How Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants Are Adapting To Assigned Seating

Southwest Airlines has introduced assigned seating as part of its service changes implemented earlier this year. The move adds a new option for passengers to select specific seats, aligning with customer preference for legroom and seat choice.

The airline's pricing adjustments include a checked baggage policy enacted last year, which now charges most customers for their bags. The first checked bag costs $45 and the second $55, with some fare types, Rapid Rewards status, or Southwest-branded credit card holders potentially exempt.

The information notes that the reassignment to assigned seating occurred in January of this year, marking a shift from previous variations in seat selection policies. No details are provided about how this seating system operates or any associated fees beyond the baggage changes.

Patricia, who contributes to Simple Flying, holds a postgraduate diploma in human factors in aviation and brings over two decades of cabin crew experience to the reporting. This background informs the coverage of cabin operations and passenger experience.