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Southwest Airlines is set to move away from its first-come, first-served boarding process in favor of assigned seating, a decision that has sparked varied reactions among travelers. The airline asserts that the majority of passengers prefer assigned seats, though some loyal customers express regret over the impending change.
The current boarding system allows for flexibility and strategic seat selection, benefiting last-minute travelers and families with lap infants. "If I book tickets on American Airlines, and it’s not months in advance, I usually can’t get the better seats on the plane," one traveler noted. "With Southwest most of the seats are unassigned when I board the aircraft! That means I can switch flights or standby and still get a decent seat."
For those who enjoy controlling their travel experience, Southwest's open seating provides an opportunity to choose neighbors based on personal preferences. "There’s strategy to seat selection!" another passenger commented. "Are you going to pick a seat that’s least likely to have someone next to you? Or maybe you want to find someone small so your space isn’t encroached upon."
