After nearly 50 years of offering first-come, first-served seating, Southwest Airlines is making some big changes. 

Soon, you’ll see assigned seating, premium seating options and more legroom, the Dallas-based airline shared in a statement today. Currently, passengers are assigned numbers when they check in for a flight and are placed in one of three boarding groups. When you board your flight, any open seat is usually up for grabs. 

For those of us familiar with the panic of checking in exactly 24 hours before a flight, the change is sure to be welcome. But Southwest, which considers itself a discount carrier, was a favorite for budget travelers willing to sacrifice the luxury of an assigned seat for a cheaper ticket. 

Considering the announcement specifically mentioned that the change was designed to increase revenue opportunities, Southwest’s switch could translate to higher prices. 

The changes could be a sign that the airline is seeking new ways to add to its bottom line. Despite generating an all-time record in quarterly revenues, Southwest said in a report to investors that profits had dropped 46% compared to last year.

Among other changes, Southwest said it will offer red-eye flights starting Feb. 14, 2025. Earlier this year, the airline announced it’s now available on Google Flights, too. 

For now, Southwest hasn’t announced any changes to its bag policy of two free checked bags or its companion pass -- both fan favorites. There’s no word yet on what the announcement will mean for Southwest credit card holders and their perks. 

When I checked Threads, reactions were mixed to the assigned seating. But Gerri Detweiler, a former frequent flier with Southwest and member of CNET Money’s expert review board, said open seating was actually more convenient for those earning elite status with the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Her status allowed her to be in the first boarding groups -- and grab the best seats -- regardless of when she booked a flight. 

“Even if I changed flights the day of travel, I knew I wasn’t going to get stuck in the dreaded middle seat,” she said. 

When we emailed Southwest Airlines for further comment, a media representative responded that they had nothing additional to add right now beyond the press release.

We’ll keep you updated as we learn more.