After 53 Years, Southwest Airlines Just Announced Some Big Changes, and It's Kind of Heartbreaking
One of the signature parts of the Southwest Airlines experience has long been the idea that boarding position mattered a lot because of first-come, first-served seating. With that characteristic going away, Southwest says it will "evolve" its boarding process.
Southwest Airlines plans to introduce assigned seating in 2026
Sales for assigned seats are expected to begin in the second half of 2025, and the first flights with the new model will operate in the first half of 2026.
Southwest Airlines says it will introduce assigned seats and premium perks in 2026
Southwest Airlines executives have unveiled their vision for turning the carrier into an airline that gives passengers assigned seats, charges them extra for more legroom and offers red-eye flights but bags still fly free.
Southwest Airlines assigned seating: When it starts and who can get it
It's the end of Southwest Airlines' open seating era. Customers will be able to get assigned seats and and pay for extra legroom. Here's what to know.
A look inside Southwest Airlines' newly-designed planes taking flight in 2026
From the outside, the new Southwest Airlines 737 MAX Jet looks like all the others. But inside is where passengers will notice some major changes.
Southwest Airlines to launch assigned seating, premium cabin in 2025
Southwest Airlines on Thursday unveiled the first details of its plans to begin assigning seats, update its boarding process and add “premium” extra-legroom seats on its planes. The airline released a first look at the changes in a statement ahead of an investor day.
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
The carrier said it expects to start selling tickets with seat assignments in the second half of 2025, with the first of those flights operating in the first half of 2026, according to a news release. Southwest found that the model is something 80% of its customers want, along with 86% who opt to fly other airlines.
The one perk Southwest won't touch as airline undergoes changes
In this week’s news, Southwest Airlines has announced details of its coming operational changes but pledges to keep its free checked-bag policy as it prepares to confront a challenge from a major shareholder for control of the company;
Southwest Airlines new seating initiative to take off in 2026
The Dallas-based carrier hopes to return to profitability with its new assigned seating model and a handful of new red-eye flights.
Southwest’s new flight plan carries excess baggage
Fare shake. Most travelers who arrive late to their destinations and with their luggage missing will not be mollified by free drinks and frequent-flyer miles. Southwest Airlines Chief Executive Bob Jordan and his management team are trying to placate the carrier’s suffering shareholders in a similar way.
Southwest Airlines and City of San Antonio are battling it out in court
SAN ANTONIO — Southwest Airlines is escalating its impasse with San Antonio over what it calls “fundamentally flawed” airport ...
Delta Airlines ends service from a Midwest city to DIA
Atlanta-based Delta Airlines will end nonstop service from DIA to Cincinnati, a move that comes as other airlines vie for ...
Southwest Airlines Lays Out Overhaul, and Stock Gains
The move, including service enhancements and share buybacks, came after the hedge fund Elliott Management called for cost ...
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Southwest Airlines unveils major changes as budget airlines lose value
In an attempt to boost profits, Southwest Airlines is adding premium and assigned seating and overnight flights.
The National Observer: Salaries are taking another turn; Southwest Airlines eyes big changes
BY THE NUMBERS: Wage growth suffered a steep drop from more than 9% in 2022 to a 3.1% low in May 2024, according to Indeed ...
DOT ranks most and least reliable US airlines during peak summer travel
The Department of Transportation released a new report about cancelations and on-time arrivals at major U.S. airlines during ...
Southwest Airlines (LUV) Receives a Buy from Seaport Global
Seaport Global analyst Daniel Mckenzie maintained a Buy rating on Southwest Airlines (LUV – Research Report) today and set a price target ...