Incoming Southwest CEO leaves door open to assigned seating

Southwest Airlines may do seat assignments, according to Bob Jordan.

Is it possible that one day we need to ask the assigned-seating question again? Bob Jordan said during a Southwest Business virtual town hall meeting that they may have to do that.
Southwest's immediate docket does not include the seating question. There are no plans to change.
Southwest incoming CEO Bob Jordan said they are committed to continuing to look at their product.

He said that the airline should look into the matter to determine whether assigning seats could have a positive impact on aircraft turn times and operations, as well as to determine how important seat assignments are to business travelers.
"Just know this." Jordan said that they are committed to continuing to look at their product.
Southwest's practice of open seating and assigning boarding positions is a brand differentiator. The carrier won't reverse free checked bags. He doesn't think there will be a first class or seats with more legroom.
Southwest will introduce a new product in the second quarter.

He said that the carrier needs to provide more reliable internet for its business clientele.
The priorities for this year were laid out by Jordan. They are hiring up to 10,000 workers. It's crucial to restore operational reliability, he said. Since the middle of last year, the airline has had high cancellation numbers.
Jordan said that they need to get back to the point where they can set their watch by the reliability of their operations.
Southwest's priority this year is to restore its full in-flight service, which has been disrupted due to the swine flu.
Jordan said that the carrier aspires to return to consistent profitability.
The incoming CEO spoke to an audience of business travelers and noted the importance of restoring frequencies on business routes.
Southwest has a business version of Rapid Rewards.

He said that Southwest will be able to return grounded aircraft to the sky as it hires more staff. 114 aircraft are expected to be delivered by Southwest this year. That will lead to a return of network depth by the summer.
Southwest is using 120 aircraft to support its expansion during the Pandemic, which will slow the pace of its return to pre-pandemic frequencies.
He said it would take into 2023 to restore the network back to where it was in 2019.
Jordan takes over as Southwest CEO. He will be the next Gary Kelly.