What makes us unique?

Southwest Airlines has officially set the date for its big changeover to assigned seats and has laid out exactly how its all-new boarding process will work. The airline’s long-standing open seating policy will officially end on Jan. 26, 2026, the Dallas-based carrier announced Monday. Passengers booked on all flights from that day forward will be given a specific seat assignment. Customers booking 2026 flights will start to notice the changes even earlier: Starting next week, on July 29, passengers booking a flight for Jan. 26 of next year (or beyond) will have the option to pick their seat That will include the option for the carrier’s first-ever extra legroom seats, which will officially debut as a new “premium” seating option in January, as well. Southwest Airlines aircraft at Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). “Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our customers—including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats—and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin. This is an important step in our evolution,” Southwest executive vice president of customer and brand Tony Roach said in a statement Monday. Here’s what to know about the latest changes announced by Southwest, and what it

Some cruise lines try to be all things to all people. Viking isn’t one of them. Since its founding in 1997, the upscale cruise brand has carved out a niche catering to a certain type of thoughtful, inquisitive, generally older traveler looking to explore the world and learn a thing or two along the way. Most Viking customers are in their retirement years — or quickly approaching retirement — and they’re eager to finally see all the places they didn’t have time to visit while raising kids and establishing careers in their younger years. For this subset of travelers, Viking offers a wide range of both ocean and river cruise itineraries that have a heavy focus on the destinations visited. These aren’t cruises where it’s all about the ship. Viking voyages bring a lot of extended stays in ports where passengers get more time to explore historical sites and experience the local culture than is typical on cruises. Unlike most lines, Viking also offers included-in-the-fare tours in every port, allowing every passenger on board to get a guided experience during stops without having to pay extra. (In general, Viking voyages are highly inclusive, in keeping with its “no nickel-and-diming” philosophy.)