Southwest has unveiled huge changes to its cabins – so which passengers will be the winners and losers?

Southwest Airlines has announced major changes to their policies – and one controversial development is the introduction of assigned seats, a practice the airline has not used for fifty years.

Last week, Southwest unveiled a shiny new plane – the Boeing 737 MAX 8 – and touted the improvements.

Rows of cushioned seats, extra legroom, larger luggage compartments and in-seat power were just some of the innovations mentioned at the investor day in Dallas.

In a TikTok posted by the company on Thursday, new uniforms and faster Wi-Fi were also unveiled as part of the airline’s revival era.

But while some frequent flyers fear the changes will make the airline unrecognizable, the airline has emphasized that it will “preserve the Southwestern hospitality you know and love.”

The main purpose of the changes is simple: to boost the transition to assigned seating after decades of allowing passengers to choose their own seats, WJ reported.

But everything shiny and new always comes with a price tag.

During the airline’s presentation to investors on Thursday, the word “monetize” was used a total of eleven times by executives.

And the word “premium” appeared a total of 34 times, the WSJ added.

While Southwest prides itself on equal opportunity for all flyers, Southwest customer research has shown trends that have been in the industry for years: people paying for a premium experience, CBS reported.

And some Southwest enthusiasts are upset they’ll get the shoddy second seats.

Southwest’s cheapest tickets – Wanna Get Away tickets – do not have advanced seat selection and are instead assigned during online check-in.

Eighty percent of passengers want an assigned seat — leaving the remaining 20 percent of people reeling from the news — and prefer the freedom and fairness that comes with open seating, the WSJ reported.

And chronic seat savers and boarding cheaters will be the biggest losers in the renovation.

Waiting for your group to be called on board is a fear for all travelers – and Southwest is known for their out-of-control pre-boarding lines.

This meant that travelers who could request early boarding had a better chance of getting good seats.

But last month, Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer, told employees in a video that the act has caused “an explosion of abuse” and that there is no longer any incentive for passengers who don’t need extra time to board early, according to the WSJ. added.

And seat savers – the people who save seats (and money) for their family and friends – will lose that luxury once assigned seating comes into play.

Some Southwest travelers took to TikTok to express their thoughts on the renovation — and wasted no time in voicing their displeasure in the comments.

But Southwest executives insist there’s no comparison with budget competitors: Passengers who buy the cheapest tickets are still offered two free checked bags, no change fees and the opportunity to still earn frequent flyer points, the WSJ added .

When deciding whether or not to maintain their two-bag fly-free policy, the survey easily made the decision for them.

Of the top reasons people fly Southwest, free bags rank third in importance among travelers, after price and flight schedule.

It was discovered that the airline would lose a net $300 million in revenue if they stopped this practice, WSJ reported.

And where there are losers, there are always winners – and in this case it’s the frequent flyers.

When available, travelers with Southwest’s A-list Preferred status receive complimentary extra legroom seats and other preferred seats.

They’ll also get free priority boarding, WiFi and alcoholic drinks to enjoy while they’re in the clouds.

The airline’s remodeling plans are an effort to meet the changing needs of the public and improve its overall bottom line.

“This is a very significant change,” Ryan Green, Southwest’s executive vice president of commercial transformation, told CBS. “It may be one of the most important changes we have ever experienced.”

“Consumer preferences have changed and the way we fly has changed,” added Southwest CEO Bob Jordan.