Southwest Airlines has operated its final flight featuring open seating, marking the end of an era for the carrier. The flight was conducted using a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft painted in a retro livery, paying homage to the airline’s history. This change concludes Southwest’s long-standing practice of allowing passengers to choose any available seat on the plane without assigned seating.
The airline has transitioned to a new boarding system that assigns seats to passengers, aligning with industry standards and enhancing the boarding process. The retro-painted Boeing 737 MAX 8 flight served as a symbolic farewell to the open seating policy that Southwest was known for since its inception.
**Why this matters**
Southwest’s shift away from open seating represents a significant change in its customer experience and operational procedures. Assigned seating can improve boarding efficiency and reduce passenger confusion. The use of a retro-painted aircraft for the final open seating flight highlights the airline’s recognition of its unique history while moving forward with modern practices.
Source: NewsData