Southwest ends open seating after 54 years. Here's what the last flight was like

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Why This Matters

Southwest Airlines has ended its 54-year practice of open seating, replacing it with assigned seats, marking a significant change in the airline's passenger experience.

Market Impact

Market impact analysis based on neutral sentiment with 80% confidence.

Sentiment
Neutral
AI Confidence
80%
Time Horizon
Short Term

Article Context

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Southwest Airlines replaced open seating with assigned seats after more than 50 years.

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Original article published by CNBC on January 28, 2026.
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