Southwest Airlines said today that it is going to modify its boarding procedures beginning in November.

Based on the airline’s trial runs in San Antonio — the airline says it has decided to stay with open seating, but with a twist.

Beginning in early November, passengers will be assigned a letter and a number on their Southwest boarding pass when they check in for a flight (for example: A32).

This combination will be, in effect, a passenger’s position in the onboard process. Meanwhile, boarding positions will be separated into groups of five. When a passenger’s boarding group is called, they will find their designated place in line to board the aircraft.

According to the release, the A group will queue first in two lines: A1-30 on one side of marked columns and A31-60 on the other side, followed by two groups of B, and then the remaining Cs.

You can access a video of the new process here.

While the change initially seems confusing, the part I like about it is that when you check-in online, you will get priority — and you will know your position in your respective group immediately. No having to get to the airport earlier anyway and sit on the floor, just to make sure you have a high boarding priority.

From what I can tell at this point, I think the airline has found a great way to accommodate both camps of passengers pretty well – those who want assigned seats, and those who don’t.

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