GlobalData says this significant change has sparked diverse opinions among the influencers on social media platform “X”
The new seating policy adopted by American low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines has sparked influencer debate on efficiency and brand identity, says a report by GlobalData, an industry tracking and analysis firm.
In a press statement, GlobalData says that after disappointing earnings report and dismal share performance since the pandemic, Southwest Airlines, a low-cost carrier in the United States, which has been known for unique open-seating arrangements since its inception, has recently introduced assigned seating and extra legroom options.
GlobalData says this significant change has sparked diverse opinions among the influencers on social media platform “X.”
The varied reactions highlight the broader debate within the travel community about how this shift impacts the airline’s efficiency and brand identity, says the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData.
Smitarani Tripathy
“Some influencers see it as a necessary step to enhance customer experience, increase brand appeal, and boost revenue by aligning with the top US airlines. They believe offering more seating options will attract a broader customer base,” says Smitarani Tripathy, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData.
“However, others criticise the change, arguing it may undermine the airline’s efficiency and stray away from its legacy of innovative boarding practices,” Tripathy adds.
Bryan Clagett
Among few popular influencer opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform are that of Bryan Clagett, International Fintech and Banking Advisor and Matchmaker.
“I personally believe SouthwestAir made the right decision. I have only flown them once and I did not care for taking a chance with seat location. I want to control where and when I seat,” says Clagett.
Matthew Keys
“Southwest Airlines is ending its open seat policy and will start assigning seats to passengers. It will also launch a new premium seating designation in an effort to boost revenue,” says Matthew Keys, owner of Solano Media.
Seth Miller
“It is happening, Southwest is getting rid of open seating and will start offering extra legroom seats in the biggest shift of the airline’s 53 years of flying, making it look a lot more like its bigger airline rivals,” says Leslie Josephs, aviation reporter at CNBC.
“After more than 50 years Southwest Airlines is adding assigned seating to its cabins. The carrier will also differentiate seating, with an extra legroom option on board,” says Seth Miller, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of PaxEx.Aero.
Sheel Mohnot
Ian Bogost
“Never thought I would see the day. Southwest Airlines is going to start assigning seats, and charging for premium ones, and flying red-eyes. Both of these things are bad operational changes, Southwest had the fastest turnarounds in the industry of about 15 minutes shorter than others in part because of open seating. Open seating saves time in the boarding process because people rush to fill the seats and don’t have to search for their own,” adds Sheel Mohnot, Co-Founder of Better Tomorrow Ventures.
“I was not a fan of Southwest Airlines open-seating, but at least it distinguished them from other carriers. With most of the industry in the hands of four carriers, flying is almost completely homogeneous,” says Ian Bogost, Contributing Editor at The Atlantic.
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