Article updated on Jul 25, 2024
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Written by Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards and banking. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.
Edited by Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.
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The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
Reviews ethics statementWhy You Can Trust CNET Money
CNET Money’s mission is to help you maximize your financial potential. Our recommendations are based on our editors’ independent research and analysis, and we continuously update our content to reflect current partner offers. How we rate credit cards
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After nearly 50 years of offering first-come, first-serve seating, Southwest Airlines is making some big changes.
Soon, you’ll see assigned seating, premium seating options and more legroom, the Dallas-based airline shared in a statement today. Currently, passengers are assigned numbers when they check-in for a flight and are placed in one of three boarding groups. When you board your flight, any open seat is usually up for grabs.
For those of us familiar with the panic of checking in exactly 24 hours before a flight, the change is sure to be welcome. But Southwest, which considers itself a discount carrier, was a favorite for budget travelers willing to sacrifice the luxury of an assigned seat for a cheaper ticket. Considering the announcement specifically mentioned that the change was designed to increase revenue opportunities, the switch could translate to higher prices.
Among other changes, Southwest said it will offer red-eye flights starting Feb. 14, 2025. Earlier this year, the airline announced it’s available on Google Flights, too.
For now, Southwest hasn’t announced any changes to its bag policy of two free checked bags or its companion pass -- both fan favorites.
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Written by
Dashia Milden
Editor
Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards and banking. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.