Southwest Airlines announced on Thursday that it will discontinue its open-boarding system, which has been in place for more than 50 years. The airline will start assigning seats to passengers, aligning its boarding process with that of other major airlines.
The airline explained that it has been evaluating various seating options, conducting tests, and gathering customer feedback. Through this research, Southwest discovered that most travelers now prefer to know their seat assignments before arriving at the airport.
Southwest’s open-boarding process was originally designed to expedite passenger loading and reduce the time planes and crews spent idle on the ground, which was not profitable. This system enabled the airline to operate more efficiently and add extra flights to its daily schedule. This approach contributed to Southwest’s consistent profitability until the coronavirus pandemic.
New Boarding Process:
Previously, Southwest customers were not assigned a seat when they purchased a ticket. Instead, they had to check in exactly 24 hours before departure to secure their boarding positions. The first 30 to check in were placed in the coveted “A” boarding group, guaranteeing a window or aisle seat. Those who checked in later ended up in groups “B” or “C,” with “C” often resulting in a middle seat.
With the transition to assigned seating, passengers will now know their seat assignments ahead of time, reducing the uncertainty and stress associated with the previous open-boarding process. This change aims to enhance the overall customer experience and streamline boarding procedures, making it easier for travelers to plan and feel more comfortable with their journey.
