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.
The Supreme Court on Friday ruled President Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs.
President Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court over its tariff decision, saying he was "absolutely ashamed" of the justices who ruled against him.
American Express tells CBS News it regrets having had Jeffrey Epstein as a client, as files reveal he used the company to book travel for multiple women or girls.
"I guess I can say I am considering that," President Trump told reporters when asked about the possibility of a limited strike on Iran.
A day after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested at his new home, police were still searching his previous residence on the Windsor estate.
In April 2025, Eric Dane announced he had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
Destructive storms blasting through parts of the Midwest spawned tornadoes that hit Indiana and Illinois, as near-hurricane force winds swept parts of the region.
Businesses could be owed nearly $150 billion in refunds after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
A simple reason explains why U.S. economic growth seemed to hit a wall in the final three months of the year.
A simple reason explains why U.S. economic growth seemed to hit a wall in the final three months of the year.
President Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court over its tariff decision, saying he was "absolutely ashamed" of the justices who ruled against him.
A look at the features for this week's broadcast of the Emmy-winning program, hosted by Jane Pauley.
U.S. women's hockey veteran Kelly Pannek reflects on the team's stunning overtime win against Canada to claim Olympic gold.
Large U.S. retailers say the Trump administration tariffs are forcing them to hike customer prices to offset higher costs.
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.
The Justice Department's civil antitrust enforcement action against OhioHealth comes a week after DOJ's antitrust chief, Gail Slater, was fired from her post.
Businesses could be owed nearly $150 billion in refunds after the Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
The Supreme Court on Friday ruled President Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
President Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court over its tariff decision, saying he was "absolutely ashamed" of the justices who ruled against him.
"I guess I can say I am considering that," President Trump told reporters when asked about the possibility of a limited strike on Iran.
The Justice Department's civil antitrust enforcement action against OhioHealth comes a week after DOJ's antitrust chief, Gail Slater, was fired from her post.
American Express tells CBS News it regrets having had Jeffrey Epstein as a client, as files reveal he used the company to book travel for multiple women or girls.
The Supreme Court on Friday ruled President Trump does not have the authority to unilaterally impose sweeping tariffs under a federal emergency powers law.
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.
Twenty one states in the U.S. have confirmed cases of measles.
Team Canada beat Finland in the men's hockey Olympic semifinals on Thursday. They will play for the gold on Sunday.
U.S. women's hockey veteran Kelly Pannek reflects on the team's stunning overtime win against Canada to claim Olympic gold.
French champion Surya Bonaly backflipped on Olympic ice years before Ilia Malinin was even born, and it brought her penalization, not plaudits.
"I guess I can say I am considering that," President Trump told reporters when asked about the possibility of a limited strike on Iran.
American Express tells CBS News it regrets having had Jeffrey Epstein as a client, as files reveal he used the company to book travel for multiple women or girls.
"Survivor" returns next week for its 50th season and features fan favorite contestants, including "The White Lotus" creator Mike White. He reflects on his time on the reality competition show, saying, "everybody in my business wants the Oscar. It's like you losers like I wanna win Survivor."
"America's Next Top Model" winner Eva Marcille tells "CBS Mornings" that she "was gobsmacked" after watching behind-the-scenes moments from the reality competition show.
Millennial icon Hilary Duff is out with new music for the first time in more than a decade. She spoke to Anthony Mason about her return to performing, the decision to open up about relationships in her music and life as a mother of four.
Actors Tom Ellis and Nick Gehlfuss speak with "CBS Mornings" about starring in the new series "CIA," a spinoff of the "FBI" franchise. The duo talk about their conflicting characters, training for their roles and whether they know how this season ends as they continue to film.
Hilary Duff opens up about taking the stage for the first time in 10 years, addresses fan rumors about her single "Mature," and shares deeply personal lyrics about her sister, Haylie, in a "CBS Mornings" interview.
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.
19-year-old college student Sade Robinson went on a first date in 2024 and never returned home. 48 Hours correspondent Anne-Marie Green previews "Sade Robinson and The Secret Beach."
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor remains under investigation after being questioned by police for hours for suspected misconduct in public office. CBS News' Ramy Inocencio reports.
Former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on his 66th birthday as an investigation begins for suspected misconduct in public office following the release of more documents related to the probe into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. BBC News' Zoie O'Brien reports, and lawyer Mark Stephens has more on what's next in the investigation. Also, Virginia Giuffre's family reacts to the news of Andrew's arrest.
Sade Robinson, 19, disappeared after a first date. Milwaukee investigators say clues in her car pointed to her assailant.
A man charged with trying to bribe a juror with up to $100,000 at the drug trafficking trial of a former heavyweight boxer pleaded guilty to obstructing justice.
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.
Astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita Williams were expecting to spend eight to 10 days in space. They ended up remaining in orbit for 286 days.
Engineers were able to fully fuel NASA's Artemis II moon rocket without any signs of leaks like the ones that derailed an earlier dress rehearsal.
The Crew 12 docking came one month after a previous crew had to return to Earth early due to a medical issue.
NASA and SpaceX launched a new mission to the International Space Station with four crew members on board to replace the team that returned last month due to a medical issue with one member. Mark Strassmann has more.
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.
President Trump called the Supreme Court's decision to strike down his sweeping tariffs "deeply disappointing" and said he's "absolutely ashamed" of the justices who voted against them.
Democratic Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is speaking out after U.S. governors met at the White House with President Trump. Moore was joined by other state leaders, including New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Rick Woldenberg, the CEO of Learning Resources and hand2mind, is reacting to the Supreme Court's decision against President Trump's tariffs. Woldenberg was behind the lawsuit that reached the nation's highest court on the matter. He joined CBS News with more.
American skier Mikaela Shiffrin talks about competing in the Milano Cortina Winter Games in Italy after winning gold in the women's slalom, her third ever in her Olympic career. Shiffrin opens up about the pressure of competing and the grief she experienced after her father's unexpected death in 2020.
The Supreme Court has struck down President Trump's sweeping tariff policy in a stunning rebuke of his key economic policy. CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson has more insight.