Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it plans to drop the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years and will start assigning passengers to seats, just like all the other big airlines.

Southwest Airlines has been known for its unique "open boarding" model for more than 50 years. In 2025, that will change. One of the most famous features of Southwest Airlines is about to change.

Southwest Airlines passengers will soon have assigned seating booking options, adding to recent changes in baggage policy and safety procedures.

Bob Jordan recently introduced major changes to the way the low-cost airline works, which caused a stir among loyal fliers ...

Southwest’s CEO brands new bag fees and seat assignments as “choice,” but one traveler argues it’s really a shift toward ...

Attention passengers: Southwest Airlines to start charging checked bag fee this week. ... The airline will soon also end its unique open seating policy and will also add extra legroom seats.