In recent years, Southwest Airlines has been taking a new approach in enhancing their travel experiences. From faster Wi-Fi to in-seat power, these improvements help advance their modernization efforts.
Starting in 2025, Southwest Airlines will end its current open boarding policy used for over the past 50 years. This policy will change to assigned seating to expand the travel preferences of their passengers and attract future customers.
Open Boarding Basics
Southwest Airline’s open boarding can be simplified in one phrase: first-come, first-serve. Twenty-four hours before your flight’s departure, passengers are divided into three groups of around 60 travelers to determine the order in which they will board their plane and choose their own seats.
However, most customers are not on board with this policy. Research conducted by Southwest shows that over three-quarters of their customers, 80% of current customers and 86% of future customers, prefer assigned seating as opposed to their current open boarding policy. Their results also conclude that the leading reason for customers to choose a competing airline was their open boarding.
The Redesign
Not only will Southwest Airlines be introducing new assigned seating guidelines, but they will also be initiating improved cabin layouts designated for their premium offers. As one-third of the plane’s cabin seating will have additional legroom, passengers can choose to upgrade their seats based on their budget and personal preferences.
Additionally, Southwest will be introducing redeye flights, allowing customers to travel on overnight flights at a reduced cost. With fewer delays and less crowds, these flights are sure to provide easy-going departures and arrivals.
Benefits for Incentive Travel
With a multitude of changes within the following year, what does this mean for the future of incentive travel? As assigned seating enables a calmer boarding process, implementing this new policy is seen to have a positive effect on incentive travel.
There is no need to worry about being separated from your group or having to go out of your way to buy preboarding passes. With assigned seating, this allows us to better manage our group flights and provide an even better management service to our clients. Additionally, Southwest’s new variety of seats offers exciting upgrade options for our clients and their guests.
Progressing into this newest policy and redesign, Southwest Airlines is sure to provide an enhanced traveling environment that provides its customers with a more comfortable and smoother flying experience. Start a conversation today and let us help you plan your next corporate travel incentive, meeting, or retreat!