Southwest Airlines to Introduce Reserved Seating, Begins Operation of Late-night Flights

Southwest Airlines has announced initiatives aimed at enhancing customer experiences and increasing value.

Reserved seating sales will start in the latter half of 2025, with the first flight expected in the first half of 2026. Premium seats boasting up to 5 inches of additional legroom will also be introduced. While maintaining the existing boarding method, priority boarding will be offered to elite members and premium seat purchasers.

The current policy of including two checked bags will be maintained, as changing it would decrease demand and the profits gained from charging fees would not outweigh the benefits.

Partnerships with other airlines are being initiated, choosing Icelandair as the first partner, with at least one more to be added by 2025.

Additionally, to improve aircraft utilization rates, operation of late-night flights in major markets will begin as soon as February 2025.

These initiatives are expected to result in an estimated $500 million in cost savings by 2027. A $2.5 billion share buyback has also been approved by the board of directors.