Southwest Airlines is changing a 50-year tradition, and many frequent flyers are unhappy about it. The airline announced it will switch to assigned seating after letting passengers choose their own seats for over five decades.
Southwest President and CEO Bob Jordan said on July 25 that customers prefer assigned seating based on the company’s research.
However, many loyal Southwest flyers took to social media to express their disappointment. They believe that choosing their own seats was the “best thing” about flying Southwest.
One user tweeted that the freedom to pick a seat was the main reason they flew Southwest. Others worried the change would make flights more expensive.
Not everyone is upset, though. Some people welcomed the change, saying boarding was always chaotic, and they don’t mind paying for an assigned seat.
The exact date for the new policy rollout wasn’t provided, but the transition might be bumpy.
This summary is based on information from BBC News.