A major airline change might not fix a lingering boarding problem.
©Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is ending its longtime open seating policy OFFICIALLY on January 27th, 2026, requiring passengers to acquire assigned seats. Additionally, the airline has ended its free checked bag policy while also requiring passengers who “encroach upon the neighboring seat’ to proactively purchase an additional ticket, which might not be refunded.” Of course, Southwest patrons aren’t thrilled with these changes, and they won’t be too happy with a boarding issue that could continue despite all these changes.
Aisle Lice is a problem that plagues EVERY airline, annoying passengers and flight attendants alike. The term “Aisle Lice” essentially describes “eager” travelers who — the moment the aircraft comes to a stop and the seatbelt sign turns off — immediately grab their bags, force their way into the aisle, and generally just act super pushy until they can deplane.
©Getty Images
The total lack of airplane etiquette and efficiency makes life harder for passengers who typically follow the airplane version of the zipper method (passengers exit row by row, front to back).
Aisle lice slow the process down, create traffic and safety hazards, and can heighten tension with other passengers thanks to a lack of basic courtesy. Ultimately, assigned seating doesn’t fix this problem. Why do we suggest that? Well, most other airlines have assigned seating, and this is STILL a major issue plaguing the airplane experience. As long as flights are long, policies aren’t put into place, and passengers are impatient, we don’t see Southwest magically fixing the Aisle Lice epidemic.
©Southwest Airlines
Then there’s the issue with Gate Lice — folks that hover around the boarding area way before their group is called. Historically speaking, Southwest has ALWAYS had a problem with this, and frankly, it’s not the airline’s fault. Like we previously mentioned, impatience can get the best of people, and they’ll swarm the boarding area well before it’s their time. Will assigned seating fix this? Maybe, but it’s still unlikely.
Even with its open seating model, Southwest still assigned a boarding group and boarding number, meaning you still had a specific spot to line up in, and no amount of rushing to the gate lineup changes that. With that said, an assigned seat may ease the anxiety that can cause Gate Lice, but swarming a boarding group or an aisle isn’t a practice rooted in deep logic, so we won’t rule it out.
Airport
Of course, you always have to worry about Seat Squatters, who are passengers that take a seat that isn’t actually theirs, hoping no one will notice. This may be particularly common with Southwest during the initial rollout of assigned seating, and it might not be done intentionally either. If this happens, simply check your ticket and kindly talk to the other passenger. If conflict arises, notify a flight attendant.
©Southwest Airlines
The moral of the story when flying with Southwest in the future is to practice patience and kindness. These changes are jarring for everyone — staff included. Additionally, now that you’re super familiar with Aisle Lice, Gate Lice, and Seat Squatters, you know how NOT to be one.
We’re keeping up-to-date on all the latest travel trends and updates, so keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know.
“Now They’ll Just Be Like Every Other Airline” — Travelers Have THOUGHTS on Southwest Boarding Process Change
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It is time for ALL airlines to enforce exiting your seat, “row by row.” I was on a flight to MCO quite some time ago, seated towards the rea r of the plane, the guy behind me grabbed his bag from above me and pounced the bag on me. His reply to me was, “I’m darlin”, I did not mean to hurt you. Seriously? First thing I aid to him was, number one, “I am not your darlin” and you do not want to know the rest. By all means, exit seat by seat from the very first row.