Starting later this month, Southwest Airlines passengers will be allowed to purchase assigned seats for flights departing after January 27th.
The move from Southwest's egalitarian-style boarding process in favor of allotted seats is part of a previously announced change in the operation of the Dallas-based carrier, but it has not set a solid date for seat switch-ups so far.
Southwest says allotted seats, including seats outside the new Regoom, will be on sale starting July 29th.
Executive Vice President customer and brand Tony Roach says that when he moves to his assigned seat he “removes the uncertainty of not knowing where he is sitting in the cabin.”
The airline will roll out new group-based boarding systems designed for efficiency, as well as new fare bundles. Passengers who want to be one of the first boarding passengers have the option to purchase a “priority boarding” pass 24 hours before departure of the flight.
Last year, Southwest revealed a swept operational change aimed at reversing poor financial performance in the year and competing better with American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Southwest's initiatives include efforts to reduce turnaround times at terminal gates, the introduction of redhead flights, the sale and lease of aircraft, and the abandonment of fly-free policies for its signature bags.
The airline will report its second quarter financial results on July 24th.
