Southwest scraps unassigned seating after 50 years

Southwest Airlines is allowing its customers to reserve seats, removing all of the unused seats it has operated for 50 years.
The airline also said it plans to charge for "premium" seats with more legroom, Add a red check plane and repeat the entry process.
The announcement came as the company said that profits fell to $367 million in the April-June period, down 46% from last year.
CEO Bob Jordan said changing seats "opens up new revenue streams."
Airlines now divide passengers into boarding groups based on check-in, this system is to help the plane turn around faster. Passengers can also pay extra for late check-in.
But he said  that according to his research, 80% of customers prefer reserved seats.
The company announced that it will provide more information about the changes in September.  The new
red-eye flight will begin five routes next year, including  Las Vegas to Baltimore and Los Angeles to Nashville. According to the announcement,
  seats are expected to be third.
Southwest started in the 1970s and is known for its low fares and excellent customer service.
is known to be the only place where the company does not charge customers extra for things like checked bags.
But its  price has come down a lot in the last few years as it has advantages over other players in the industry.
Last month, Elliott Investment Management, which is known for its  public harassment of companies it deems to be failing, said it had acquired 11% of the company and is pushing for changes. much, including removing Mr. Jordan.
"Southwest's strong commitment to the decades-old system has hindered its ability to compete with the modern airline industry," Elliott said, adding that "it's an old product, an old financial plan and an old way of doing things. "
Mr.
The company is affected by things like Boeing's aircraft deliveries.
The airline, like other players in the industry, is under pressure on prices when they look down on domestic travel.
The company said that it will reduce the capacity in the coming months, and the change of seats and jobs every month will also lead to growth. He said the capital shift could cost more than $1 billion.
"Although our unique style of accommodation has been  part of Southwest Airlines since the beginning, it was the right choice - at the right time - for our customers, employees and  shareholders," said Mr. Jordan said.
The company's stock rose more than 6% following the announcement.