Southwest Airlines Ends 50-Year Open Seating Policy
The shift to assigned seats aims to boost profits and align with customer preferences.
- 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.
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