✈ Southwest Ditches Open Seating, JetBlue Route Shakeup & More Daily News From TPG ✈

Also: Amex adds new Centurion Lounge July 25, 2024 [THE POINTS GUY]( [View in browser]( [TPG Daily Newsletter]( TOGETHER WITH [Partner Logo]( [THE POINTS GUY]( TOGETHER WITH [Partner Logo]( Big changes coming to Southwest Airlines by David Slotnick, Senior Aviation Reporter [TPG | Hero Image] Southwest Airlines is changing direction. The airline announced this morning that it’s going to [sunset its open-seating concept]( — which lets passengers board by group and sit in any seat that’s open — and start assigning seats. Southwest also plans to add premium seats with extra legroom, and [add overnight, or “red-eye,” flights]( a first for the airline. Southwest has long said that customers love its open seating, and while some do, the airline found that 80% of customers it surveyed want assigned seats instead. [TPG spoke exclusively]( with the airline's chief operating officer, Andrew Watterson, who outlined the airline’s need for changes even as it tries to maintain its unique culture. The changes come as Southwest fends off an activist investor who wants to fire the airline’s leaders and shake up its business model. Although the airline has tactics to try and block a hostile takeover, executives freely admit that something needs to change as the airline industry struggles to maintain its finances amid supply chain disruptions and overcapacity in the short-haul market. What do you think about these Southwest changes? Head over to [TPG’s Instagram]( and share your thoughts. Posts in this newsletter contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products, and this may impact how or where they appear. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, [visit this page](. Photo Credit: KATIE GENTER/THE POINTS GUY. TOGETHER WITH [Partner Logo]( Savor world-class dining on the open seas Complement your journey with a wide range of fresh, authentic and immersive dining experiences featuring local cuisine when you sail Norwegian Cruise Line. Enjoy exceptional dining and the freedom of Freestyle Dining with no fixed times or pre-assigned seating, along with unique bar and lounge options. [Learn more]( Today’s top stories [JetBlue cuts or halts 24 routes, pulls out of 7 cities — but doubles down on New England]( JetBlue is out with its latest network shakeup. The carrier is bolstering its footprint in New England, but eliminating or pausing two dozen routes. [Read more]( [Amex will open its fourth Centurion Lounge in Mexico City]( American Express is making big moves south of the border. [Read more]( [Crocodiles and caviar: My 10-night adventure on the most luxurious cruise ship to call the Kimberley home]( The scenic coast of Western Australia is a growing hot spot for adventure cruises. 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