Southwest Airlines switches to assigned seating [Video]

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced a huge change for passengers. It will shift to assigned seats starting sometime next year.

The airline has had open seating for more than 50 years.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan made the announcement on Thursday morning ahead of the company’s latest earnings call.

“It’s something that our customers really want and we’re always looking to fulfill the needs of our customers,” he said.

Southwest said it conducted a survey and found that 80% of its passengers preferred assigned seats.

“You know, as you make any change you have to be clear about what you stand for and who you are. Southwest Airlines, that is a great network and the best set of policies and great hospitality and above all the best people. Then you have to be willing to challenge everything else because customer preferences change over time and this is a great example,” said Jordan.

The travelers that …