Southwest Airlines announced a number of major operational changes including the introduction of assigned seating, premium seating and redeye flights. The changes, according to an announcement, are expected to produce additional revenue and strengthen financial performance.

The changes include:

  • Assigned seating: The airline has been known for its open seating model for more than 50 years, but executives say preferences have evolved, with more customers taking longer flights where a seat assignment is preferred. Additionally, Southwest conducted operational testing that included live and over 8 million simulation-based boarding trials. Research showed that 80% of customers and 86% of potential customers prefer an assigned seat.
  • Premium seating: A premium section will offer extended legroom. While specific cabin layout details are still in design, Southwest expects roughly one-third of seats across the fleet to offer extended legroom, in line with that offered by industry peers on narrowbody aircraft.
  • Redeye flights: The first overnight flights will depart on Feb. 13, 2025 in five initial markets: Las Vegas and Baltimore/Washington; Las Vegas and Orlando; Los Angeles and Baltimore/Washington; Los Angeles and Nashville; and Phoenix and Baltimore/Washington.


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    With the changes, Ryan Green, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, will take on the new role of executive president commercial transformation, leading the development and rollout of these and other initiatives already underway.