Major airline officially ends longstanding seat policy

Popular discount airline ends 50-year-old seating policy

The airline implemented the change on Jan. 27 after customer research showed most passengers preferred the new method.

The one thing Southwest Airlines was famous for just disappeared overnight

After five decades, the airline has transitioned to be more in line with industry standards.

Southwest's open seating ends with final flight

Southwest announced in 2024 that it would end its iconic open seating policy in favor of traditional assigned seats and a premium class option.

‘A betrayal’: Southwest’s new plus size policy leaves some passengers unable to fly

Some loyal customers say the airline’s new requirement that they buy an extra seat means that they can no longer fly as often or at all.

Southwest Airlines' new seating policy set to take effect. Here's what travelers can expect.

Southwest Airlines passengers are making their final boarding-time scrambles for seats as the carrier prepares to end its signature open-seating system. Customers on Southwest flights will have assigned seats starting on Tuesday.

A major airline just ended a 50-year tradition

Southwest Airlines ended its 50-year tradition of open seating on Tuesday, implementing an assigned seat system that aligns the carrier with industry standards and marks a significant shift in how the airline does business, USA Today reports.