Originally Posted by
alggag
FWIW seat maps aren't too reliable either.
That was my first thought.
If you aren't elite, you might be looking at a plane that appears 100% sold out but isn't.
If you are elite, you might be looking at a plane that appears quite empty but will end up checking in full or close to it.
With Southwest, stuff changes so fast that I don't bother calling. I just ask as I'm boarding. Agent usually responds with an exact number unless the answer is obviously going to be "pretty empty" or "100% full".