Southwest Airlines CEO Defends Major Seating Change as Not 'Crazy'

Southwest Airlines' CEO isn't shrinking away from the major changes the airline has made in recent months.

He appears to be doubling down.

That's true when it comes to one of the most controversial changes: The airline's move to assigned seating.

For years, Southwest Airlines stood apart from other airlines by not assigning seating. The open seating arrangement has now been scrapped and, starting in early 2026, customers will be assigned seats. This has provoked debate.

However...