07/26/2024
Buckle Up: Southwest Is Ending Its Open Seating Policy
What's going on: Southwest Airlines is embarking on a new journey. In a press release yesterday, the company announced it’s switching to assigned seating and will offer premium options on all of its flights, though it didn't specify when this change will happen. Why is Southwest ditching its 50-year-old seat policy? Its research shows that 80% of current Southwest fliers and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seats. The company also said the open seating policy is the number one reason customers cite when choosing to fly another airline.
What it means: The budget airline has been struggling with its own budget recently, reporting a loss of $231 million in the first quarter of this year. Southwest says it hopes the change to its seating policy will attract new fliers, but it could risk alienating its most loyal customers who enjoy playing musical chairs in the sky. Still, this new policy will put it more in line with conventional carriers like Delta and American. However as of now, you can still check 2 bags free!
