By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-10-02 17:11:59 | Updated at 2024-10-03 23:21:29
1 day ago
Southwest Airlines has announced sweeping changes to their policies - and one controversial development is the introduction of assigned seats, a practice that hasn't been used by the airline for 50 years.
Last week Southwest unveiled a shiny new aircraft - the Boeing 737 MAX 8 - and gushed about the improvements.
Rows of cushioned seats with extra-legroom, bigger overhead bins and in-seat power were just some of the refurbishments mentioned at its investor day in Dallas.
In a TikTok posted by the company on Thursday, new uniforms and faster wi-fi were also revealed as part of the airline's glow-up era.
But while some frequent flyers fear the changes will make the airline unrecognizable, the airline has emphasized that it will be 'keeping the Southwest hospitality you know and love'.
Southwest Airlines is ready for a 2025 glow-up - with new changes under way after a presentation to investors on Thursday
One of the biggest changes is the transition to assigned seating in the coming year after offering open seating for the past five decades
The main goal of the modifications is simple: to hype up its transition to assigned seats after decades of passengers being able to choose their own, the WSJ reported.
But anything shiny and new always comes with a price tag.
During the airline's presentation to investors on Thursday, the word 'monetize' was used a total of 11 times by the executives.
And the word 'premium' came up a grand total of 34 times, the WSJ added.
Despite priding themselves on equal opportunities for all fliers, Southwest's customer research has shown trends that have been present in the industry for years: people will pay for a premium experience, CBS reported.
And some Southwest-lovers are angry that they will be getting the sloppy second seats.
Southwest's cheapest tickets - Wanna Get Away tickets - won't come with advanced seat selection and instead will be assigned during online check-in
Southwest's cheapest tickets - Wanna Get Away tickets - won't come with advanced seat selection and instead will be assigned during online check-in.
Eighty percent of passengers want assigned seats - which leaves the remaining 20 percent of people reeling over the news - preferring the freedom and fairness that comes with open seating, the WSJ reported.
And chronic seat-savers and pre-boarding cheaters will be the biggest losers in the remodel.
Waiting for your group to be called to board is a dread for all travelers - and Southwest is known for their out-of-control pre-boarding lines.
This led to travelers who were able to request early boarding to have a better chance at grabbing good seats.
But in a video last month Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer, told employees that the act has caused 'an explosion of abuse' and there is no longer incentive for passengers who don't need extra time to board early to do so, the WSJ added.
And seat-savers - the people who save seats (and money) for their family and friends - will lose that luxury after assigned seating comes into play.
Some Southwest travelers took to TikTok to voice their opinions on the remodel - and wasted no time in expressing their unhappiness on the matter in the comments.
But Southwest executives insist that there's no comparison with budget competitors - passengers who purchase the cheapest tickets will still be offered two free checked bags, no change fees and the ability to still earn frequent-flier points, the WSJ added.
When deciding whether or not to keep their two-bags-fly-free policy, the research easily made the decision for them.
Out of the top reasons why people fly with Southwest, free bags ranked as number three in importance among travelers after price and schedule.
It was discovered that the airline would lose a net of $300 million in revenue if they were to abandon the practice, WSJ reported.
Eighty percent of passengers want assigned seats - which leaves the remaining 20 percent of people reeling over the news - preferring the freedom and fairness that comes with open seating
Rows of new cushioned seats with extra-legroom, bigger overhead bins and in-seat power were just some of the refurbishments mentioned at its investor day in Dallas last week
And where there's losers, there's always winners - and in this case, it's the frequent fliers.
When available, travelers with Southwest's A-list Preferred status will receive extra legroom seats and other preferred seats for free.
They'll also be offered free priority boarding, WiFi and alcoholic beverages to enjoy while in the clouds.
The airline's remodel plans are an attempt to meet the evolving needs of the public and boost its bottom line overall.
'This is a very significant change,' Ryan Green, Southwest's executive vice president commercial transformation, told CBS. 'It may be one of the most significant changes we've ever gone through.'
'Consumer preferences have changed, and the way we fly has changed,' Bob Jordan, Southwest CEO, added.
