I won’t pay a lot extra for SW either. But one of the things I do really like about SW is that you can ultimately choose who you will be sitting next to and avoid the grossly overweight or messy-looking person.
I’d rather choose a middle seat between two thin, neat-looking people than be assigned a window or aisle and be unpleasantly surprised when a really overweight middle-seat person shows up.
I find there are fewer carry ons for SW flights because it is still free to check. Of course there are some, but it is fairly rare that gate checking is needed.
And for crying out loud, nobody wants to climb over someone to get to the window. Stand up, please.
@prospect1 - if you are seated first and there is an empty seat next to you, it’s a lottery as to who will be sitting next to you. Some folks will avoid making eye contact with someone they might not wish to have sit next to them. Might work, might not.
@jym626, yes, it only works as a tactic if you have drawn a lower SW boarding number and the seat selection is already somewhat completed.
OTOH, if I know a flight is going to be full, I may choose the middle between two small people even if there are plenty of seats left. That way, I know the flight will be decently comfortable with no surprises.
I also like to choose seat mates who already have headsets plugged in. Reduces the chance of getting a “talker.” Of course, I put mine in immediately.
“If people understand the SW boarding policy it might be ok, but we’ve had situations where people don’t quite understand that when the #s are sequential it doesn’t mean they get to stand in the first spot of the sequence when their # is the last # in that sequence (and some people got into an uncomfortable “conversation” with them about it- it was awkward standing there. Thought we might have to duck as they argued.)”
What conversation is there to have? “We are B40 and B41. You are B42 and B43. It goes in order, so you stand here and we stand here.” What’s to fight about?? 
@Pizzagirl - I agree with that. Once you ask the people in the bunch where you are lined up what their number is, the rest of the group re-arranges themselves.
Some people are reluctant to point that out as I learned belatedly. Once I had 43 and positioned myself a bit behind the half way point in the 41-45 section. Someone with 42 came a bit later stood behind me. The whole time we were in line she was talking about how it’s ok to be a bit more behind than the designated spot. I didn’t take the hint. I was at the right spot. Once I realized what she was trying to say, it got awkward. What was I supposed to do? Ask her what her number is when she hasn’t talk to me directly?
Yes- you ask her what her boarding number is. It’s not like you are asking her how much she weighs!
I haven’t been on SW since they put in this new number system. I’m used to the old ABCD groups and you boarded when your group was called. Simpler that way and you fill the plane up much faster.
It wasn’t my issue. The person with B 41 gently informed the person with B 45 or whatever that they were to stand n sequential order. The person said "we are in the area for B41-45 so we are in the right section. You can imagine how it went from there.
Igloooo - MOWC is right. You can ask strangers for their numbers. Nbd whatsoever.
Igloooo - why didn’t she just move in front of you if she knew she had the earlier number? Why beat around the bush?
When I was a newbie on SW, I did think (at least at my airport, Detroit) that the number posts were a little confusing. If a post said, “seats 20-25” (or whatever) I wasn’t clear if it should be in front of the post or behind the post. Again, I figured it out in a minute, but for those who are anxious - or not observant - I can see people messing up. Yep, just say something! I don’t hesitate!
I always thing no matter what the airline or the process, people CANNOT wait their turn and are always jumping the gun on boarding. Cracks me up to watch people position themselves for gate entry - knowing well they will have to wait for their corral of people!!!
Is it really a big deal if you are 41 or 45?
No, but it’s the principle. I shouldn’t be allowed to “butt ahead.”
41 or 45 can be a big deal - that’s the back half of the loading process - so seating choices start to dwindle down.
Most people don’t care if 42 and 43 get mixed up but I always ask the people who are already there what their number is and place myself accordingly.
The main problem is those little 5 person areas are often too small for 5 people and their bags to stand comfortably so everyone spills out.
That’s what I was thinking, why didn’t she just move in front of me? There was room not a whole but enough to squeeze in. When she arrived, she should have asked me what number I had and stand infront of me.
And this is one of the reasons I don’t like to fly SW, free baggage or not. I don’t like standing in line like cattle having to figure out if I am in proper sequential order. Years ago, one could have a good chance of getting towards the front of the seating order by logging in 24 hours ahead (if you remember!) but now you are lucky to get the first half of the B group. I don’t want to pay extra, or remember to log in exactly 24 hours ahead, or hassle with lining up by number.
Let me book a seat for me and my family members. While everyone else panics and queues up like cattle, I’ll relax at the gate - because I have a seat! Once things quiet down, I’ll go board and get my seat. I’ve rarely had problems with finding space for a carryon somewhere and if so, they’ll gate check it. I’m in no rush to get on the plane I’ll need to be on for hours.
I think a lifetime of flying nonrev has made me jaded about worrying about getting on the plane. I’m used to being last. No problems. It’s all good, it all works out when you have a seat assignment.
I’d rather play the SW game than be nickel and dimed to pay to sit in the front half of the plane. The last two flights I’ve been offered seats in the first 25 rows if I’m willing to pay $25/per seat (or more!), per leg. That’s crazy. I’m already paying more this year than I’ve ever paid and now I’m being asked to add $100 (+) to my flight. I’d rather log in 24 hours in advance. I’ve never gotten less than a B grouping and that pretty much assures me the seat I want. I also don’t mind waiting in the group. Generally I’m standing with a family member and not fake chilling waiting to get on board.
@doschicos - I like your attitude, you sound very relaxed. However, I have found it to be more of a cattle call, or more likely a free for all, in the non Southwest method. There you are, waiting for your group to be called to board, and inevitably someone will burst in at the last minute and try to kneecap you to get on the plane first. With assigned seats!
I find the SW lineup to be less stressful.