Southwest Airlines to End 'Pick Any Seat' Policy by January 2026 Following LaGuardia Assault Lawsuit

New York – A Southwest Airlines passenger, identified as 32-year-old Leanna Perry, was arrested on June 17, 2025, at LaGuardia Airport following a disruptive and violent outburst before takeoff on a flight bound for Kansas City. The incident, which went viral online, has since led to a lawsuit filed by the alleged victim, Livia Rombola, against both Perry and Southwest Airlines, citing the airline's "free-for-all seating policy" as a contributing factor.

Perry, reportedly intoxicated, was charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, obstructing governmental administration, disorderly conduct, and multiple counts of harassment and attempted assault by the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD). Videos circulating on social media showed Perry grabbing another passenger's hair, spitting, and verbally abusing individuals, including using fatphobic slurs. Despite attempts by airline staff and fellow passengers to restrain her, her aggressive behavior continued until she was removed from the aircraft.

Livia Rombola, the passenger allegedly assaulted by Perry, filed a lawsuit on August 25, 2025, in New York State Supreme Court in Brooklyn. Rombola claims she suffered "serious, severe and painful personal injuries," along with "extreme embarrassment and ridicule" due to the viral nature of the incident. Her legal action contends that Southwest's unassigned seating policy, a "clear departure" from industry standards, exposed passengers to unnecessary conflict and contributed directly to the confrontation.

In a related development, Southwest Airlines announced in July 2025 that it would discontinue its long-standing "pick any seat" policy, with the change becoming effective on January 26, 2026. Rombola's lawsuit alleges that Southwest "failed to timely intervene and deny entry" to Perry, who was visibly impaired, and failed to protect her from foreseeable harm, violating FAA regulations.

Southwest Airlines confirmed the removal of the disruptive passenger, stating, "The Customer involved in the incident was removed from the flight and denied boarding." The airline also commended its team for their professionalism during the incident. This event adds to a growing number of unruly passenger incidents reported across the aviation industry, prompting renewed discussions on in-flight safety and airline policies.