What distinguishes Southwest Airlines from traditional airlines?

Southwest Airlines is known for its unique approach to airline operations, particularly regarding seating. The airline does not assign seats, which sets it apart from many traditional airlines that typically designate specific seats for passengers at the time of booking. Instead, Southwest employs an open seating policy that allows passengers to choose their seats upon boarding the aircraft. This system promotes a sense of flexibility and can speed up the boarding process since passengers can sit wherever they find available space.

In contrast, the other options illustrate characteristics that are more typical of traditional airlines or are inaccurate representations of Southwest's policies. For instance, the airline does not provide luxurious sleeping accommodations or bed facilities, which are more common in first-class services of traditional airlines. Additionally, Southwest has a policy of not charging for first and second checked bags, emphasizing its budget-friendly approach, while many traditional airlines have moved to implementing fees for checked baggage. Finally, Southwest does not operate solely on international routes; it primarily serves domestic destinations, although it has expanded to include some international flights.