Changes coming to Southwest Airlines seating policy? The airline says it’s weighing options after disappointing first-quarter report

By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

The Dallas-based carrier also said it’s closing operations at four airports, including one in Texas, and expects to cut 2,000 jobs.

DALLAS — Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is considering changes, potentially including to its open seating policy, in hopes of raising revenue after reporting $231 million in losses in the first quarter of 2024 Thursday, CEO Bob Jordan said. The carrier also reported record revenues of $6.3 billion.

“We’re looking at new initiatives,  things like the way we seat and the way we board our aircraft,” Jordan said during an interview with CNBC.

Southwest has long offered open seating but does offer earlier boarding for a fee. Meanwhile, As Forbes reported, rivals like United Airlines have seen revenue growth from premium seating, such as business class.

When asked whether the airline could consider premium seating, Jordan said, “there’s nothing to report today,” but they’re weighing options.

“It’s very early, but the results are interesting, and more to come later,” Jordan told CNBC.

“We are evaluating options to enhance our Customer Experience as we study product preferences and expectations, including onboard seating and our cabin. And, we are implementing cost control initiatives, including limiting hiring and offering voluntary time off programs. We now expect to end 2024 with approximately 2,000 fewer employees as compared with the end of 2023,” Jordan said in a statement announcing the carrier’s first quarter 2024 earnings results.

Southwest also announced Thursday that it’s closing operations at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Bellingham International Airport, Cozumel International Airport, and Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

About the Author

Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.

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