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A passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight recently took a photo of an entire row of seats blocked off using a neck pillow and two bags. The individual responsible was not seated in the row but nearby, saving those seats for family members.
Southwest Airlines operates with an 'open seating' policy, meaning there is no specific rule regarding seat saving. Passengers line up by boarding group and number, which are assigned based on fare, elite status with the airline, and check-in time. Additionally, individuals requesting wheelchairs often secure better seats regardless of actual need.
For many Southwest passengers, securing seats can become a free-for-all situation. Techniques to ensure more space or group seating vary widely. Some place crumpled tissues on seats to appear sick or act as if they are arguing with others in the row. Others spread themselves or their belongings into adjacent seats to make it seem uncomfortable to sit there or place items in empty seats to give the impression they are occupied.
