Beginning next year, Southwest Airlines ends its open-seating policy. For years, Southwest has been known for its first-come, first-serve basis for seating with loyal customers returning time and again as a result (as well as two free checked bags).

The airline announced this possible change, with further news coming in September. The possibility of ditching this boarding and seating process comes after the airline cited weak financial results and first-quarter losses in 2024. Additionally, the airline has endured delays of new planes from Boeing, as well as the termination of flights to four airports.

In a statement the airline said, “The airline has been known for its unique open seating model for more than 50 years, but preferences have evolved with more Customers taking longer flights where a seat assignment is preferred. Additionally, Southwest conducted robust operational testing that included live and over 8 million simulation-based boarding trials.”

According to research conducted by the airline, 80 percent of Southwest customers and 86 percent of potential Southwest customers prefer an assigned seat. The airline found when customers choose to stop flying Southwest and opt for a competitor, open seating is cited as the No. 1 reason.

The decision comes as part of the airline’s ongoing modernization efforts. In the last two years, Southwest Airlines enhanced its onboard offerings with improvements like in-seat power, larger overhead bins and faster WiFi. The airline is also currently working on a refreshed cabin design, including new, more comfortable RECARO seats.

On top of this change, Southwest Airlines will also offer a premium, extended legroom portion of the cabin. The airline will offer extra legroom options with up to 5 additional inches for about one third of its seats, while still keeping its standard economy seat pitch.

The boarding process will also see changes for Southwest Airlines customers, including position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area added. The airline’s most loyal customers and those with premium seating will be among the first to board.

“Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the Company,” said Bob Jordan, president, CEO and vice chairman, Board, Southwest Airlines Co. “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. We are excited to incorporate Customer and Employee feedback to design a unique experience that only Southwest can deliver. We have been building purposefully to this change as part of a comprehensive upgrade to the Southwest experience as we focus on Customer expectations – and it will unlock new sources of revenue consistent with our laser focus on delivering improved financial performance.”

Other Southwest Airlines changes include more global airline partnerships and enhancements to its Rapid Rewards loyalty program.

“We’ve spent the past few years laying a foundation that serves as the base of our transformation,” said Ryan Green, executive vice president, Commercial Transformation, Southwest Airlines. “We’ve already started rolling out modernized cabins with improved WiFi, in-seat power, larger overhead bins, enhanced operational efficiencies, and optimized flight schedules. We will continue to build upon our unique competitive advantages, while adapting to consumer priorities in today’s dynamic environment.”

What are your thoughts on this policy change? Do you prefer an open-seating policy or assigned seats? What changes are you most excited for? Tell us your thoughts. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.