Not just the seat selection process, but the entire boarding process at WN is an elaborate, choreographed ritual of social anxiety, awkwardness, and confrontation that is, for me, so tiresome. I honestly can't understand why any FF would defend it.

Step 1: Line up in my assigned boarding position, e.g. A41. Stand right past the "41-45" post when GA tells A group to line up. Get questioned by an assortment of Karens as to "what's your number?" Well, I'm literally right at 41, so 41. Im also flashing my mobile boarding pass is that 6 people won't try to talk to me.. Try to stay unobtrusive as people figure .... out behind and in front of me. I try to avoid the row of B and C boarders encroaching from the side.

Step 2: Board when A 30-60 is called. Question or just dodge around B boarders or other clueless folks who are lined up but not really in A group and just standing there. Dodge or say "excuse me" to families with strollers who are pushing into the boarding lane.

Step 3: Try to find a good seat. Rely on FT-approved complex WN seat selection theory/strategy. Wish I would have studied it more. Ooh, there's a bulkhead aisle open. But the elderly couple in window and middle are staring daggers at me. Crap. I have 2 seconds to decide whether old dude's shoulders are going to dig into mine the entire flight, or whether taking the seat will lead to some confrontation because he's "saving" it. Quick decision-- I'll take it. CRAP! Overhead bin is already full because someone in row 8 put their stuff there already. Moving on. Old guy visibly relieved.

Step 4: Now all aisle seats in early rows are gone. Do I make someone move their pile of stuff in a middle seat to take a window??? Crap, seconds to decide. Nah, God, let's hope for the exit row. Wait, customers of size like the exit rows. Crap. Wait... one half of the LUV seat is open. YES, maybe this flight to PHX will be only mildly uncomfortable. Guy there is skinny.... JACKPOT. Even bin space. Go to sit down... "wait, I'm saving that seat for my wife, she's in B group." Again, next in a long line of anxiety inducing social confrontations. FA is there.

Choose your own adventure option 1: "This is Southwest. There is an open seat. I'd like to sit there, please." Drumming up all exhausted courage. Guy starts yelling, then moves back, FA says to me that "you're technically correct, but we try to just avoid things like this." (This option 1 has literally happened to me IRL). Now, at least 3 people on the plane are mad at me: Guy, wife, and my FA! At least I'm physically comfortable. Everyone around me in exit rows saw my confrontation. Some are staring! Awesome flight!

Choose your own adventure option 2: "Oh, my bad." Slink back to an aisle in like row 27. Feel uncomfortable and crappy because you didn't assert yourself. Curse the name of WN forever. Probably get stuffed next to a linebacker who comes and sits in the middle of your row, but since now it's too late and everyone's boarded, you can't move, and you're stuck. Awful flight!

A tale as old as time: several episodes of anxiety and frustration, and the doors ain't even closed yet! Also let's remember: even all of WN's elites and those who buy BS go through all of the above. For me, that companion pass ain't worth it.