Southwest Airlines, known for its open seating policy, announced on Thursday that it will transition to assigned seating and introduce a premium cabin with extra legroom. The airline also plans to add redeye flights to its schedule. These changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance customer experience and financial performance.
Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan stated that the move to assigned and premium seating is part of an ongoing and comprehensive upgrade for customers.
“The research is clear and indicates that 80% of Southwest customers, and 86% of potential customers, prefer an assigned seat,” said the airline in a statement. “By moving to an assigned seating model, Southwest expects to broaden its appeal and attract more flying from its current and future customers."
Southwest expects to open bookings for the assigned seating system sometime in 2025, with cabin reconfigurations requiring FAA approval.
Southwest also plans to introduce redeye flights, although the airline did not specify when these new policies would be enacted.
The changes come as Southwest reported a net income of $367 million on record operating revenues of $7.4 billion for the second quarter. Despite these positive results, the airline is facing challenges due to delivery delays of new planes from Boeing, its longtime partner.
Southwest's stock soared 6% following the announcement. However, the airline's guidance remains cautious, with Jordan stating that the company is still not performing as well as it could.