Southwest Bids Farewell To Open Seating After Customer Feedback, Poor Earnings
Portfolio Pulse from Hayden Buckfire
Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) is ending its open seating policy after over 50 years due to customer feedback and poor second-quarter earnings. The company will now offer assigned seating and premium seating options, aiming to regain customers and improve financial performance.

July 25, 2024 | 3:25 pm
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NEUTRAL IMPACT
Delta Air Lines, a competitor of Southwest, has been performing well due to its premium identity. Southwest's introduction of premium seating could pose increased competition for Delta.
While Delta has a strong premium identity, Southwest's introduction of premium seating could attract some of Delta's customers. However, the immediate impact on Delta's stock price is likely to be neutral as Delta's established premium brand provides some insulation.
CONFIDENCE 70
IMPORTANCE 60
RELEVANCE 50
POSITIVE IMPACT
Southwest Airlines is ending its open seating policy and introducing assigned and premium seating options. This change is driven by customer feedback and poor Q2 earnings. The move aims to attract more customers and improve financial performance.
The change in seating policy addresses customer preferences and introduces a new revenue stream through premium seating. This strategic shift is likely to attract more customers and improve financial performance, positively impacting the stock price in the short term.
CONFIDENCE 85
IMPORTANCE 90
RELEVANCE 100