Southwest is ditching its unassigned seat policy for the first time

Thu, 07/25/2024 - 08:55

Southwest Airlines planes — Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it will join almost every other major airline in assigning seats prior to boarding.
Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Southwest Airlines has had an unassigned seating policy for over 50 years.
The carrier now plans to assign seats on all flights and offer premium seating options.
The changes come as the airline faces pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.

Southwest Airlines is eliminating its open seating model for the first time. Instead, it will start assigning seats before all flights and offering premium seating options.