What travelers can expect as Southwest Airlines introduces assigned seats

"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."

"Starting Tuesday, customers on Southwest flights will have assigned seats and the option of paying more to get their preferred seat closer to the front of a plane or seats with extra legroom. The airline began selling tickets shaped by the new policy in July. RELATED: San Jose, Oakland airports see further decline in passengers Here's what travelers can expect as Southwest does away with another of its signature features and becomes more like other airlines:"

Starting Tuesday, Southwest Airlines will assign seats and allow customers to pay extra for preferred seats closer to the front or for seats with extra legroom. The airline began selling tickets under the new policy in July. The previous open-seat system let customers check in exactly 24 hours before departure to secure A, B or C boarding positions and thereby select preferred seats. That approach sped boarding, reduced ground time, enabled tighter schedules, and supported profitability before the coronavirus pandemic. Over time the system became less egalitarian as the airline sold priority spots. An eight-group boarding structure and alternating lanes will replace the free-for-all.

Read at The Mercury News