Southwest Airlines plans to drop its tradition of more than 50 years and start assigning seats and selling premium seating for customers who want more legroom.
The airline said Thursday that it has been studying seating options and is making the changes because passenger preferences have shifted. The moves could also generate revenue and boost financial performance.
Southwest made the announcement on the same day that both it and American Airlines reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit despite higher revenue.
Airlines are struggling with higher costs and reduced pricing power, especially on flights within the United States, as the industry adds flights faster than the growth in travel demand.
Southwest, based in Dallas, said its second-quarter profit fell 46% from a year earlier, to $367 million, as higher costs for labor, fuel and other expenses outstripped an increase in revenue. The results met Wall Street expectations.
American Airlines also reported a 46% drop in profit, to $717 million, and said it would break even in the third quarter — well below Wall Street expectations for the July-through-September period.
Southwest has used an open-seating model since its founding, with passengers lining up to board, then choosing their own seat once they are on the airplane. But, the airline said, preferences have “evolved” — as more travelers take longer flights, they want an assigned seat.
The airline is said it will offer redeye flights for the first time.
Southwest said that its first overnight, redeye flights will land on Feb. 14, 2025 in nonstop markets that include Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to Baltimore. It plans to phase in additional redeye flights over time.
After 50 years of open seating, Southwest Airlines has announced that they will begin assigning seats to passengers on their flights. This change marks a significant departure from the airline’s long-standing tradition of allowing passengers to choose their own seats upon boarding.
The decision to implement assigned seating comes as Southwest looks to improve the overall customer experience and streamline the boarding process. By assigning seats, the airline hopes to reduce the chaos and confusion that can sometimes occur during the boarding process, particularly on crowded flights.
While some passengers may be disappointed to see the end of open seating on Southwest flights, the airline believes that assigned seating will ultimately lead to a more efficient and organized boarding process. Passengers will no longer have to rush to secure a seat or worry about finding a spot next to their travel companions.
Southwest has assured customers that they will still be able to select their preferred seat when booking their flight, and that families and groups traveling together will be seated together whenever possible. The airline also plans to continue offering its popular EarlyBird Check-In option for passengers who want to ensure a better boarding position.
Overall, Southwest’s decision to begin assigning seats represents a significant shift in the airline industry and reflects the company’s commitment to improving the customer experience. While some passengers may need time to adjust to the change, many are likely to appreciate the added convenience and organization that assigned seating will bring to their flights.
