing in the competition's Boarding Group C."
Three crucial cities where United and Southwest engage in strong competition will see the launch of the new digital campaign.
The advertisements will appear on the screens of computers and smartphones for travellers based in Houston, Denver, and Chicago.
According to the most recent official traffic data available, United held a 56% domestic market share across Houston's two airports, while Southwest held a 26% domestic market share.
Southwest predominantly uses Willam P. Hobby Airport (HOU), with occasional flights at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), whereas United only uses IAH.
In July, United held a 46% domestic market share at Denver International Airport (DEN), while Southwest held a 29% domestic market share.
United held a 36% domestic market share between the two airports in Chicago, while Southwest held a 27% market share.
While Southwest lists Midway International Airport (MDW) as one of its busiest bases and still offers a number of flights from ORD, United solely operates at O'Hare International Airport (ORD).
Airlines have rarely, but not never, used one another's names in advertising in recent years.
United began a new campaign in Denver in 2021 to compete with Southwest.
One advertisement said, "United: Direct flights to the beaches of Hawaii.
Southwest: A few stops to the beaches of Hawaii."
Despite United's jabs at Southwest and its boarding procedure, choosing a seat on a United flight is not always free, particularly if a passenger pays a basic economy rate or doesn't have Premier status.
The least expensive fares offered by United let passengers to purchase a seat assignment.
If they don't, a seat will be automatically assigned to them, which may be one of the less attractive middle seats, which are frequently available for Group C travelers.
Additionally, many of United's more coveted seats are referred to as "preferred seats."
These places tend to be nearer the front of the cabin and are frequently window and aisle seats.
Even if you didn't choose basic economy, if you don't have United status, you'll have to pay for these even if they are free for Premier members to choose.
Even said, it's impossible to dispute that United isn't the best airline to copy Southwest's boarding procedure given how unique and direct this advertising is.
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