Photo: DANIEL SLIM / AFP / Getty Images
Texas based Southwest Airlines is breaking with a tradition that they have had in place for more than 50 years.
The airline is planning to drop open seating, and will also begin selling 'premium seating' for those customers who want extra legroom.
Southwest made the announcement on the same day that both it reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit despite higher revenue. Its second-quarter profit fell 46% from one year ago.
In a statement, Southwest said, "“The research is clear and indicates that 80% of Southwest customers, and 86% of potential customers, prefer an assigned seat,” said the airline in a statement. “By moving to an assigned seating model, Southwest expects to broaden its appeal and attract more flying from its current and future customers.”