If you've ever flown Southwest, odds are you've had that stressful moment with your wife where she's frantically searching for a seat that puts you two together. That stressful moment can now be avoided.
For the first time, Southwest Airlines is ending open seating.
The Texas-based carrier, known for this unique model for over 50 years, announced Thursday that it will assign seats. It will also offer premium seating options on all flights.
Southwest has been famous for its single economy-class cabin with open seating. Passengers are assigned a boarding group but can choose any available seat once onboard. Customers can pay extra to board early for their preferred seat.
The new changes will help boost profits by charging more for premium seats across all flights.
Southwest plans to offer a premium, extended legroom portion of the cabin. About one-third of seats will have extended legroom, matching industry standards on narrow-body aircraft.
The decision came after research showed that 80% of current customers and nearly 90% of potential customers prefer assigned seating.
"When a customer elects to stop flying with Southwest and chooses a competitor, open seating is cited as the number one reason for the change," Southwest said Thursday. "By moving to an assigned seating model, Southwest expects to broaden its appeal and attract more flying from its current and future customers."
In April, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan hinted at changing the boarding and seating processes. This move aims to improve its financial position.
Jordan's comments came as he warned of financial fallout from Boeing delays. He also announced pulling out of multiple underperforming airports.
Southwest assures these changes won't "compromise the airline's operational efficiency."
The carrier didn't disclose when these changes will occur but will offer more details during its investor day in September.