Southwest airlines has ended its open seating model and will now assign seats.
One of the major airlines in the United States, Southwest Airlines - in its 57 years history - is introducing redeye flights, with the first routes being from Las Vegas to Hawaii. Additionally, the airline is revising its seating policy. While it has long been known for its all-economy, unassigned seating, Southwest now plans to offer assigned seats and premium seating for passengers seeking more legroom. Renowned for its distinctive approach to air travel, Southwest acknowledges that customer preferences have evolved, with more travelers embarking on longer flights and desiring assigned seating. Although no official date has been set for the commencement of the redeye flights, Southwest's Chief Commercial Officer, Ryan Green, mentioned that the airline aims to launch them in about two years. Let us understand what redeye flights are.
Southwest reported that its profit in the second quarter of 2024 dropped more than 46% from a year earlier. Now in that case, redeye flights will be beneficial for Southwest, as it can generate more revenue by keeping planes in service during hours they would otherwise be grounded. Redeye flights, common among most major airlines except Southwest until now, are overnight flights that depart at night and arrive the next morning, often too short for passengers to get a full night's sleep, hence the term ‘red-eye’ due to resulting fatigue.
Opinions on overnight flights vary. Much like how people have different taste preferences, flight preferences are personal and influenced by factors like cost and comfort. Redeye flights appeal to many travelers because they often have lower fares than daytime flights. However, some passengers find them unsuitable due to disrupted sleep and early arrivals. Despite mixed reviews, adding overnight flights presents an opportunity for Southwest Airlines to expand its offerings and increase revenue.
Red-eye flights frequently connect West Coast cities to East Coast cities. American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue, and other U.S. and Canadian carriers operate red-eye flights that depart from the West Coast at night from cities such as Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco, and Seattle, among others, arriving in Boston, New York, Toronto, Washington, D.C., and other East Coast cities in the morning. Overnight flights allow West Coast residents to leave after work and arrive on the East Coast in time for morning meetings. You arrive early in the morning, which means you have the full day for work at your destination.
An important feature of redeye flights is that they cost less than daytime flights. Additionally, traveling overnight might eliminate your need for a hotel to stay at night, adding extra savings to your travel cost. And what if I say you do not have to stand in long queues for security, check-ins or boarding? Yes, airports are usually less busy and congested late at night, and therefore redeye flights can save you from standing in long queues. Red-eye flights “earn” an extra day for travelers, allowing them to make the most of their time by adjusting to their new environment upon arrival.
If you're traveling with your family, redeye flights might not be the best choice due to the disruption in sleep they cause. The limited opportunity for a sound sleep at night often results in arriving at your destination feeling fatigued. Additionally, the late-night departures and early arrivals can make it challenging to use public transit to and from the airport.
Moreover, airline lounges, airport shops, and restaurants may not be open during late hours, limiting your options for comfort and refreshments. Upon early arrival, you may also encounter difficulties with hotel check-ins.
Amidst all the debates and discussions surrounding redeye flights, there’s a sure bet: the introduction of these overnight flights marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Southwest Airlines.
