[jcl]

I thought Southwest uses “open” seating, where passengers aren’t assigned a seat, but instead just take any unoccupied seat? If so, a perk of being earlier in the boarding order would be that you have a better chance of getting a seat you want, if you have any particular preferences.

[egypturnash]

Yes, they do, it's great. Being right at the very front of the line is a paid perk for singles, free for families with kids; being in the first main group after that is just a matter of checking in the night before.

Usually I find I can get a seat I don't hate unless I am running so late that I am in the latter half of the 'B' group or anywhere in the 'C' group.

[inetknght]

> you have a better chance of getting a seat you want, if you have any particular preferences.

also have a better chance of not having to risk getting separated from your carry-on baggage because the plane's already full

[User23]

This is why every southwest flight has 20 boomers in wheelchairs at the front of the line for preboard.

One time I was traveling with a blind girl who had a guide dog and the boomer patrol had occupied all the bulkhead space. They seemed to think she should sit with a German Shepherd in her lap. Needless to say I aggressively advocated and reminded the flight crew that FAA regulations entitle persons with guide dogs to a bulkhead seat. Let me tell you, we got some stink eyes from the displaced boomers who didn't want to have to walk an extra six feet to the potty.

[londons_explore]

> FAA regulations entitle persons with guide dogs to a bulkhead seat.

Google didn't find those regulations for me.

[User23]

They don’t appear to be indexed well anymore. However here[1] is a fairly recent article mentioning the existence of the space rule. If I fly with a guide dog user again I’ll be sure to find the actual rule.

[1] https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/airlines/ultimate-guide-to...