Southwest's Open Seating Is Over Here's What Passengers Think Of Assigned Seats
Southwest Airlines officially ended its 50-year tradition of open seating on January 27, 2026, a transition that has met with both relief and frustration from travelers.
Mixed Passenger Reactions
Passenger sentiment has been deeply divided following the rollout:
The "Pro-Assignment" Crowd: Many travelers, including 80% of surveyed customers, prefer the certainty of knowing their seat before arriving at the airport. Reduced Stress: Passengers noted it eliminates the "walk of shame" when searching for a seat and the stress of rushing to board.
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The skinny
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