Southwest Airlines Announces Major Changes to Boarding Process
- Southwest Airlines is transitioning from its traditional open seating model to assigned seating arrangements.
- In addition, the airline is introducing a premium cabin that offers increased legroom and comfort.
- This move aims to enhance customer experience and attract more passengers, especially with the addition of redeye flights.
In a significant shift after 53 years of allowing passengers to choose their own seats, Southwest Airlines has announced a new boarding process that will include assigned seating and premium seating options on all flights. The Dallas-based airline revealed these changes on Thursday, describing them as enhancements aimed at transforming customer experience and improving financial performance. Southwest's president and CEO, Bob Jordan, emphasized that this move aligns with evolving customer preferences and is part of a broader strategy to upgrade the overall travel experience. The airline plans to redesign its cabin layout, with approximately one-third of seats across its fleet expected to offer extended legroom, comparable to offerings from industry competitors. While specific details of the new seating arrangement are still in development, the changes will require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before implementation. This initiative is part of Southwest's ongoing modernization efforts, which have already included improvements such as faster WiFi, in-seat power, and more spacious overhead bins. Additionally, Southwest announced the introduction of redeye flights, with bookings for initial routes available starting Thursday. The first overnight flights are set to launch on Valentine's Day 2025, connecting various cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix to Baltimore. These announcements coincided with the airline's second quarter financial results, which fell short of expectations. Jordan noted a 3.8% year-over-year decline in Revenue per Available Seat Mile (RASM) and stated that the airline is taking urgent steps to address revenue challenges while implementing long-term initiatives to enhance financial performance.