✈ Southwest Ditches Open Seating, JetBlue Route Shakeup & More Daily News From TPG ✈

July 25, 2024

View in browser

TOGETHER WITH

Big changes coming to Southwest Airlines

by David Slotnick, Contributing aviation editor

Southwest Airlines is changing direction. The airline announced this morning that it’s going to sunset its open-seating concept — which lets passengers board by group and sit in any seat that’s open — and start assigning seats.

Southwest also plans to add premium seats with extra legroom, and add overnight, or “red-eye,” flights, a first for the airline.

Southwest has long said that customers love its open seating, and while some do, the airline found that 80% of customers it surveyed want assigned seats instead.

TPG spoke exclusively with the airline’s chief operating officer, Andrew Watterson, who outlined the airline’s need for changes even as it tries to maintain its unique culture.

The changes come as Southwest fends off an activist investor who wants to fire the airline’s leaders and shake up its business model. Although the airline has tactics to try and block a hostile takeover, executives freely admit that something needs to change as the airline industry struggles to maintain its finances amid supply chain disruptions and overcapacity in the short-haul market.

What do you think about these Southwest changes? Head over to TPG’s Instagram and share your thoughts.

Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Photo Credit: KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY.

TOGETHER WITH

Savor world-class dining on the open seas

Complement your journey with a wide range of fresh, authentic and immersive dining experiences featuring local cuisine when you sail Norwegian Cruise Line. Enjoy exceptional dining and the freedom of Freestyle Dining with no fixed times or pre-assigned seating, along with unique bar and lounge options.

Learn more

Today’s top stories

JetBlue cuts or halts 24 routes, pulls out of 7 cities — but doubles down on New England

JetBlue is out with its latest network shakeup. The carrier is bolstering its footprint in New England, but eliminating or pausing two dozen routes.

Amex will open its fourth Centurion Lounge in Mexico City

American Express is making big moves south of the border.

Crocodiles and caviar: My 10-night adventure on the most luxurious cruise ship to call the Kimberley home

The scenic coast of Western Australia is a growing hot spot for adventure cruises.

6 ways to redeem Capital One’s 75,000-mile welcome offer for maximum value

Here are five options, including flights and hotels, that you can book with 75,000 Capital One miles.

For the first time in history, you can step inside Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle in Scotland is one of the British royal family's most beloved properties.

The latest

1.	American launches new way to tag wheelchairs, mobility devices

2.	The best beaches in the US for summer trips

3.	Red Sea troubles force luxury cruise ship to sail 23,000 miles in the wrong direction

4.	Amex Gold Card refresh: Increased annual fee, new statement credits — and a stylish white gold option

5.	Southwest to add seat assignments, extra legroom and red-eye flights

6.	Sale extended: Alaska Airlines has a 30% off sale on flights to Hawaii, the Bahamas and Belize

7.	Use points to book these 10 vacation rentals for Labor Day weekend

8.	Delta, now ‘fully staffed,’ says it will pay for alternate flights and other meltdown expenses

9.	Take a look inside Alaska Airlines’ swanky new lounge at SFO

10.	Spain deal alert: Visit Barcelona and Madrid for as low as $447 round-trip

You are receiving this email because you opted in at thepointsguy.com.

Where to find us:
The Points Guy 100 5th Ave., 16th Floor New York, NY 10011 USA USA

If this newsletter was forwarded to you, you can subscribe here.

Advertiser Disclosure:

The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

THE POINTS GUY © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2024

Card Type

Card Issuer

Cobranded Cards

Learn About Credit Cards

Credit Card Reward Programs

Airline Rewards Programs

Hotel Rewards Program

Learn About Rewards Programs

Airlines

Hotels

Cruises

Resources

TPG points valuation

Award vs. cash calculator

CardMatch

Sign up for the TPG Daily for breaking news, game-changing tips and exclusive deals from TPG partners

You’re onboard! Welcome to the TPG Daily.

Advertiser disclosure

Advertiser disclosure