Southwest Airlines ends open seating policy

Southwest Airlines is ending its open seating system and will move to assign seats and provide options for premium seating. CBS News Texas' Lauren Crawford is speaking with flyers about the changes.

#news #travel #usa

[Ironmonk]

If the prices are around the same price, then it's cool. If they are gonna charge more for a window seat, then forget that crap.

[militaryavr]

As I see it, there’s no reason to fly Southwest anymore. Open seating was my favorite thing about them.

[Frank_Rizzo]

Make no mistake about it. This isn't about enhancing the customer experience, it's about extracting as much money from the customer as possible. I'm sure there are other changes on the horizon that aren't customer friendly either. They will probably start charging for checked bags. Then they will probably start charging a fee to change or cancel flights.

[phototristan]

They probably see the profit potential for selling premium seating. It does seem to make business sense.

[skohaya]

As a SW loyalist. This is what made them quick and efficient. If they plan to use "technology" where the rush will not be at the ticket counter but now to people's phones to grab that seat. I can only think that this will increase cost. More ticket agents to correct issues. What if a plane change occurs, you will have to submit new boarding passes with upset reassignments, if families may not find seats together, if it likes the general airline systems. I wish they would get a focus group of SW Frequent flyers to obtain input to work out the best situation or there maybe a Max Exodus to other airlines and further losses.

[BlueBraviaryGirl]

Why are people so against picking their own seats? It’s much better

[soiceyboy]

This is the first of many changes, trust me. Next thing, they’ll be charging for luggage. Mark my words…..the days of Southwest being for the people are over.

[copterchaser]

Don’t do it!! It’s not broke, don’t fix it. If you want to buy your seat, fly another airline. Southwest!!! Don’t do it. Keep it as it is.

[triton]

Southwest Airlines is the one and only airline in the entire world to have open seating. To switch to assigned seats is to declare that the FAA and the United Nations has criminalized open seating on all airlines worldwide.

[Amtran]

Terrible decision. That's one of the things that made them unique.

[povertyspec]

There was nothing worse than being the last person onboard trying to find the only seat open.

[Sycthe]

“We will watch this adjustment with great intent.”

[thecameramantraveler]

I have now lost all respect for southwest. This new policy is an act of pure disrespect and disgrace. I prefer finding a seat free of charge and not with a hard charge on me price

[EricBoulton]

And Just like that, I'm no longer a Southwest customer. They weren't exactly cheap to begin with. If I'm going to be forced into an assigned seat, I'll spend a little extra and fly first class on a legacy carrier. I would not trust the greyhound of the skies to offer a good "premium" service.

[Joqgtf-]

Next step on their new business strategy: make economy seats cramped and miserable to artificially increase demand for premium seats.

[SMGtravelvlogs]

This is stupid. Never flying them again.

[GrandmasterDinnerRoll]

Open seating is why I flew Southwest (cheaper than everyone else). Hope things don't change price-wise, but I'm sure they will.

[ajpotter]

Just falling in to the big money era. Way to go swa, finally caved in to putting money over your customers. Watch ticket prices rise well over 75.00

[joebo]

The hole point was I could get an aisle seat without paying more. Southwest says goodbye to free seating. Ok. Good bye southwest. I’ll take American instead.

[cardiac]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 this is a sad, sad day. 😔 😔😔😔 please, please, please reconsider.