Southwest Ends Open Seating, Rolls Out Assigned Seats

Southwest Airlines is ending its longtime open-seating system, with assigned seats now in place for passengers. The airline is also changing policies for travelers who need extra room, requiring some to purchase an additional seat in advance. The updates follow last year’s end to Southwest’s “bags fly free” policy and mark one of the biggest shifts in the airline’s history as it moves closer to other major U.S. carriers.