Southwest Airlines is making major changes as it begins to offer services akin to standard non-budget airlines.On Thursday, Southwest Airlines unveiled plans to implement assigned seats and add premium seats with longer legroom. Those with premium seats will now be able to board first, the airline says. The airline says it will still continue to allow customers to check up to two bags for free as it says any change in policy would lower revenue.
RELATED STORY | FAA reviewing Southwest Airlines' safety protocol after latest low-flying plane incidentResearch from the airline shows 80% of Southwest customers and 86% of potential customers prefer an assigned seat. And when customers opt to stop flying with Southwest in favor of a competitor, the No. 1 reason they cite leaving is open seating.Another major change won’t be to the aircraft, but rather scheduling.