"Under the open-seat system, Southwest customers could check in starting exactly 24 hours before departure to secure places in boarding lines at departure gates. Early check-ins were placed in the coveted "A" boarding group, essentially guaranteeing they would find an open window or aisle seat. Others landed in "B" or "C," the likelihood of only middle seats being available rising the longer they waited to check in."
"The Dallas-based airline's unusual seating process began as a way to get passengers on planes quickly and thereby reduce the time that aircraft and crews spent on the ground not making money. It helped Southwest operate more efficiently and to squeeze a few more flights into the daily schedule; the system also was a key reason Southwest remained profitable every year until the coronavirus pandemic."
Southwest Airlines will replace its long-standing open-seating system with assigned seats and optional paid upgrades for preferred locations and extra-legroom beginning Tuesday. The previous system let customers check in 24 hours before departure to secure A/B/C boarding positions, influencing seat choice and rewarding early check-in. The policy originated to speed boarding and reduce ground time, supporting operational efficiency and profitability before the pandemic. Over time, the system evolved to include paid priority positions, making access less equal. The new boarding will use an eight-group structure with alternating lanes and phased gate-area conversions starting Monday night.
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