But Southwest is first come first serve, if a tall person needs to sit in an emergency seat on a full flight they have to hope that someone will switch if they don't get there early.
We fly Southwest almost exclusively and more often than not they'll do everything they can to accodate him if it's a longer flight. We get there early and after obtaining our bording pass we get in line right away. That way we have a better chance at the exit row seat. My daughter (12 years old) isn't allowed to sit in that row so we sit a row ahead. The problem is the many people who claim the need to board early...walking just fine through the concourse then when it's time to board they're limping. grrrrr
I'm 5'2" so the need for extra leg space isn't necessary. :o)