As a plus-size travel creator, I’ve always had a special appreciation for Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy. It gave me and many others the flexibility to choose our own seats, which is especially crucial for families and plus-size women who might need a bit more space to travel comfortably. But now, Southwest has announced a significant change: they’re ending their open seating policy. This news brings a mix of emotions and concerns for various groups of travelers, and here’s how it might impact us all.
Southwest Customer of Size…Plus-Size Women: Navigating New Seating Assignments
For plus-size travelers like myself, this change could be a double-edged sword. It allowed us to pick seats with extra space or next to companions who made our flights more comfortable. With assigned seating coming into play, this flexibility might be reduced. Southwest’s Customer of Size policy, which allows passengers to book an extra seat for free if needed, will likely still be in place, but the ease of choosing that extra space on the fly might get complicated.
It is crucial for Southwest to ensure that their new system accommodates plus-size travelers with the same respect and convenience. Let’s hope they roll out an intuitive way to select seats that meet our needs without added stress or stigma. On one hand, the stress of finding a suitable seat could be alleviated, but on the other, there might be challenges if the assigned seats don’t accommodate our needs comfortably. It’s crucial for Southwest to ensure that their customer of size policy still provides the necessary support and options for plus-size passengers
Southwest A-List and Companion Pass Members: The Loyalty Factor
Southwest’s A-List and Companion Pass members have long enjoyed perks like early boarding, which made snagging the best seats a breeze. With assigned seating, the game changes. These loyal customers will want to know how their perks will be adjusted to maintain the value they’ve come to expect. Will A-List members get priority seat selection? How will companion passes be handled in a system that assigns seats rather than letting us choose side-by-side spots at our leisure? Southwest needs to address these questions clearly to keep their most loyal flyers happy. Per Southwest’s website more information will be provided in September.
As a current A-List member I am left to wonder the value of my status. I personally prefer Southwest as their Houston Hobby location is closer to home and work, but I if I do not keep the benefits of my status I am not opposed to driving to Bush IAH. In addition, Bush offers many lounges and restaurants that Hobby is lacking.
Families Traveling Together: The Coordination Challenge
Traveling with kids? The assigned seating could be a relief, ensuring that your family sits together without the worry of seat scrambling during boarding. In my experience, families are another group that benefited greatly from open seating. Parents could board early and ensure their kids were seated close by, minimizing travel stress. Assigned seating could make this trickier, especially if the new system doesn’t guarantee family-friendly seating arrangements. Southwest has historically been family-oriented, so it’s crucial they implement a system that keeps families together without extra hassle or fees. Family boarding could be the key here, but it must be managed effectively to avoid confusion and frustration. Hopefully the changes benefits families.
The Silver Lining: Red-Eye Flights
In brighter news, Southwest is introducing red-eye flights, offering more flexibility for travelers who prefer to fly overnight. This is particularly useful for those looking to maximize their time at destinations or for those who simply prefer to sleep through their flights. Red-eye options can be a game-changer for budget-conscious travelers and those who want to make the most of their travel schedules. Southwest’s press release confirms red eye flights will depart.
In addition to these changes, Southwest is introducing red-eye flights starting in February 2025. Routes will include overnight options from cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix to destinations such as Baltimore and Orlando. This could open up more flexible travel schedules for everyone, whether you’re a night owl or just looking to maximize your travel time
Final Thoughts
Southwest Airlines’ decision to end open seating marks a significant shift in their service model. For plus-size women, A-List and Companion Pass members, and families, this change brings a mix of challenges and opportunities. It’s a pivotal moment for Southwest to show that they truly understand and value their diverse customer base by ensuring the new system is as inclusive and user-friendly as possible. As always, we’ll adapt and find new ways to make the most of our travel experiences, but here’s hoping Southwest takes this chance to innovate and keep us all flying happy.
So, what do you think about these changes? Will they impact your travel plans? Let’s chat in the comments below!
Read the official Southwest Airlines press release here:
Safe travels,
Elle
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