On 27 January 2026, Southwest Airlines made history by ending its 54-year-old open seating policy. For the first time since the airline began flying in 1971, passengers now choose an assigned seat at the time of booking. The change, driven by shifting customer preferences and intense pressure from investors, marks the end of one of the most recognisable traditions in American aviation.
Continue reading Southwest Airlines Ends 54 Years of Open Seating