All airlines economize. An airline that doesn't is a bankrupt airline because typical industry margins on flight are razor thin. Southwest isn't a particularly

All airlines economize. An airline that doesn't is a bankrupt airline because typical industry margins on flight are razor thin. Southwest isn't a particularly budget airline compared to modern budget carriers like spirit and ryanair that haven't copied the open boarding policy. I suspect the opportunity to upsell seats / luggage and have distinct classes outweighs the turnaround time costs of assigned seating.