Southwest's new boarding process off to bumpy start
Some travelers are finding they don't have storage above their seats when they get on the plane because early boarders are taking up the overhead bins.
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Some travelers are finding they don't have storage above their seats when they get on the plane because early boarders are taking up the overhead bins.
Southwest Airlines says its making adjustments to its boarding process two weeks after the discount carrier switched to assigned seating. Officials with the airline told CBS News that one of the main issues the airline is troubleshooting is overhead bin space.
For the first time, Southwest passengers will have assigned seats -- a major change for the airline's longtime customers. The new policy also meant changing the cabin layout of every plane in the Southwest fleet to add new extra legroom and preferred seating sections.
Under a 2023 settlement reached by the Biden administration, Southwest agreed to a $140 million civil penalty after the company canceled thousands of flights during a winter storm in 2022.
While Southwest is ditching open seating, it's adding bigger overhead bins, extra legroom in some seats and more as it adjusts to the premium travel demand.
Southwest Airlines, long known for its open boarding policy, is rolling out assigned seating for the first time. The change marks a major shift as the carrier caters to growing demand for premium travel options, allowing passengers to pay for seat upgrades starting next year.
It's been nearly a quarter century since 9/11, when terrorists hijacked commercial jetliners and turned them into weapons of mass destruction. Now, after years of delays, planes are adding a new layer of security. Kris Van Cleave got a preview.
Southwest Airlines will soon require travelers who don't fit within the armrests of their seat to pay for an extra one in advance, part of a string of recent changes the carrier is making.
New body camera footage shows the moments a former Southwest pilot is questioned about his sobriety by police after TSA agents claimed he smelled of alcohol. David Allsop was given a sobriety test on the jet bridge and subsequently arrested for a DUI ahead of a flight he was supposed to pilot from Savannah to Chicago.
Passengers are reacting to the aggressive maneuver that a Southwest pilot had to make to avoid a collision with another jet as just minutes after the plane took off from the Hollywood Burbank Airport in California.
Southwest is providing details about its new assigned seating and boarding policy. Here's what to know.
Southwest Airlines launched a multi-million dollar initiative after extreme summer heat led to beverage cans bursting on flights.
Soda cans are exploding after enduring extreme heat, injuring flight attendants on Southwest Airlines planes. The company is experimenting with air-conditioned trucks to avoid the danger. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave has the latest.
In the era of #MeToo and an increased awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace, is dating or marrying your officemates still a thing? Yes, says CBS News correspondent Tony Dokoupil (who met his wife on the job). He finds that some companies even boast of their amorous workers. Take Southwest Airlines (stock ticker acronym: LUV), where the expression "Love is in the air" takes on new meaning for staffers and flight attendants who are couples.
Can flying be fun? That's the goal of Southwest Airlines CEO Herb Kelleher, who is determined to offer reliable on-time service at an affordable price. Steve Kroft profiles the airline president and his innovative approach to the business.
In 1989, Steve Kroft profiled Herb Kelleher, the co-founder of Southwest Airlines, and his innovative no-frills approach to the airline business
Southwest Airlines, which previously had a free checked bag policy, says it will start charging $35 for each first checked bag.
As the busy summer travel season gets underway, so does Southwest's new checked bag policy. On all new bookings, the first checked bag will cost $35 and the second will be $45. CBS News senior transportation correspondent Kris Van Cleave has more.
A Southwest flight returned to its gate at El Paso International Airport on Wednesday after a passenger's phone appeared to ignite during the departure taxi.
Passengers flying Southwest, which has abandoned open seating, will soon have several fare options when booking a flight. Here's what to know.
A Southwest Airlines flight almost took off from a taxiway, rather than a runway, at Orlando International Airport in Florida before an air traffic controller stopped the plane, officials said.
Southwest Airlines is set to begin charging customers for checked bags, the last major airline to tack on baggage fees for most passengers. Hannah Towey, associate editor for Conde Nast Traveler, joined CBS News to discuss the change.
Southwest Airlines is changing its "bags fly free" policy in hopes of attracting customers to sign up for the Southwest-branded credit card. CBS News' Janet Shamlian reports.
On May 28, Southwest Airlines will start charging most of its customers for checked bags for the first time in its history. Flyers who are part of the company's A-List Preferred program and those selecting Business Select tickets will be exempt. Previously, the airline allowed passengers to have two free checked bags regardless of ticket status.
Southwest Airlines is ending its free checked bags policy for many passengers. Some experts think customer loyalty could suffer.
On Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that would impose 10% tariffs on most foreign imports to the United States.
Ruben Ray Martinez was fatally shot in South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025. ICE's involvement in the shooting was not disclosed until more than 11 months after the shooting.
Blizzard warnings were issued Saturday for New York City, New Jersey and coastal communities along the East Coast.
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
All nine avalanche victims have been recovered from California's Sierra Nevada, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said Saturday at a news conference.
The former prince was arrested after revelations about his alleged misconduct in public office emerged in the Epstein files.
The Supreme Court divided 6-3 in finding that a federal law known as IEEPA does not authorize the president to impose tariffs.
Kaillie Humphries Armbruster won her sixth career Olympic medal, tying fellow American Elana Meyers Taylor for the most by any woman in bobsled history.
Team USA could add more gold medals to its tally, including on Sunday when the U.S. men's hockey team takes on Team Canada.
Ruben Ray Martinez was fatally shot in South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025. ICE's involvement in the shooting was not disclosed until more than 11 months after the shooting.
Kaillie Humphries Armbruster won her sixth career Olympic medal, tying fellow American Elana Meyers Taylor for the most by any woman in bobsled history.
All nine avalanche victims have been recovered from California's Sierra Nevada, Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon said Saturday at a news conference.
Caleb Flynn, 37, appeared in season 12 of "American Idol." He was arrested by Tipp City police last week and charged with murder, assault and tampering with evidence.
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
President Trump signed an order that will impose 10% tariffs on imports from all countries, just hours after the Supreme Court struck down a different set of sweeping global tariffs.
While the Supreme Court struck down the Trump administration's emergency tariffs, experts said it could take years for businesses to get refunds.
The recall involves 3.4 million pounds of frozen chicken fried rice products shipped to Trader Joe's locations nationwide and to retailers in Canada.
A simple reason explains why U.S. economic growth seemed to hit a wall in the final three months of the year.
Large U.S. retailers say the Trump administration tariffs are forcing them to hike customer prices to offset higher costs.
Ruben Ray Martinez was fatally shot in South Padre Island, Texas, in March 2025. ICE's involvement in the shooting was not disclosed until more than 11 months after the shooting.
On Friday, President Trump signed a proclamation that would impose 10% tariffs on most foreign imports to the United States.
House Speaker Mike Johnson's office has denied a request to have the late Rev. Jesse Jackson lie in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to past precedent.
The Trump administration fired an interim top prosecutor in Eastern Virginia almost immediately after he was hired by a panel of judges, deepening the conflict between the DOJ and the judiciary in that region.
The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring poster-sized displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms to take effect.
Travis Corbitt's struggles to breathe led to his retirement and reliance on an oxygen tank.
Critics have questioned why the federal government should underwrite coverage costs for people with ACA health plans — but almost all health insurance in the U.S. comes with some federal help.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention hasn't had a Senate confirmed director since last summer, and that official was in the job for less than a month.
With the reversal from the FDA, Moderna said it is aiming to make the vaccine available for the 2026-27 flu season.
Rosabella-brand moringa capsules could be linked to Salmonella cases in seven U.S. states, health officials said.
Kaillie Humphries Armbruster won her sixth career Olympic medal, tying fellow American Elana Meyers Taylor for the most by any woman in bobsled history.
U.S. speedskater Jordan Stolz finished fourth in his last race after winning two golds and a silver.
An American was among the five recovered dead after the avalanche, police said.
The former prince was arrested after revelations about his alleged misconduct in public office emerged in the Epstein files.
Team USA could add more gold medals to its tally, including on Sunday when the U.S. men's hockey team takes on Team Canada.
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Under the Sun."
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Cut & Rewind."
Say She She has been on a meteoric rise since their 2022 debut, playing major festivals and selling out venues around the world. The disco-funk group shows no signs of slowing down, recently releasing their third album "Cut & Rewind." Here is Say She She with "Disco Life."
The Milan Cortina Winter Games are coming to an end, with the closing ceremony taking place on Sunday. But enjoying a taste of Italy at home is easy with the iconic Aperol spritz. Here's what to know about the famous cocktail.
The U.S. News and World Report best hotels of 2026 list is full of gorgeous suites and travel inspiration. Here's what to know about the ranking.
One of the catalysts for the social media addiction debate was a 2024 book called "The Anxious Generation" by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. His new book tries to help parents and kids break free from screens. Haidt joins CBS News to discuss Mark Zuckerberg, the ongoing social media addiction trial and artificial intelligence.
A Los Angeles judge ordered Meta officials to remove their AI glasses at a trial over the impact of social media on users.
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg took the stand at the social media addiction trial examining whether children and teens were given access to an addictive and harmful product. CBS News' Carter Evans reports.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified Wednesday in a civil case over social media addiction allegations that skyrocketing social media use shows how people value the sites and it's not a strategy to keep users addicted. Jo Ling Kent reports.
A large shark was caught on camera for the first time in Antarctica's waters, surprising researchers. "There's a general rule of thumb that you don't get sharks in Antarctica," one said.
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in a surprise crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River - a watershed military maneuver that dramatized a changing America, and a changing climate.
On the evening of Christmas 1776, Gen. George Washington surprised the King's forces by leading the Continental Army in an unanticipated crossing of a near-frozen Delaware River. Environmental correspondent David Schechter looks at how Washington's watershed military maneuver dramatized both a changing America, and a changing climate.
The Winter Olympics in Milan need artificial snow due to climate change and warmer weather. Athletes say man-made snow makes terrain more difficult and unpredictable. Rob Marciano reports on its impact.
After decades monitoring polar bears in Norway's far north, researchers say the animals have proven incredibly adaptable, but there are no guarantees for the future.
Caleb Flynn, 37, appeared in season 12 of "American Idol." He was arrested by Tipp City police last week and charged with murder, assault and tampering with evidence.
Police in Spain seized a stash of about 1,161 pounds of Papaver somniferum, also known as opium poppy.
New Mexico's attorney general has reopened an investigation into activities at a ranch once owned by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. CBS News correspondent Ian Lee has more.
The FBI investigated a possible act of terrorism outside of Las Vegas on Friday. This came after a driver armed with guns and explosives attempted to ram his car into a power facility not far from the Hoover Dam. CBS News correspondent Carter Evans has more.
Investigators in the Nancy Guthrie case have turned to genetic genealogy as they try to make the most of potential DNA evidence.
The Artemis II mission aims to send four astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — on a flight around the far side of the moon and back.
An internal investigation is blasting NASA's handling of the first piloted flight of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft in 2024. The flight left two astronauts stuck on the International Space Station for nearly a year. The investigation found the flight was plagued by potentially life-threatening technical and management failures.
President Trump has ordered the release of all government documents related to aliens, UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It comes after former President Barack Obama addressed the topic earlier this week and said aliens are real, a statement which he later modified. CBS News contributor Janna Levin has more details.
A successful fueling test prompts NASA to press ahead toward a March 6 moonshot.
NASA's new boss blasted both Boeing and his own space agency for the botched Starliner flight that left two astronauts stuck in space for months.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Does the evidence show a cover-up, or was Todd Kendhammer wrongfully convicted for the murder of his wife?
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Team USA on Saturday soared to its eleventh gold medal when Connor Curran and Chris Lillis won the mixed team aerials title. In the process, the U.S. set a record for its most gold medals at a Winter Olympics with 11. On the final day of the Games, Sunday, the U.S. can add to its count when the men's hockey team faces off against Canada in the much-anticipated gold medal game. Seth Doan has the latest on all the action.
Former Prince Andrew's arrest in connection with the Epstein files was still making waves in the U.K. on Saturday, as the police investigation was widening. Elizabeth Palmer has more details.
President Trump raised his new, global tariffs to 15%, one day after the Supreme Court struck down many of his punishing taxes. Willie James Inman reports on the impact on American businesses and whether there could be refunds issued.
Iranian Revolutionary Guards held live fire exercises alongside Russian forces this week. This is an annual drill, but it was conducted in the shadow of the largest U.S. military buildup in the region since the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Charlie D'Agata reports.
In Northern California, authorities said they have recovered the bodies of all nine skiers killed in a backcountry avalanche earlier this week near Lake Tahoe. Severe weather prevented recovery teams from reaching the bodies sooner.