Overview

• Southwest Airlines will move to assigned seating after five decades of open seating.
• The change is expected to generate significant new revenue through premium seating options.
• Surveys indicate 80% of current passengers prefer assigned seats, while 86% of non-customers avoid Southwest due to the lack of assigned seating.
• The decision comes amid financial pressures and competition from other major and low-cost carriers.
• Southwest will announce more details on the transition in September.