United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Southwest to ditch open seating
Southwest Airlines is making significant changes to its business and operational model.
It is moving to assigned seating for the first time and will offer extra legroom seats.
It comes as the airline is being pressured by a major investor to make crucial changes to boost the bottom line.
Also, the airline will start ‘red-eye’ flights for the first time.
The airline says the changes – especially the shift from open seating – is a move a large majority of customers support.
“The research is clear – 80% of Southwest customers, and 86% of potential customers, prefer an assigned seat,” the airline said. “By moving to an assigned seating model, Southwest expects to broaden its appeal and attract more customers.”
The airline had been mulling a change in the seating policy for some time.
Southwest hasn’t mentioned whether its free checked bags policy will change, which is one of the main selling points, or whether it will start charging to change flights.
Southwest’s first 47 years of its 50-year history saw it post net profit every year.
That ended as the pandemic kicked in and it has suffered a number of problems since.
Notably, the December holiday meltdown of 2022 was a major blow to its reputation and cost the airline about $1 billion.
The airline is currently under expanded safety oversight by the FAA due to a number of near-misses and safety issues.
Related News Stories:
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Storm Lilian travel chaos as bank holiday flights cancelled