Southwest Airlines To End Open Seating, Introducing Redeye Flight Options [Video]

Major changes are coming to Southwest Airlines.

The Dallas-based airline announced Thursday it will be ending its open seating policy, will begin offering premium seating, and will be 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 the airlines, 80% of customers and 86% of potential customers said they prefer an assigned seat.

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

Southwest will sell tickets for redeye flights starting Thursday. The first overnight flights will land on Valentine’s Day next year in five initial nonstop markets: Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to …