Assigning Seats For Premium Pricing

Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating Policy

Assigning Seats for Premium Pricing

Southwest Airlines is implementing a significant change to its operations by introducing assigned seating. This move marks a departure from the airline's long-standing policy of open seating, where passengers were free to choose their seats upon boarding.

Starting in 2023, Southwest will assign each passenger a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position (1-60) at the time of check-in. This assigned seating system will allow Southwest to charge a premium for preferred boarding positions.

Benefits for Passengers

Southwest's assigned seating policy offers several potential benefits for passengers:

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Guaranteed seating: Passengers will have a guaranteed seat on their chosen flight, eliminating the uncertainty and inconvenience of open seating.

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Preferred boarding: Passengers who pay for premium boarding positions will have priority access to the aircraft and can secure their preferred seats.

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Improved efficiency: By assigning seats, Southwest can potentially reduce boarding time and improve overall flight efficiency.

Impact on Southwest's Business

Southwest's shift to assigned seating is expected to generate additional revenue for the airline through premium boarding fees. This move aligns with the airline's recent strategy of adopting more traditional revenue-generating practices, such as baggage fees and paid upgrades.

However, the new policy may also have some drawbacks for passengers. Some customers may object to the elimination of open seating, which has been a hallmark of Southwest's brand. Additionally, the introduction of premium boarding fees could potentially raise overall airfares for passengers who choose not to pay extra for preferred seats.