Southwest Airlines ends open seating, introduces redeye flights [Video]

DALLAS – Big changes are coming to Southwest Airlines.

The Dallas-based airline announced Thursday it is putting an end to its open seating policy, will begin offering premium seating and is introducing redeye flight options. 

The airline said the changes are the next step in a “continuing strategic transformation” and are designed to “elevate the customer experience.”

According to research conducted by Southwest, 80% of customers and 86% of potential customers said they prefer an assigned seat. 

In addition to assigning seats, Southwest will offer premium, extended legroom portions of plane cabins. One-third of seats will offer the extended option.

“Southwest’s decision to start assigning seats and plan to add extra-legroom seats prove an old dog can learn new tricks,” aviation expert Henry Harteveldt, president of Atmosphere Research Group, told CBS News’ Kris Van Cleave. “I believe these developments are good news for the airline and its passengers. It will …