Southwest Airlines is shifting to assigned seating for the first time in its history, a change that will allow the low-fare carrier to charge a premium for some of the seats on its planes. The airline will also start offering overnight “red-eye” flights for the first time, which it said will improve efficiency by increasing the use of its aircraft.
If you’ve flown Southwest before, you know the drill. It’s like a wild race to grab the best seat, and you’re basically a contestant on “The Amazing Race” trying to get that window or aisle seat. 😅But all that might be changing soon.
Southwest is rolling out this experiment in a few markets starting later this year. They’re testing the waters to see how we, the passengers, feel about having a reserved seat waiting for us. Imagine boarding your flight, not having to stress about finding a seat, and just knowing you’ve got your spot locked down.
Why the change? Well, Southwest says they’ve been listening to customer feedback and a lot of people have been asking for more structure when it comes to seating. Plus, they think it might actually speed up the boarding process. No more chaos in the aisle.
Of course, this is all still in the trial phase. They want to make sure it’s the right move before rolling it out everywhere. So, if you’re flying out of one of the test markets, you might get to be among the first to experience this new way of flying Southwest. Lucky you!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But what about the perks of EarlyBird Check-In?” Don’t worry, they’ve got us covered. Southwest is planning to integrate these new changes with their existing perks. So, those who appreciate securing an early boarding position will still have the opportunity to do so.
All in all, it looks like Southwest is really trying to step up their game and make our travel experience even better. Whether you’re a fan of the free-for-all seating or you’re ready for a bit more order in the boarding process, this new experiment could be a game-changer.
Southwest did not give details about when the changes will go into effect, but it said it would be discussed further in September. The premium seats, which will offer more legroom, will not be available until 2025 as it will require reconfiguring its planes.
So, what do you think about Southwest Airlines assigned seating? Are you excited to see assigned seats on Southwest flights, or are you all about that traditional Southwest style?
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