Southwest’s New Seating Options: What Business Travelers and Travel Bookers Need to Know

Big news from Southwest Airlines: the carrier is making some major changes to its seating model. Say goodbye to the open seating free-for-all and hello to assigned seats and premium seats with extra legroom. Let’s dive into what this means for business travelers and travel bookers, and why it matters.

A Major shift in southwest's business model

For over 50 years, Southwest has been known for its unique open seating policy. Passengers scramble to check in exactly 24 hours before their flight, hoping for an early boarding group to snag their preferred seat, or they hedge their bets with EarlyBird Check-In (which AmTrav offers!) While this system had its upside for Economy and leisure travelers, it often left business travelers out in the cold. After all, who wants to juggle conference calls and last-minute emails while lining up early to secure a good seat?

Starting next year, Southwest will roll out assigned seating, including a new tier of extra legroom seats. This is a game-changer for business travelers who prioritize comfort and predictability. No more racing to check in or vying for a prime seat. Now, your travelers can book with confidence that a seat of their choice can be secured.

why the change?

Southwest’s decision to revamp its seating model stems from extensive research and customer feedback (with an extra push from an activist investor). According to the airline, the open seating model was the top reason customers chose other carriers over Southwest. Additionally, 80% of Southwest’s own passengers expressed a preference for assigned seating. This move isn’t just about keeping up with the competition; it’s about aligning with what customers want.

what this means for business travelers and travel bookers

As a business traveler or someone responsible for booking travel, you know that comfort and efficiency are key. Here’s how Southwest’s new seating options will benefit your team’s travelers:

• Extra Legroom: Whether your travelers are catching up on work or trying to relax before a big meeting, having more space can make all the difference. Southwest’s new seats will offer extra legroom, similar to what’s available on other major airlines. This means a more comfortable and productive flight experience.
• Predictable Seating: Assigned seating eliminates the uncertainty and stress of the boarding process. Your travelers can choose their preferred seat in advance, ensuring they have the space they need to work or rest.
• Cost Savings and Flexibility: With the new policy, Southwest becomes a more attractive choice for travelers who previously opted for other airlines. This increased flexibility means your team can now choose Southwest more often, taking advantage of cost savings when Southwest offers the best fares. This not only expands your travel options but also helps save your company money.

why this matters to southwest

This isn’t just a big deal for travelers; it’s a significant shift for Southwest as a company. Historically, the airline has thrived on its simple, no-frills business model, which included the open seating policy. However, the aviation industry is evolving, and so too is Southwest. By offering more premium options, the airline can attract more high-value customers, including business travelers who might have previously chosen competitors for the sake of comfort and convenience.

Moreover, this move comes amid pressure from investors to enhance profitability and market performance. The introduction of premium seating is a strategic response to these demands, aiming to boost revenue while keeping loyal customers satisfied.

looking ahead

Southwest plans to provide more details about these changes at an investor day in late September, so stay tuned for more updates. In the meantime, your team’s travelers can look forward to a more streamlined and comfortable flying experience with Southwest. This shift marks a new chapter for the airline, one that promises to make travel smoother and more enjoyable for business travelers.

At AmTrav, we’re excited about these changes and what they mean for our clients. We were honored to launch Southwest’s best technology that offers the same lowest fares as Southwest.com and the Southwest app, and we deliver the best seat selection and information for every trip. As always, we’re here to help you navigate these updates and make the most of your travel experience. If you have any questions about what this announcement might mean for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Relationship Manager.

About AmTrav: Through one simple technology and services platform, AmTrav helps travelers be more productive and connected, empowering companies and their people to go places, meet people and grow further. AmTrav customers enjoy integrated travel booking, travel spend reporting, traveler tracking, and 24x7 expert human support, reducing obstacles, complexity and cost so they get the full value of their business travel. Learn more or reach out for a one-on-one consultation today.