Southwest open seating: CEO says airline is weighing options [Video]

The Dallas-based carrier also said it’s closing operations at four airports, including one in Texas, and expects to cut 2,000 jobs.

DALLAS — Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is considering changes, potentially including to its open seating policy, in hopes of raising revenue after reporting $231 million in losses in the first quarter of 2024 Thursday, CEO Bob Jordan said. The carrier also reported record revenues of $6.3 billion.

“We’re looking at new initiatives, things like the way we seat and the way we board our aircraft,” Jordan said during an interview with CNBC.

Southwest has long offered open seating but does offer earlier boarding for a fee. Meanwhile, As Forbes reported, rivals like United Airlines have seen revenue growth from premium seating, such as business class.

When asked whether the airline could consider premium seating, Jordan said, “there’s nothing to report today,” but they’re weighing options.

“It’s very early, but the results are …