o/w herc driver

Spoke with a guy that was actually in charge of test & eval on this one (they tried it in San Antonio couple months ago and it reportedly worked well). The reasons for it are pretty basic:
1. Gives you your boarding priority within 5 numbers so no one will feel like they have to stand in line 30 minutes before boarding to get a better seat, unless of course you care that 4 other people might board ahead of you.
2. Most importantly it caters to the business traveler that wants to maximize his time working on his laptop in the gate area rather than standing in line for a better seat.

Obviously biggest concern was whether it slowed the turn times at all. From what I've heard the gate agents will be calling the groups just as fast, but you won't have to get up out of your seat until they actually start boarding. I think its a middle ground to cater to the business traveler and the people that aren't fans of the MASS cattle call but will tolerate open seating with a little more certainty. As always, checking in online 24 hours prior will still give you the best priority.

Fins Up

The families should have to sit on the carpet for and hour and a half to get their seat choices just like everyone else.

SamFoxpilot

Personally, I liked having families board first. Not so much for them to get the best seats--more for me to see where they are at so I can sit somewhere else.

Huggy Bear

You guys must not have kids. Someday you will have that kid, or once upon a time you were that kid.

With open seating families will get separated and you will end up sitting next to junior all by yourself with their parents 7 aisles away. Believe me, letting them board early is better for all concerned.

POPA

In a perfect world, this would be true. However, not having assigned seats definitely aids in the ability to quick-turn a plane. It's amazing how many people are confused by the numbering system used in the cabin, and not having to reinvent sequential numbering at the beginning of every flight cuts down in the amount of time required to board.

Freightpuppy

Funny how that's humiliating but stuffing your face at McDonald's isn't.

Freightpuppy

Yup, and they won't be traveling on airplanes with me.

the King

I'm pretty sure the last time I went on a trip with my family, I intentionally sat somewhere different. I like to sit down and immediately appear to be asleep. Many people will go elsewhere so they don't wake you up. At least, they'll leave a seat between you.

POPA

I just start a hacking cough.
90% of the time, it works all the time.

jonnyjetprop

Didn't WN do this a long time ago? I remember my dad talking about getting a number to board.