Southwest makes fleeing the Valley marginally less painful
Southwest Airlines, newly returned to SFO, and a big tenant at the Bay Area's other airports, has rolled out a fancy new gate-area design and boarding process. Instead of the A/B/C boarding groups of old, you'll be assigned a number like A27 based on when you checked in for your flight. When your number is up, you get on the plane and sit where you like. No more queuing up an hour before departure to ensure you get an aisle seat. The best news? Southwest is also redesigning the gate area with comfy seats and a counter with lots of power outlets to charge your cell phones and laptops.