Southwest Airlines announces major changes, and I have questions

A Southwest Boeing 737 at LAX. Photo by Benét J. Wilson

Allow me to introduce myself — I’m Benét Wilson, a veteran aviation journalist and a Southwest Airlines superfan. I woke up to texts, emails, and voicemails this morning informing me about major changes announced by Southwest Airlines. In a nutshell, the airline will switch from its charming but quirky open boarding to assigned seats. It also announced the start of red-eye flights starting in 2025.

My Twitter/X profile.

This represents a huge shift in Southwest's business practices. It removes a fundamental way the airline does business and represents an initial step toward making it more like other legacy airlines and ultra-low-cost carriers.

A flight attendant sorts Southwest Airlines plastic boarding cards. Photo courtesy of Southwest Airlines.

I remember when Southwest used numbered plastic boarding cards to board passengers. You showed up to your gate up to four hours in advance to get your card and get comfortable until it was time to board your flight. With the advent of the internet, the airline switched to numbered online boarding passes and allowed travelers to check in 24 hours in advance.

But those all-important lucrative business travelers didn’t like Southwest Airlines’ system, so they stayed away in droves.

“Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the Company,” said Bob Jordan, President, CEO, & Vice Chairman of the Board.

Selfie by Benét J. Wilson.

Now, the airline has given in and decided to cater even more to business travelers. However, with these announced changes, I have questions that weren’t answered in the company’s press release. They include:

1. How will this change affect those of us with A-List status? Will we receive early boarding benefits or have the chance to choose seats in the new premium cabin before the general population?
2. Exactly how premium will the new premium extended legroom cabin be, and how much will it cost?
3. What other perks will come with those paying extra for premium cabin seats? Drink coupons? Upgraded snacks? A slow creep to a true business-class cabin? Dare I ask <gasp> about premium lounges?
4. Will there be designated boarding lines for general and A-List passengers?
5. Will A-List members have to pay for premium cabin seats?
6. When will parents of small children and military personnel board flights?
7. Will Early Bird and Upgraded boarding still be offered?
8. How many red-eye flights will be available, and out of how many cities?
9. When will the transformation to more red-eye flights be completed?
10. How will this affect those convenient early-morning, aircraft-at-the-gate flights that are a huge part of my Southwest travel?
11. Will we eventually be charged for checked bags?
12. Could there be a basic economy fare in the future?

The Company will share further details about product designs, cabin layout, timing, and incremental financial value at its Investor Day in late September.

Southwest Airlines has been my airline of choice since the early 1990s because it safely and conveniently gets me from point A to point B at a good price. I also love flight crews who make me feel like they appreciate my business.

It was inevitable that Southwest would eventually move toward becoming more like American, Delta, and United. However, I hope these changes won’t diminish Southwest's inherent charm, but only time will tell.