Southwest Airlines Bids Farewell to Open Seating with Historic Final Flight
An aviation era concludes as Southwest Airlines prepares to operate its final flight using the iconic open seating policy that has defined the budget carrier for nearly six decades. The commemorative journey will depart from Honolulu on Monday night, marking a significant shift in the airline's operational philosophy.
Special Aircraft for Historic Journey
The final open seating flight will utilize Southwest's specially designated Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, painted in the distinctive 'Desert Gold' livery that replicates the airline's original 1967 colour scheme. This retro-styled aircraft, named in honour of founder Herb Kelleher, carries the designation Flight N871HK - a tribute combining Kelleher's initials with the date of Southwest's inaugural flight in June 1971.
According to aviation industry reporter Ryan Ewing, the commemorative plane has been operational since November 2022 and represents a tangible link to Southwest's pioneering history. The aircraft will depart Honolulu around 10 p.m. local time on Monday, undertaking an overnight journey to Los Angeles with an estimated arrival at approximately 5:30 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
End of an Aviation Tradition
Southwest Airlines has remained the last major carrier to maintain open seating amidst industry-wide adoption of pre-booked seating arrangements. For over fifty years, passengers experienced the airline's unique first-come, first-served boarding process, organised through distinctive A, B, and C boarding groups determined by check-in timing.
The airline confirmed this week that changing passenger preferences necessitated the policy shift. "Our research indicates that 80 per cent of Southwest customers, and 86 per cent of potential customers, prefer an assigned seat," stated the company. "When customers choose competitors, open seating is cited as the primary reason. We expect assigned seating to broaden our appeal."
Practical Implications for Travellers
The transition to assigned seating brings significant practical changes for Southwest passengers. Under the new system, seat assignments will correlate with fare class, aligning Southwest with standard industry practice. This represents a particular adjustment for passengers requiring additional space, who previously could request complimentary extra seating at the airport but must now book additional seats in advance.
This policy revision forms part of broader strategic realignment initiatives influenced by investor pressure to enhance profitability. The seating change follows Southwest's decision to terminate its long-standing "bags fly free" policy in May 2025, signalling comprehensive operational transformation.
As Southwest Airlines prepares for this historic transition, the final open seating flight from Honolulu represents both an ending and a new beginning for the pioneering budget carrier that has maintained its distinctive approach longer than any competitor in the commercial aviation sector.
