Big Change Coming to Popular Airline Serving Maine, New Hampshire, & Massachusetts

Over the last few decades, we have seen the airline industry change a lot.

Just after September 11, we saw a series of new safety regulations put in place.  These were, of course, done in an effort to prevent future terrorist attacks.

A few years later, we began to see the rise of the low-cost carriers.  Allegiant Air, JetBlue Airways, Breeze Airways, and Frontier, for example.  While these airlines may not have had all of the complimentary amenities compared to larger airlines, their ticket prices were significantly lower.  Additionally, these airlines frequently offered direct flights from smaller airports to in-demand destinations.  Portland to Orlando or Portland to Nashville, for example.

In 2020, the pandemic caused major issues for many of the larger, more established carriers.

While the roller coaster ride of the airline industry has leveled out, some airlines are still making changes in order to adapt to the current environment.

Southwest Airlines Announces a Major Change to Its Boarding Process

According to an article on WGN’s website, Dallas-based airline Southwest has announced a major change to its decades-old boarding process.

Frequent customers of the airline probably know that Southwest Airlines has been using an ‘open seating’ boarding process.  While you still board in groups, just like every other airline, you are able to choose any seat you want once you're on the aircraft.  The policy has reportedly been around for over 50 years.

While the process does frustrate people who are not used to it, fans of the airline seem to love the concept.

It appears that the process is going to be changing.

The article explains that the airline will soon start using assigned seats, and will allow customers the option of paying more to choose an aisle or window seat.

There is no word on when this policy change will start.

The article also explained that for the first time, Southwest will begin offering red-eye flights in February of 2025.

The announcement came on the same day that the airline announced a steep drop in profit in Q2.  The airline’s profit reportedly fell 46% between Q1 and Q2 of this year.