Latest news with #TonyRoach
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Southwest Airlines Reveals Details About Its New Seating and Boarding Policy
The airline shared when things are changing. Southwest Airlines will debut its new assigned seating policy in January 2026, bringing an end to the airline's once signature process of open seating. The airline's new boarding procedure will go into effect for flights scheduled on and after Jan. 27, 2026, according to Southwest, during which passengers will board through group zones and sit in assigned seats. While the process won't fully roll out until next year, travelers will be able to start booking tickets and reserving seats for after the January launch starting July 29. 'Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our Customers, including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats, and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin,' Tony Roach, the executive vice president for customer and brand at Southwest, said in a statement. 'This is an important step in our evolution, and we're excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary Customer Service.' When travelers are able to choose their seat will vary depending on the type of fare they book and if they are members of Southwest's loyalty programs. Rapid Rewards Credit Card members, for example, will be able to select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of their scheduled departure (depending on which card they hold), while A-List and A-List Preferred customers will be able to select their seat at booking, all regardless of the type of fare they purchase. In addition, passengers will also have the option of purchasing a seat upgrade. Southwest said the seating policy change will offer customers more options and control over their travel experience. The new boarding process will include several groups. Top-tier loyalty members and those with premium seats will board first, while passengers traveling on a "basic" fare will board new policy has been the talk of the travel industry since as early as April 2024 when speculation started to spread as executives, including CEO Bob Jordan, made comments about the future of the airline. This is also not the first major change for Southwest this year. In May, the airline ended another long-enjoyed (and often tested) perk: its 54-year-old policy of offering free checked bags. However, travelers who are members of Southwest's loyalty program—as well as credit card holders—can still enjoy free bags when they fly. That same month, Southwest overhauled its fare classes, introducing new options of "Choice Extra," "Choice Preferred," "Choice," and "Basic." Read the original article on Travel & Leisure Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chase and Southwest Airlines® Introduce New Benefits on Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards
Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards evolve to complement Southwest Airlines' new Customer experience, offering Cardmembers more value, new accelerated earn categories and elevating their travel with Southwest® To celebrate, through September 17th, new Southwest Rapid Rewards Consumer Credit Cardmembers can earn 100K bonus points, the best Rapid Rewards points offer this year WILMINGTON, Del. & DALLAS, July 24, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Chase and Southwest Airlines Co. launch new and enhanced benefits on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase. The Cards' benefits and new earn categories now make everyday spending and flying with Southwest Airlines even more rewarding and reflect the airline's new Customer experience. Providing Cardmembers with more value, choice, flexibility and comfort, the new Card benefits include first checked bag free, pre-flight seat selection and upgrades to Extra Legroom seats with any fare bundle, as well as earlier boarding. Cardmembers can also earn more points on new everyday spending categories including on qualifying gas station, grocery store and restaurant purchases. To celebrate the launch, through September 17th, new Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority, Premier or Plus Consumer Credit Cardmembers can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 5 months from account opening – the best points offer this year. "Our Customers love the exceptional value they get from our award-winning Rapid Rewards program," said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President Customer & Brand at Southwest Airlines. "We're rewarding our credit Cardmembers with new benefits, making it easier to earn points and exclusive options to elevate their travel experience." "The changes we are making to our Rapid Rewards Credit Card portfolio will meet the new needs of Southwest travelers and provide greater value to our Cardmembers," said Chris Cracchiolo, President of Co-Brand Credit Cards at Chase. "As Southwest continues on its transformational journey, we are proud to be their partner and together will ensure that being a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember remains one of the most rewarding ways to fly with Southwest." Cardmembers continue to receive many benefits they love, including anniversary bonus points, accelerated earn on Southwest flights, an exclusive one-time boost of 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points per calendar year, a 25% discount on inflight purchases and access to exclusive Rapid Rewards® Access Events. Certain Cards also continue to earn points towards Tier Status, with the Priority and Performance Cards now earning 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs. Existing earn categories across the Card portfolio, including the ability to earn 2X points on internet, cable and phone services, Rapid Rewards Hotels and Car Rental Partners and more, are available through the end of the year. Plus and Premier Consumer and Business Cardmembers continue to have access to their two EarlyBird Check-In®s, and Priority and Performance Cards continue to have access to their four Upgraded Boardings for flights operating in 2025. The exciting updates take effect today for new and existing Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers. New Benefits for Southwest Rapid Rewards Consumer Credit Cards The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card ($229 Annual Fee) features new benefits such as: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 4X points on Southwest Airlines eligible purchases, previously 3X points 2X points at gas stations and restaurants, with no annual cap Standard or Preferred seat selection at booking, when available for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours prior to departure, when available and at no additional charge, for the Cardmember and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs Find additional benefits and details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Card ($149 Annual Fee) offers new benefits including; Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $8,000 in combined spend at grocery stores and restaurants each anniversary year Standard or Preferred seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 One promotional code for a 15% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) Find full list of benefits and additional details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card ($99 Annual Fee) offers the following new benefits: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $5,000 in combined spend at gas stations and grocery stores each anniversary year Standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 One promotional code for a 10% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) No foreign transaction fees Find full list of benefits and additional details here New Benefits for Southwest Rapid Rewards Business Credit Cards The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Card ($299 Annual Fee) provides rewards across every step of a business trip, including: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on spend at gas stations and restaurants, with no annual cap 2X points on all hotel purchases 2X points on local transit, rideshare and commuting Standard or Preferred Seat Selection at booking, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Unlimited upgrades to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours prior to departure, when available and at no additional charge, for the Cardmember and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs Find additional benefits and details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card ($149 Annual Fee) new benefits include: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $8,000 in combined spend at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year Standard or Preferred Seat Selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservations, can board in Group 5 2,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) towards A-List status for every $5,000 spent annually, previously 1,500 TQPs Promotional code for a 15% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) Find additional benefits and details here The Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Business Card ($99 Annual Fee) offers the following new benefits: Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost. For a group of 4 this would be a savings of up to $280 roundtrip ($35 per bag per trip). 2X points on first $5,000 in combined spend at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year Standard seat selection within 48 hours prior to departure, when available, for the Cardmember and up to eight passengers traveling on the same reservation (for flights operating in 2026) Earlier boarding – the Cardmember, and up to eight additional passengers traveling on the same reservation, can board in Group 5 Promotional code for a 10% flight discount each anniversary year (except Basic fare) No foreign transaction fees Find additional benefits and details here Existing Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers' annual fees will be adjusted on their 2026 Anniversary date. Seating and boarding benefits will roll out when Southwest begins selling assigned seating on July 29, 2025, and operating with assigned seating on January 27, 2026. To learn more about Southwest's reimagined Customer experience, please visit To learn more about Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase, please click here. About Chase Chase is the U.S. consumer and commercial banking business of JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM), a leading financial services firm based in the United States of America with assets of $4.6 trillion and operations worldwide. Chase serves more than 85 million consumers and 7 million small businesses, with a broad range of financial services, including personal banking, credit cards, mortgages, auto financing, investment advice, small business loans and payment processing. Customers can choose how and where they want to bank: Nearly 5,000 branches in 48 states and the District of Columbia, nearly 15,000 ATMs, mobile, online and by phone. For more information, go to About Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 72,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting 1 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey as of Q1 2025 2 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees as of June 30, 2025 View source version on Contacts Media Contacts Chase Card Services Stephanie Scorzelli, Chase Southwest Airlines Visit the Southwest Newsroom at for multimedia assets and other Company news. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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Travel + Leisure
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
Southwest Airlines Reveals Details About Its New Seating and Boarding Policy
Southwest Airlines will debut its new assigned seating policy in January 2026, bringing an end to the airline's once signature process of open seating. The airline's new boarding procedure will go into effect for flights scheduled on and after Jan. 27, 2026, according to Southwest, during which passengers will board through group zones and sit in assigned seats. While the process won't fully roll out until next year, travelers will be able to start booking tickets and reserving seats for after the January launch starting July 29. 'Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our Customers, including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats, and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin,' Tony Roach, the executive vice president for customer and brand at Southwest, said in a statement. 'This is an important step in our evolution, and we're excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary Customer Service.' When travelers are able to choose their seat will vary depending on the type of fare they book and if they are members of Southwest's loyalty programs. Rapid Rewards Credit Card members, for example, will be able to select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of their scheduled departure (depending on which card they hold), while A-List and A-List Preferred customers will be able to select their seat at booking, all regardless of the type of fare they purchase. In addition, passengers will also have the option of purchasing a seat upgrade. Southwest said the seating policy change will offer customers more options and control over their travel experience. The new boarding process will include several groups. Top-tier loyalty members and those with premium seats will board first, while passengers traveling on a "basic" fare will board last. The new policy has been the talk of the travel industry since as early as April 2024 when speculation started to spread as executives, including CEO Bob Jordan, made comments about the future of the airline. This is also not the first major change for Southwest this year. In May, the airline ended another long-enjoyed (and often tested) perk: its 54-year-old policy of offering free checked bags. However, travelers who are members of Southwest's loyalty program—as well as credit card holders—can still enjoy free bags when they fly. That same month, Southwest overhauled its fare classes, introducing new options of "Choice Extra," "Choice Preferred," "Choice," and "Basic."
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Southwest Airlines says seating policy will change next year
Advertisement Southwest Airlines has revealed that its new assigned seating can be booked as early as next week. The budget airline outraged its loyal customers when it announced that it was scrapping its open seating policy last summer. Its new assigned seats will be available for flights from January 27th next year, the airline announced on Tuesday. However, these flights and seating preferences can be booked beginning on July 29. 'Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our Customers — including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats — and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin,' Southwest executive Tony Roach said of the change. The airline has not yet revealed how much more each seating tier will cost under the new system. The policy was introduced the boost the company's bottom line and to meet the rising demand of premium seating. Other recent changes have included the scrapping of its two free bags policy. Flyer must now cough up $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. On Monday the carrier also revealed that it would be overhauling its hated boarding process. The new system will ferry passengers on to the plane in accordance with their seat location. Priority will be given to those who have purchased more expensive seats and to members of the airline's loyalty program. There will also be the option of purchasing a priority boarding add-on for those who wish to jump the queue. In February the airline announced plans to cut 15 percent of its corporate workforce in a bid to cut costs. The layoffs - a first in the airline's 53-year history - will slash around about 1,750 jobs. The airline's cost-cutting spree began last year when activist investors Elliott Investment Management. pressured the board to cut losses and boost profits. Unlike its rivals, Southwest had long avoided mass job cuts, even during economic downturns, 9/11, and the pandemic. But after a hiring spree in recent years, the airline is now under investor pressure to rein in costs. Rising labor expenses from new union agreements and inflation have squeezed profit margins, despite strong travel demand.
Black America Web
23-07-2025
- Business
- Black America Web
Assigned Seating Coming to All Southwest Flights In January
Source: The Washington Post / Getty Southwest Airlines' signature open seating policy is coming to an end. The Texas-based carrier announced Monday it will begin offering assigned seating on all flights starting January 27, 2026 — marking a major shift from the decades-old practice of letting passengers choose their seats during boarding. Customers will be able to book flights with assigned seats beginning July 29, the airline said. 'Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our customers, including the ability to select extra legroom seats, and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin,' said Tony Roach, executive vice president of customer and brand at Southwest, in a statement. The updated policy will also introduce new fare bundles and seating options, including premium seats with more legroom. However, a Southwest spokesperson said it's too early to share details about how fares will change under the new reservation system. The move comes as Southwest revamps its business model amid financial challenges. Earlier this year, the airline ended its long-standing 'bags fly free' policy. Passengers who book flights on or after May 28 now pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Along with assigned seating, Southwest is rolling out a redesigned boarding process. Passengers will now be grouped by seat location, with priority boarding given to customers who select extra legroom seats or hold elite status in the airline's loyalty program. Passengers can also pay for priority boarding. Instead of the familiar letter-and-number system (Groups A–C), customers will now be assigned a group number from 1 to 8. The airline says the changes are designed to 'deliver a smooth and efficient customer experience on every flight.' SEE ALSO Assigned Seating Coming to All Southwest Flights In January was originally published on
