Just two months after ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy, the airline has announced when it will roll out assigned seating — a significant shift from its traditional boarding process. For decades, Southwest used a first-come, first-served system, along with free checked bags, that set it apart from its competitors.

Southwest Airlines has announced a major change coming to its current seating system. The Texas-based airline previously had a “pick any seat” policy, allowing customers to purchase tickets in different boarding groups by selecting where they wanted to sit upon boarding the plane.

“Southwest open seating is the ultimate expression of its founding ethos: to make air travel affordable and accessible for everyone.”—Official Southwest Airlines statement, as part of the airline’s 50th anniversary commemoration.

Southwest Airlines' CEO told investors in a July 24 earnings call that the airline could eventually open its own lounges.

Passengers aboard a Southwest flight leaving Burbank, California, have spoken out after their plane rapidly descended after takeoff, resulting in two flight attendants being treated for injuries.

There are a few key trends to look for if we want to identify the next multi-bagger. Firstly, we'd want to identify

Southwest Airlines is one of the largest and most recognizable airlines in the United States, competing with Delta, United, and American in a number of key metrics. However, there is one somewhat surprising way Southwest has never even tried to compete with the other three major airlines.