Southwest Announces Move to Assigned Seating

Southwest Airlines is introducing the most significant changes to its product in the company’s history: phasing out its longstanding open seating policy in favor of assigned and premium seating.

The Dallas-based airline has maintained its unique open seat selection for more than 50 years. However, following what it called an extensive review of customer preferences, Southwest announced Thursday that it will assign seats and offer premium seating options on all flights starting in 2025.

In a release issued by Southwest, the airline shared that its customer feedback and extensive research showed that 80 percent of its current passengers and 86 percent of potential customers prefer assigned seating.

“Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the company,” said Southwest CEO Bob Jordan. “Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice – at the right time – for our customers, our people and our shareholders.”

According to Southwest, the primary reason customers switch to competitors is the lack of assigned seating. By transitioning to assigned seats, Southwest aims to attract more travelers and expand its appeal.

In addition to assigned seats, Southwest will introduce a premium seating option for travelers seeking extra legroom. This addition comes in response to customer preferences for cabins with extended legroom options. Southwest expects roughly one-third of seats across its fleet to eventually feature premium seating.

Southwest said it will share more information