Southwest to End Open Seating Policy
Assigned Boarding Positions for Business Select Fares
Southwest Airlines is ending its open seating policy, in which customers find a cabin seat on a first-come, first-serve basis. Customers who purchase a Business Select fare will now be assigned a boarding position 36 hours prior to departure, which will be somewhere between A1 and A60.
Comparison to Conventional First Class
Southwest Business Select is similar to conventional airline first class in some ways, such as offering priority boarding and increased legroom. However, there is one significant difference: Business Select does not offer spacious first class or business class seating.
Conclusion
Southwest's decision to end its open seating policy is a significant change for the airline and its customers. While it may be disappointing for some passengers who enjoy the flexibility of open seating, the assigned boarding positions for Business Select fares will provide more certainty and predictability for those who value a more streamlined boarding process.
Comments