Southwest Airlines to End Open Seating Model After 50 Years
- Southwest Airlines has announced plans to discontinue its open seating model, a policy that has been in place for decades.
- The decision comes as part of the airline's strategy to boost profitability, although a timeline for implementing the changes has not been provided.
- This shift may significantly alter the passenger experience, as seating arrangements will likely become more structured.
In a significant shift from its longstanding policy, Southwest Airlines has announced it will eliminate open seating on all flights, a practice it has maintained for over five decades. The Texas-based airline revealed on Thursday that it will implement assigned seating and introduce premium seating options, aiming to enhance profitability by charging higher rates for these premium seats. This change marks a departure from Southwest's traditional single economy-class cabin, where passengers select their seats after boarding based on assigned groups. The decision to move to assigned seating comes after research indicated that a substantial majority of customers—80% of current and nearly 90% of potential passengers—prefer having a designated seat. Southwest acknowledged that open seating has been a significant factor in customers choosing to fly with competitors. By adopting an assigned seating model, the airline hopes to broaden its appeal and attract more travelers, both existing and new. CEO Bob Jordan previously hinted at potential changes to the airline's boarding and seating processes, citing financial challenges stemming from delays with Boeing and the decision to withdraw from underperforming airports. Despite these operational changes, Southwest assured that the new seating arrangements would not compromise its efficiency. While the airline has not specified when these changes will take effect, it plans to provide further details during its investor day scheduled for September. This strategic pivot reflects Southwest's commitment to adapting to customer preferences and improving its financial standing in a competitive market.