The Unthinkable Shift: Would Assigned Seating Really Ground Southwest's Spirit?

Southwest Airlines. Just hearing the name probably brings to mind a few things: friendly crew, a certain boarding ritual, and perhaps most distinctly, the open seating policy. For decades, it's been a hallmark, a quirky differentiator that sets them apart in an industry often criticized for its cookie-cutter approach, where every airline seems to blur into the next.

But imagine, just for a moment, a different Southwest. A Southwest where you pick your seat at booking, just like... well, every other airline. It’s a thought that pops up now and then, a rumor, a ‘what if’ scenario that sends a shiver down the spine of many a loyal customer. And honestly, it’s a pretty compelling discussion, isn't it?

Because let's be absolutely clear: if Southwest were to ever go down the assigned seating path, they wouldn’t just be changing a policy; they’d be fundamentally altering their very identity. They’d essentially be hitting the 'copy-paste' button and becoming indistinguishable from the very competitors they’ve so successfully differentiated themselves from for so long.

Now, I know what some of you are thinking: 'But the boarding process! It's pure chaos!' And sure, there’s a certain ballet to it, a learned skill, especially when you’re trying to snag that perfect window seat or aisle exit. The 'EarlyBird' check-in, the A, B, C groups – it can feel a bit like a competitive sport sometimes, can’t it? But here’s the thing: it works, and importantly, it’s theirs.

Many Southwest frequent flyers actually appreciate this system. They like the perceived fairness – everyone gets a shot, more or less, based on when they check in. There’s a sense of agency, a little bit of control in an otherwise controlled environment. And dare I say, sometimes it feels faster, too, as folks aren't dawdling looking for a specific seat number.

Southwest’s value isn’t just about the low fares or the incredible perk of two free checked bags (a godsend in this era of nickel-and-diming, let’s be honest). It’s also wrapped up in that unique boarding experience, which, believe it or not, contributes to a certain brand loyalty. People know what they’re getting when they fly Southwest, and they choose it for those very reasons.

To mess with that formula, to abandon the open seating that defines them, would be a huge gamble. It would erase a significant competitive advantage and, quite frankly, risk alienating a very devoted customer base who have grown accustomed to, and even fond of, their distinct way of flying. Why fix something that isn’t broken, especially when the ‘fix’ might actually break its unique appeal?

In an industry constantly striving for efficiency and differentiation, Southwest found its niche decades ago. Let’s hope they remember that sometimes, being different – truly different – is far more valuable than simply conforming to the norm. Because if they don't, they might just find themselves losing more than just open seats; they might lose a piece of their very soul.