North Carolina travelers react to Southwest Airlines transitioning to assigned seating

MORRISVILLE, N.C. (WNCN) — After more than 50 years of not assigning seats, Southwest Airlines is making a change starting next year. Passengers will know where they’re seated before they get on board.

“I think I’ll be excited about the new change,” said Thomas Blackwell, who flew into RDU from Baltimore on Southwest Thursday afternoon. “Although it works well, it’s nice to know to know where you’re sitting. You can pick your seat in advance, as long as it doesn’t affect the pricing. I think it’ll be nice.”

But not all frequent Southwest travelers are as excited. “I actually wasn’t a fan. I love the competition almost; I know that sounds weird,” said Kenneth Flowers, who was on his way to Orlando on the airline.

Seats on board Southwest flights have traditionally been first come, first serve. Passengers are assigned a boarding group based on how early they check-in for their flight.

“Boarding’s kind of easier,” Flowers said. “Check-in, I know I’m getting A or B because I’m going one minute afterward.”

Southwest says its research found 80% of its customers and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seating. The airline also plans to add premium seating with extra legroom.

“We prefer to have more legroom and assigned seating,” Evelyn Blackwell said. “You know what you’re getting.”

Said Flowers, “I love extra legroom. I will pay for extra legroom. My torso is legs, short upper body, so I’m okay with that, I will pay for that.”

While Southwest says it’s still designing the cabin layout for these more premium options, the airline anticipates about a third of seats aboard their Boeing 737s will have more legroom, something Southwest says is comparable to other airlines.

Passengers can also start boarding red-eye flights on Southwest, with the first overnight flights on longer routes starting in February.

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