Southwest scraps its 50-year policy of open seating

The company called it the next step in strategic transformation.

[@miki49]

That loses me as a regular, it was one of their biggest appeals for national economy flyers

[@larryk.watson2778]

@@miki49 ..they have lost me as well…😢

[@dr.markevers8331]

Really? So now you get to pick your seat and that makes you mad? So you’ll fly another airline that makes you pick your seat too?

[@larryk.watson2778]

I have ONLY Flown Southwest for the past 10 years because of its seating model.. to change that is absolutely not good!!! Now they have become like the others.. so sad to hear this…

[@jameshill6385]

Southwest used to be cheap. Some Airlines are matching or beating prices. Never liked the seating. Statistics say flyers are choosing other airlines for that reason. Southwest has to react.

[@antennaandy6893]

The did away with the policy, because their gates had the number podiums for boarding, now airports are switching gates for flights so the podiums interfere with space. now any airline can use the gates. that's what an employee told me.

[@BookJay35]

It’s corporate greed - assigned seating means you select seat and you pay for it if they do you don’t

[@dr.markevers8331]

Maybe. But I already paid more for priority boarding. Not sure how this is “greed.” Plus it will likely speed up boarding.

[@BookJay35]

@@dr.markevers8331 wait until you pay for your seat and have to pay for priory hoarding. Just give it time eventually they’ll tack on luggage fees and carry on fees.

[@classicredwine]

I’m happy. I hate checking in within 30 seconds of my checking window opening to only be in boarding group C and be at the back of the plane

[@dr.markevers8331]

Yep…or if you get to the gate after boarding starts because TSA and/or baggage check lines were super long. Then A boarding doesn’t do you much good.

[@technole]

Finally. Their business select fare was always a joke, A1-15 and a drink. Late to gate? Sorry. Everyone else has caught-up and offers more like Delta free wi-fi.

[@dr.markevers8331]

Not to mention the abuse of the pre-boarding. Nothing like paying for A1-15 only to have the good seats gone.

[@Bgal31052]

Next will be the bags.

[@AnonymousUser-ww6ns]

Yep I believe so, and if that’s the case then I might as well fly American Airlines for better seat or if possible Delta Airlines.

[@soysan34]

Greed!

[@Bgal31052]

@@soysan34 I’ll just say… Have you ever been on half full SWA? So they are making money. Pay staff SWA!

[@GarrettWorcester]

@@Bgal31052 I haven't been on a half-full SWA flight since Jesus was a little boy.

[@jrussellcase]

You can sure tell Herb doesn't run this outfit anymore. He wouldn't have allowed this. Open seating was one of the best things Southwest offered.

[@dr.markevers8331]

Finally! Now parents can book seats with their kids. 😂

[@soysan34]

Not happy!