How much will Southwest Airlines change to boost profits? Some details are emerging

Leaders of Southwest Airlines are set to explain Thursday how they plan to remodel the airline to change with consumer tastes -- and maybe keep their own jobs. It’s unclear whether the changes will work, but they could leave an airline that bears little resemblance to Southwest over the last 50 years — a carrier that still has a core of rabid fans. While Thursday's meeting is aimed at investors, it will also be of keen interest to consumers, who should learn about how assigned seating and premium seats will work on Southwest.