Southwest Airlines adding direct flight from Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Southwest announced this week the airline is adding nonstop flights from Columbus to a popular vacation destination.

The airline is introducing service from John Glenn International Airport to Miami International Airport beginning on Jan. 7 of next year. The nonstop is one of four "Cold to the Coast" flights for "customers wishing to visit a sunnier locale during the winter months," connecting "traditionally cold-weather cities to the Florida and California coasts."

Southwest is also adding a nonstop flight on Sept. 29 from Columbus to Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport for the Cleveland Browns game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The airline will be the second to offer nonstop service to Miami after American Airline. Miami is one of John Glenn's 53 nonstop destinations cities across the nation, Canada and Mexico.

The announcement came shortly after the airline said it plans to drop its tradition of more than 50 years and start assigning seats and selling premium seating for customers who want more legroom. The airline said that it has been studying seating options and is making the changes because passenger preferences have shifted. The moves could also generate revenue and boost financial performance.

Southwest made the announcement on the same day that both it and American Airlines reported a steep drop in second-quarter profit despite higher revenue.