Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating

I don’t remember a time when they did not have open seating. Economic conditions are badly affecting the company.

Southwest Airlines is making a significant change to its long-standing open seating policy, transitioning to assigned seating after more than 50 years. This decision comes in response to evolving customer preferences, particularly on longer flights where assigned seating is favored. The Dallas-based airline hopes that this shift will attract both new and existing customers, noting that four out of five customers prefer assigned seats. While the exact date for the implementation of this change has not been specified, it marks a major shift in Southwest’s operational approach.

No more cattle call seating for Southwest Airlines. https://t.co/QpIJd7fDp9

— Gizmodo (@Gizmodo) July 25, 2024

In addition to the new seating arrangements, Southwest plans to introduce premium seating options across its fleet. Approximately one-third of seats will offer extended legroom, comparable to what is offered by other airlines on narrowbody aircraft. This is part of a broader cabin refresh that the airline began earlier this year, which also includes in-seat USB charging and stronger Wi-Fi capabilities.

My initial knee-jerk reaction is that chasing profits at the expense of your one differentiator in the airline industry is not the move, but what do I know. 🤷‍♂️

Get ready for assigned seats: Southwest Airlines ushers in big changes https://t.co/dekhNXEZUg

— Zac Frazier (@mineralmiser) July 25, 2024

Another major change is the introduction of red-eye flights, with bookings already open. The first overnight flights are scheduled to land on Valentine’s Day, covering five initial nonstop markets: Las Vegas to Baltimore, Las Vegas to Orlando, Los Angeles to Baltimore, Los Angeles to Nashville, and Phoenix to Baltimore. The airline plans to expand red-eye services to additional markets, eventually offering 24-hour operational capabilities.

Southwest Airlines is throwing out the open-seating model it has used for decades and introduce redeye flights.@NPR reports:https://t.co/RkuDa9mQiE

— St. Louis Public Radio (@stlpublicradio) July 25, 2024

These changes are aimed at adding value for both customers and investors. Southwest’s President, CEO, and Vice Chairman Bob Jordan stated that the goal is to restore industry-leading margins and historical levels of shareholder returns. The airline recently reported a 4.5% year-over-year increase in operating revenues, reaching a record quarterly high of $7.4 billion. However, Southwest has faced challenges, including delays in plane deliveries from Boeing and pricing pressures due to industry-wide overcapacity, which have affected revenue and increased costs.

Key Points:

• Southwest Airlines is ending its open seating policy, moving to assigned seating.
• The airline will offer premium seating with extended legroom on one-third of its fleet.
• Red-eye flights are being introduced, with the first landing on Valentine’s Day in five initial markets.
• These changes aim to attract new and existing customers, providing additional value.
• The airline reported a record high in quarterly revenues but faces challenges from Boeing delivery delays and industry overcapacity.

RM Tomi – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News