WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — Southwest Airlines plans to start assigning passenger seats on its planes, a dramatic change from the company's tradition of more than 50 years.

In addition, the company will sell premium seating for customers who want more legroom.

The airline said Thursday that it has been studying seating options and is making the changes because passenger preferences have changed. The moves could also generate revenue and boost financial performance.

Airlines overall are struggling with higher costs and reduced pricing power, especially on flights within the United States, as the industry adds flights faster than the growth in travel demand.

Southwest made the announcement on the same day that it reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit. The company, based in Dallas, said its second-quarter profit fell 46% from a year earlier, to $367 million, as higher costs for labor, fuel and other expenses outstripped an increase in revenue.  The results met Wall Street expectations.

Southwest has used an open-seating model since its founding, with passengers lining up to board, then choosing their own seat once they are on the airplane.

But, the airline said, preferences have “evolved” — travelers on longer flights are more likely to want an assigned seat.

The U.S. Department of Transportation also has made family seating availability one of its priorities for airline passengers, posting on a dashboard which of the major airlines guarantee that younger children will be seated at no additional cost near an adult in their reservation party during travel.

In a separate measure, Southwest said it will offer "redeye flights" for the first time. Its first overnight flights will land during February in nonstop markets that include Las Vegas to Baltimore and Orlando; Los Angeles to Baltimore and Nashville; and Phoenix to Baltimore. It plans to phase in additional redeye flights over time.

Robert Jordan, CEO of Southwest Airlines, said last month that the company was considering changes that included its cabin and seating arrangements.

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