Southwest Airlines Introduces Assigned Seating and Red-eye Flights

On Thursday, July 25th, Southwest Airlines announced significant changes to its business model, including the introduction of assigned seating and the launch of red-eye flights. This marks a major shift for the airline, which has maintained an open seating policy for over 50 years. The decision comes after extensive research indicating that 80% of current customers and 86% of potential customers prefer knowing their seat assignments in advance.

Southwest’s unique boarding system, which allows passengers to choose any available seat upon boarding, will be replaced with a more traditional approach where passengers are assigned specific seats at the time of booking. This change aims to enhance the overall customer experience, reduce boarding challenges, and improve safety and security. According to Southwest CEO Robert Jordan, the move to assigned seating represents a “transformational change” and is part of a broader strategic shift to modernize the airline’s services.

In addition to assigned seating, Southwest is also introducing premium seating options with extended legroom. This offering will account for one-third of the seats on each flight, aligning Southwest with other major U.S. carriers that provide similar options. The airline also announced the start of red-eye flights, a first in its history. The initial routes will include nonstop flights from Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando, Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville, and Phoenix to Baltimore. These overnight flights will begin on Valentine’s Day 2025, with more routes to be added subsequently.

The changes come amid financial pressures and a challenging economic environment for airlines. Southwest reported a 46% drop in second-quarter profits, amounting to $367 million, despite increased revenue. The airline attributed this decline to rising costs, including labor and fuel expenses. The adjustments to seating and flight options are part of a broader effort to boost profitability and remain competitive.

Southwest’s decision also responds to pressure from Elliott Investment Management, a hedge fund that has called for changes in the airline’s leadership and business strategy. The fund has criticized Southwest for lagging behind competitors in financial performance and failing to innovate.

These developments represent a significant shift for an airline known for its unconventional and customer-friendly practices. As Southwest transitions to this new model, the airline hopes to retain its loyal customer base while attracting new passengers looking for a more predictable travel experience.