Southwest Airlines announces major changes to their boarding process

For the first time in its history, Southwest Airlines will assign seats to its customers.

For more than 50 years, the airline has allowed customers to choose their seats when they board their flight, but the Texas-based carrier said that will end soon.

On Thursday, Southwest announced it will offer assigned seats and premium seats with extended legroom on all flights.

The airline says the major change of heart comes after research indicated 80% of customers and 86% of potential customers preferred an assigned seat. In their studies they learned the top reason people choose other airlines was Southwest’s unique open seating policy.

Cabin layout details are still in the design process, but Southwest estimates that one-third of the cabin will be dedicated to premium seating.

The announcement did not give a timeline for when the new policy would be implemented.

“Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the Company,” Bob Jordan, President, CEO, & Vice Chairman of the Board, said in a press release. “Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice— at the right time—for our Customers, our People, and our Shareholders.”

In addition to a revamped boarding process, Southwest announced it was expanding it’s operations to 24 hours with redeye flights.

Beginning in February 2025, the carrier will operate five initial nonstop routes: Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to Baltimore. Additional routes will be added in the future.

Will this change make you want to fly Southwest Airlines or does it not make a difference?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!