Southwest Airlines to begin assigning seats and offering redeye flights

Southwest Airlines has revealed plans to alter its seating policy by issuing assigned seats for the first time in its 50-year history, in a bid to accommodate evolving customer preferences and improve its financial performance.

According to a statement released by the budget airline, the decision came in response to research that 80% of its customerbase and 86% of potential customers desire assigned seating.

Southwest's open seating policy has been identified as the primary reason travelers opt for a different airline, according to the statement.

The decision was announced shortly after Southwest Airlines released its second quarter results, showing a significant decline in profits despite increased revenue.

"Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the Company," said Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan.

"Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice— at the right time—for our Customers, our People, and our Shareholders."

In addition to offering assigned seating, Southwest announced it will also start offering redeye flights beginning in 2025.

The overnight flights will include nonstop routes between destinations including Las Vegas and Baltimore, Los Angeles and Nashville, and others.

Southwest [plans to introduce more redeye routes in the future according to its statement.