Kiss Southwest’s Open Seating Goodbye. Here’s What Else Is Changing for the Airline [CNET]

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After nearly 50 years of offering first-come, first-served seating, Southwest Airlines is making some big changes. 

Soon, you’ll see assigned seating, premium seating options and more legroom, the Dallas-based airline shared in a statement today. Currently, passengers are assigned numbers when they check in for a flight and are placed in one of three boarding groups. When you board your flight, any open seat is usually up for grabs. 

For those of us familiar with the panic of checking in exactly 24 hours before a flight, the change is sure to be welcome. But Southwest, which considers itself a discount carrier, was a favorite for budget travelers willing to sacrifice the luxury of an assigned seat for a cheaper ticket. 

What does this mean for Southwest fliers?

Considering the announcement specifically mentioned that the change was designed to increase revenue opportunities, Southwest’s switch could translate to higher prices. 

The changes could be a sign that the airline is seeking new ways to add to its bottom line. Despite generating an all-time record in quarterly revenues, Southwest said in a report to investors that profits had dropped 46% compared to last year.

When I checked Threads, reactions were mixed to the assigned seating. But Gerri Detweiler, a former frequent flier with Southwest and member of CNET Money’s expert review board, said open seating was actually more convenient for those earning elite status with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Her status allowed her to be in the first boarding groups — and grab the best seats — regardless of when she booked a flight. 

“Even if I changed flights the day of travel, I knew I wasn’t going to get stuck in the dreaded middle seat,” she said. 

When we emailed Southwest Airlines for further comment, a media representative responded that they had nothing additional to add right now beyond the press release.

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards and banking. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.