Money buys a better position. Just look at Southwest’s new seating.

On Jul 26, 2024

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It was only a matter of time. Southwest Airlines, which set itself apart from its nickel-and-dime competitors, will soon scrap its open-seat policy and charge folks for more legroom.

It’s a momentous change that, in some respects, speaks to a metaphor I’ve written about before — airline seating is much like America’s economic divide — the less room you have to be comfortable, the more likely you’ll get stuck in a miserable middle position.

For those not familiar with the carrier’s long-standing seating policy, passengers are not assigned a seat. It’s first-come, first-served, making it an outlier among the major carriers.

For five decades, Southwest’s system was a good example of how equitable treatment can work — for the most part.

I’m a frequent Southwest customer, and its boarding stood out because price-conscious passengers were essentially treated the same. Of course, the coveted bulkhead and exit aisle seats are quickly snapped up, but almost all other seats are the same size.

Everyone can check up to two bags free. With a boarding number, there’s no need to crowd the boarding gate to compete to be among the first to board.

On Southwest, there is just a little bit of privilege.

“Business Select” passengers don’t get special seating at the front of the aircraft. They get priority boarding (after those needing assistance). Then there is “EarlyBird Check-In.” For a fee, these customers are automatically checked in, which also has the benefit of an earlier boarding position, which increases their odds of snagging a preferred seat and coveted overhead bin space.

But during the boarding process, you don’t have to walk past first-class — or business-class — fliers in their enviably wide seats, as they sip drinks delivered to them on a tray while you slog to your cramped quarters, hoping there is still overhead space for your carry-on bag.

On Southwest, there are no curtains physically and psychologically separating the haves from the have-nots.

Under its new policy, Southwest expects roughly one-third of the seats across its fleet to come with extended legroom. The new seating configuration is expected to be available in 2025.

Southwest said its research found that many customers strongly prefer a premium seating option.

“Although our unique open seating model has been a part of Southwest Airlines since our inception, our thoughtful and extensive research makes it clear this is the right choice — at the right time — for our Customers, our People, and our Shareholders,” Bob Jordan, Southwest’s president and chief executive, said in a statement.

I don’t doubt that many folks will want to pay for the comfort. More wealth has always allowed people to buy a better position in life and on airlines.

“Wealth inequality is higher in the United States than in almost any other developed country and has risen for much of the past 60 years,” according to an April report by the Urban Institute.

In 1963, the wealthiest families had 36 times the wealth of middle-class families. By 2022, it had jumped to 71 times that of families in the middle. Those richer than 99 percent of all families saw their wealth increase…