SCORES of Southwest Airlines passengers have been irked by bosses decision to end a policy that has been a constant for more than 50 years.
Travelers are furious that the brand’s open seating policy, which was launched in 1967, is being phased out.
Customers who buy the cheapest plane tickets will get to pick their seat for an additional fee, and there will be the choice for travelers to take advantage of more premium options.
Those who don’t select their seat will just be assigned one that is remaining when they check-in for their flight.
The open seating policy will formally end in early 2026, but news of Southwest’s decision to shake-up it up has sparked fury among scores of potential customers.
Some have even threatened to boycott the airline in favor of rivals.
One traveler said Southwest’s open seating policy made the airline attractive.
“Officially no longer flying Southwest Air,” they posted on X.
They complained about recent changes, including the dramatic move to end its bags fly free policy.
“If I am paying extra for all these things, I might as well fly a premium airline like Delta,” they said.
Travelers have also warned how Southwest could be on the path to becoming similar to its competitors.
“Assigned seating coming to Southwest Air means I’ll never fly Southwest again,” one said.
“Such an amazing perk, ruined.
“Charging for bags. Just like all the other carriers now.”
Passengers have claimed the open seating measure was the only “thing” going for Southwest.
Others appeared to hurl a warning to bosses.
‘SLIPPERY SLOPE’
“You used to be a decent company,” another raged.
Travelers also warned the budget airline is now on a “slippery slope” and claimed execs are out of touch.
“I might as well delete the app off my phone because I don’t think I’ll be using them anymore,” a traveler said as they responded to the change in bags and seating policies.
Some travelers were left bewildered by the change.
“If it’s not broke don’t fix,” one Facebook user pointed out.
But, Bob Jordan, Southwest’s CEO, claimed the measures will be transformational.
He believes the airline is not moving away from its values, but trying to enhance customer experience.
NEW PACKAGES
Southwest bosses have rolled new fare bundles ahead of flights taking to the skies next year.
The “choice extra” tier gives travelers the chance to book an extra legroom seat.
Those types of seats have five additional inches of extra legroom compared to the standard seats.
The choice-preferred tier gives travelers the chance to book a preferred seat.
There are two other tiers for passengers – the choice and basic options.
Customers who opt for the choice tier can choose a standard seat at the back of the plane.
Bosses say the airline is “redesigned, reinspired, and reimagined” as they unveiled the new seating arrangements.
Some Americans are not as opposed to the new seating policy.
“Southwest Airlines finally is getting assigned seating,” one boasted on Facebook.
“It’s about time!”
Not all customers will be allowed to check two bags onto Southwest planes for free.
Travelers will have to pay $35 to check in their first bag, while their second will cost $45.
However, travelers who fly via the airline’s Business Select program and those who use the Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred program can still enjoy the benefit.
Jordan admitted that change can be “hard and emotional.”
“Customers today want a lot of choice, especially coming out of the pandemic,” he told The New York Times.
“The customer’s needs and wants are just different. The move to bag fees is really about choice.”
Travelers have threatened to fly with rivals such as Delta[/caption]
Bob Jordan, the brand’s CEO, explained how customers want choice following the pandemic[/caption]
