Southwest eliminates open seat selection and now assigns seats
After more than 50 years, Southwest Airlines is abandoning its unique open seating model and will begin assigning seats.
Scripps News
Southwest will offer daily nonstop flight from Indianapolis to Nashville starting March 6, 2025, the company announced Thursday.
Airport management praised the launch of the flight, saying it was a result of market demand from the Indianapolis economy.
“We have been pursuing this nonstop flight with Southwest for over 7 years,” said Mario Rodriguez, CEO of the Indianapolis Airport Authority, in a press release. “And it will launch in time for the spring travel season – and operate year-round.”
Airport officials said Indianapolis pushed for the flight to link the cities’ business, tourism and economic development interests.
“This flight will connect business and leisure travelers to Music City and serve as a connector for passengers transferring to other flights through Nashville, Southwest’s focal point,” said Maggie Cunningham, director of flight service development for the Indianapolis Airport Authority, in a press release.
Get ready for assigned seating: Southwest Airlines ushers in big changes
The Indianapolis-Nashville route is part of a series of additional flights Southwest has added for spring break, including several direct flights from Nashville to Cabo San Lucas and Punta Cana.
This is Southwest’s 19th direct flight from Indianapolis International Airport, connecting routes to Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Cancun, Dallas-Love, Denver, Panama City, Fort Lauderdale, Houston-Hobby, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Orlando, Miami, Phoenix, Fort Myers, San Diego, Sarasota/Bradenton and Tampa.
Earlier this year, Southwest announced that the airline would eliminate open seat selection, ending its method of boarding planes that has long been unique in the commercial aviation industry. The Dallas-based airline said it would maintain its free two-bag policy.
Alysa Guffey is IndyStar’s commercial growth and development manager. She can be reached at [email protected].
