Southwest ends open seating after 54 years. Here's what the last flight was like

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OVER THE PACIFIC OCEAN — The 112 passengers on this Southwest Airlines

red-eye flight from Honolulu to Los Angeles were the last in the airline’s more than 54-year history to scramble for a seat on board.

Before dawn on Tuesday, Southwest ended its quirky (or anxiety-inducing, depending on the traveler) open-seating policy in favor of assigned seats for all customers as the carrier that prided itself on marching to its own drum becomes more like its rivals, under pressure to increase revenue.

The change means that all Southwest passengers will know exactly where they will be sitting before they board, and some of them will pay more than $70 per leg to have a new, roomy spot up front. Prices vary.