Southwest Airlines will end its open seating policy and introduce extra legroom seats next year as part of significant changes aimed at increasing revenue and meeting customer preferences. Starting in February, Southwest will also begin offering overnight flights.
The airline’s current boarding process, which involves customers being assigned to one of three boarding groups, will be replaced with assigned seating. This decision follows research indicating that 80% of Southwest’s customers prefer assigned seats, and the open seating model was a key reason travelers chose competitors.
CEO Bob Jordan stated, “This is the right choice for our Customers, our People, and our Shareholders.” The changes come as Southwest faces pressure to increase profitability and segment its product offerings, with activist investor Elliott Investment Management recently acquiring a significant stake in the airline.
About a third of seats on Southwest’s Boeing 737s will offer “extended legroom,” pending FAA approval. Further details will be provided at an investor day in late September.
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