I recently flew on Southwest with the new update to assigned seats. My experience was overall good. I was flying solo which is simpler than trying to keep a group together. I will be flying with others soon and will provide updates here as needed. 

Lots of caveats here! First, I am a Southwest credit card holder. I applied when they changed to charging for checked bags. In my family, if we travel once a year it covers the annual fee in bag charges alone. In addition, with my son, where we sit and minimizing the amount of time on a plane is crucial. I wanted to be able to choose premium seating for his sake and as close to the front of the plane as we can get in order to exit the plane quickly. 

Another caveat, none of the three flights I flew were full. I traveled from Indianapolis to San Diego via Las Vegas and then had a direct flight home. (My most traveled flight from Indianapolis to Orlando is almost always full.) That being said, a difference I noticed was the urgency with the gate employees were requesting people voluntarily check their bags to ensure plenty of room in overhead bins. In addition, small carry-on items need to be stored under the seat in front of you to leave space in the overhead bins for luggage. 

With the credit card, I am guaranteed a boarding group of at least five. I still checked in 24 hours prior, but didn't feel it was as critical as it previously was. There are now 8 boarding groups. On a full flight, groups seven and eight are highly likely to have one of their carry-ons checked at the gate. Bags checked at the gate are checked for free and go straight on the plane. Keep in mind, bags need to be within the limits of a carry-on bag.

Two of the three planes seemed to be updatedwith slightly more leg room than I remember on previous flights. This could totally be in my head. I am a shorty anyway, so I have never really struggled with this. There were both usb-a and usb-c charging ports and a literature pocket behind the headrest of the seat in front as opposed to there only being the lower pocket. In addition, the overhead bins seemed larger with enough room for carry-on luggage to be stored on its side allowing space for more bags. 

Picking my seat was an easy process. It was clear which ones come with a fee and which ones I could pick for free. Benefits with the Southwest Credit card include free first checked bag and complimentary preferred seat (when available) for up to 8 people in your travel party. The card is not required to be the method of payment as long as you enter your Rapid Rewards number you still get the benefits.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at how smooth the process was. I am sure there are many flaws to work out and they will continue to refine the process. I was able to get my preference of an aisle seat on all three flights and relatively close to the front of the plane.

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