We sure did. 12.G.6.b: "In the event the Company implements assigned seating or a premium seating product during the duration of this Agreement, deadheading Pilots will not be assigned a middle seat, a seat in the last row of the aircraft, or a non-premium seat, unless these seats are the only types available at the time of booking. This will not preclude a Pilot from being upgraded after the original booking."

Preboard abuse has ruined the open seating, unfortunately. I think assigned seating may shave a few minutes off the average turn just because it'll disincentivize the people who fake a need for preboarding just to get a better seat. That'll save the ops agent time he'd otherwise spend wheeling people down the jetway. Folks with actual disabilities will still be taken care of, of course.


My vote is a two-class cabin: Open seating coach like we have now, and Business Select becoming a section of the plane with more legroom, assigned seating, and other perks. Maybe make it like Euro business class with a blocked middle seat?