Southwest Airlines introducing assigned seating in major shake-up

Southwest Airlines is ditching its open seating policy in favor of assigned seats, marking a major change in the airline’s history.

The budget carrier has been known for keeping its open seating policy since it started 53 years ago, but it cited customer feedback in its decision to take up assigned seating. The move will also introduce premium seating that provides extra legroom to passengers, according to a Thursday press release.

Southwest Airlines also released its second-quarter results for 2024, in which it detailed plans to receive 20 new Boeing 737-8 planes later this year.

The introduction of assigned seating was hinted at earlier this year by Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan, who said the airline was looking at “new initiatives” to satisfy customers. Multiple airlines, such as Delta, United, and Spirit, charge customers extra to choose their seats prior to boarding.

Thursday’s announcement also revealed the introduction of redeye flights, with these overnight routes beginning in February 2025. 

Southwest Airlines experienced a net income of $367 million in its second quarter, an improved performance from the $231 million net loss from its previous quarter but still “short of what we believe we are capable of delivering,” Jordan said. However, he added that Southwest Airlines is “excited about what the future holds.”

In April, Southwest Airlines announced it would close its operations at four airports, citing its “disappointing” performance in the first 2024 quarter. The airline also stated it is expecting to end the year with 2,000 fewer employees than the end of 2023.