For over 50 years, Southwest used the open-boarding system, but will now start using assigned seating.
After running tests and surveys, Southwest found that the majority of passengers would rather know which seat they are in before arriving to the airport. Surveys showed that 80% of its customers and 86% of “potential” customers want an assigned seat, and it was also the main reason customers chose other airlines.
Southwest had used the open-boarding system to be more efficient, limit the time planes and crews were stationed idly on the ground and load passengers faster.
Southwest’s CEO Robert Jordan said, “I know there are going to be customers who say, ‘I want to stay with open seating.’ It’s a minority, but we had the same thing when we switched from plastic boarding passes. We had the same thing when we took peanuts out of the cabin. I’m convinced we can win them over.”
In mid February, Southwest will also start redeye flights. Some nonstop routes include Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to Baltimore. They will add more routes in the future as well.
By - FZ
Comments