Credit: Inside The MagicA popular airline, Southwest Airlines, is making history and headlines after changing a policy that received backlash for the first time in 50 years, affecting any Disney guests moving forward.
Southwest Airlines Changing Policy After 50 Years, Affecting All Future Disney Vacations; Here’s Why
Suppose you’re a Disney guest planning on flying Southwest Airlines soon to Disneyland California or Walt Disney World Resort. In that case, you might want to keep reading as a significant policy change will impact your upcoming flight plans.
According to numerous reports from FOX 13 in Florida and the Associated Press, Southwest Airlines announced plans on Thursday, July 25, to begin assigning seats to travelers and offering premium seating with more legroom, marking a departure from the carrier’s 50-year tradition.
The move comes in response to customer preferences and expectations, which the airline has been studying, and aims to generate revenue and enhance financial performance. Southwest has operated under an open seating model for half a century, where passengers are assigned a boarding group and position after checking in but are not given specific seats. Once on board, passengers could choose any available seat.
However, the airline now recognizes that many customers, especially those on longer flights, prefer assigned seating. In addition to these changes, Southwest recently announced an increase in the price range of certain perks that allow passengers to board sooner and select their preferred seats. The airline also revealed plans to offer redeye flights for the first time.
How This Pertains to Guests Traveling to the Theme Parks Soon
These overnight flights will begin on February 14, 2025, with nonstop routes, including Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando, Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville, and Phoenix to Baltimore. Southwest intends to introduce additional redeye flights over time gradually. These strategic shifts reflect Southwest’s efforts to adapt to evolving customer demands while seeking to improve its financial performance.
Southwest Airlines’ recent changes, including the introduction of assigned seating and premium seating options, are expected to impact Disney guests planning trips to Disneyland or Disney World. Travelers flying with Southwest, a popular carrier for family vacations, may experience a shift in how they prepare for their flights and manage their travel itineraries.
For decades, Southwest’s open seating model has allowed passengers to choose their seats upon boarding, an approach that has required families and groups to check in early to secure adjacent seats. With the new assigned seating policy, Disney guests will now have the ability to select their seats in advance, potentially reducing the stress and uncertainty associated with securing preferred seating arrangements.
Additionally, introducing premium seating with more legroom may appeal to guests seeking a more comfortable flight experience, particularly on longer trips to the theme parks. This option could enhance the overall travel experience for families, providing added comfort and convenience.
Southwest’s new redeye flights, set to begin on February 14, 2025, will offer more flexible travel options, including overnight flights from major cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Phoenix to Baltimore and Orlando. This development is particularly significant for those planning to visit Disney World, as it allows for more varied travel schedules and potentially lower airfare costs during non-peak hours.
These changes are poised to influence the travel plans of many Disney guests, offering new seating arrangements, enhanced comfort, and greater flexibility in flight schedules. As Southwest adapts to evolving customer preferences, Disney-bound travelers must stay informed and adjust their plans to take full advantage of the new offerings.