Southwest Airlines’ new seating policy has reportedly been slammed by critics who are calling it a “disaster” and comparing it to “extortion.”
The airline ended its famous open seating policy on January 27, shifting to assigned seating among eight boarding groups and a charge to ensure extra legroom after 54 years of service.
“@SouthwestAir needs to go back to open seating. This new assigned seating is a disaster and also take away from A-list perks! Bad move!” one X user wrote.
“The reason many of us flew Southwest was because of the open seating and the luggage,” another X user wrote. “If I wanted to be treated in this way of the new policy, I would fly any other airline.”
A Redditor shared a post entitled “Now it’s extortion” on Southwest Airlines’ subreddit detailing their travel issues following the policy change.
“Bought a Basic Fare non-stop ticket for my daughter. Check her in EXACTLY 24 HRS before departure,” the Redditor said. “It says there are no seats, she’s on standby and may have to take a later flight ( that would be next day).
“So I check the “upgrade seat” option and, sure enough, there are literally dozens of empty seats FOR SALE on her flight. And even worse, according to the seating chart, there were well over a dozen seats in light blue in the back of the plane that it wouldn’t assign her.”
Southwest CEO Bob Jordan had previously teased the changes during an earnings call in July 2024.
“We feel confident that the solution we are implementing will retain the positive elements of the Southwest Airlines experience and enable us to evolve in a manner that’s consistent with what today’s air traveler is seeking,” Jordan said via the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Recent Comments