Southwest Airlines has started selling assigned seats as of July 29, 2025, ending its long-standing open seating policy. Travelers booking flights for January 27, 2026, or later can now pick their seats in advance, marking a major shift for the airline and its customers.
This change affects every Southwest Airlines flight scheduled to depart on or after January 27, 2026. For flights before that date, the open seating policy remains in place. The move comes after more than fifty years of letting passengers choose any open seat when boarding, a practice that set Southwest apart from other major airlines.
Assigned Seats Now Available
Passengers booking Southwest Airlines flights for January 27, 2026, and beyond can select their seats during the reservation process. The ability to choose a seat depends on the fare type and the traveler’s loyalty status. For the first time in 53 years, Southwest customers can secure their preferred spot before arriving at the airport.
The open seating policy, which allowed travelers to pick any available seat upon boarding, will end for all flights after January 26, 2026. From that point forward, every Southwest Airlines flight will use assigned seats. Bookings for these flights opened on July 29, 2025, giving travelers several months to adjust to the new system.
New Fare Bundles and Seat Types
Southwest Airlines has introduced four new fare bundles to go along with assigned seating:
- Choice Extra: This fare includes extra legroom seat selection at booking, priority boarding, and other perks.
- Choice Preferred: Passengers can select preferred seats based on location, but not extra legroom, at booking.
- Choice: Standard seat selection at booking is included.
- Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away): This is the lowest fare. Passengers on Basic fares get their seat assigned at check-in unless they have Rapid Rewards status or an eligible credit card.
Loyalty and Credit Card Benefits
Southwest Airlines continues to reward its loyal customers. Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Members can select any available seat at booking, no matter which fare they purchase. Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers, depending on their card type, can select seats at booking or within 48 hours of departure, even if they book a Basic fare.
Families traveling together will be assigned to the same boarding group. The airline will also try to seat children under 13 with at least one adult, even on Basic fares. This aims to make travel less stressful for families.
How the Seat Selection Process Works
- At booking: Most fares allow travelers to pick their seat right away using an interactive seat map.
- Basic fares: If you book a Basic fare and don’t have elite status or an eligible credit card, your seat will be assigned at check-in.
- Upgrades: Passengers can buy seat upgrades for extra legroom or preferred locations.
New Boarding Process
Southwest Airlines is also changing how passengers board the plane. The old A/B/C with numbers system will be replaced by Groups 1–8. Priority boarding will go to those with extra legroom seats, loyalty status, or premium credit cards. The stanchions at gates, which helped organize boarding lines, will be removed. Passengers can also buy Priority Boarding 24 hours before departure for earlier access to the plane.
Ancillary Fee Changes
One of the biggest changes is the end of Southwest’s “bags fly free” policy. As of May 28, 2025, passengers must pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second. Some seat types, like extra legroom, may also come with additional charges unless the fee is covered by your fare, status, or credit card benefits.
Official Statements and Industry Reactions
Tony Roach, Executive Vice President of Customer & Brand at Southwest Airlines, said, “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.” The Southwest Airlines official website now provides detailed FAQs, fare comparisons, and seat selection instructions for travelers.
Industry analysts say this move is a response to competitive pressures and financial challenges, especially after recent disruptions and rising costs. Customer advocates point out that while assigned seats bring more certainty, the new fees could make travel more expensive for families and budget travelers.
Practical Implications for Travelers
The new assigned seating policy gives passengers more control and reduces the stress of finding a seat during boarding. Travelers can now secure their preferred seats in advance, which is especially helpful for families and those who want extra legroom. However, the end of free checked bags and the introduction of seat selection fees may increase the total cost of travel.
Southwest Airlines expects the changes to boost revenue through seat selection and baggage fees. The airline is now more in line with industry standards, joining other major carriers that already offer assigned seating.
Step-by-Step: How to Book an Assigned Seat
- Go to the Southwest Airlines website or app.
- Search for flights departing January 27, 2026, or later.
- Pick your fare bundle (Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, or Basic).
- Use the seat map during booking to choose your seat (if eligible).
- If you book a Basic fare and aren’t eligible for advance selection, your seat will be assigned at check-in.
- Finish your booking and get your confirmation with your seat assignment, if applicable.
Background and Historical Context
Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy was a key part of its identity since the airline began in 1971. The change to assigned seats follows years of customer feedback and changes in the airline industry. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move is one of the most significant in Southwest’s history and could reshape how travelers view the airline.
Southwest is also making other changes, such as retrofitting cabins to add extra legroom seats and expanding redeye flights to offer more options. The airline may continue to adjust fare bundles, seat selection fees, and loyalty benefits based on customer response and competition.
Summary Table: Key Assigned Seating Changes
| Policy Area | Old Policy (pre-2026) | New Policy (from Jan 27, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Selection | Open seating at boarding | Assigned seats at booking (most fares) |
| Boarding Groups | A/B/C with numbers | Groups 1–8, based on seat/fare/status |
| Checked Bags | 2 free | $35 first, $45 second |
| Fare Bundles | 3 main types | 4 types, with new seat options |
| Loyalty Benefits | Early boarding | Advance seat selection, priority board |
| Seat Upgrades | EarlyBird/Upgraded Boarding | Purchase seat upgrades, more options |
What This Means for Immigrants and International Travelers
For immigrants and international travelers, the new assigned seating policy at Southwest Airlines brings both benefits and challenges. The ability to select seats in advance can help families stay together and reduce stress, especially for those unfamiliar with U.S. domestic travel. However, the added fees for checked bags and certain seat types may impact those traveling on a budget or with large families.
Travelers should review the new fare bundles and seat selection rules before booking. Those with Rapid Rewards status or eligible credit cards can still enjoy some perks, such as advance seat selection and priority boarding. It’s important to check the Southwest Airlines official assigned seating information page for the latest updates and detailed instructions.
Official Resources and Contact Information
- Southwest Airlines Assigned Seating Information:
southwest.com/customer-enhancements/assigned-seating/ - Customer Service:
1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792) - Rapid Rewards Program:
Enrollment and account management available at the Southwest website.
Looking Ahead
Southwest Airlines’ move to assigned seats marks a new era for the airline and its customers. While some loyal travelers may miss the open seating policy, the new system offers more certainty and flexibility. As the airline continues to adjust its policies, travelers should stay informed about fare options, fees, and loyalty benefits to make the most of their Southwest experience.
For more information on airline policies and travel tips, travelers can visit the official U.S. Department of Transportation page for passenger rights and protections.
By understanding these changes and planning ahead, travelers can enjoy a smoother, more predictable journey with Southwest Airlines as it moves into this new chapter.
Learn Today
Assigned Seating → Pre-selected seats given to passengers during booking instead of choosing seats at boarding.
Fare Bundles → Different ticket categories with specific perks like seat selection and boarding priority.
Rapid Rewards → Southwest’s loyalty program offering benefits like advance seat selection and priority boarding.
Checked Bags → Checked luggage carried in the plane’s cargo hold, now subject to fees.
Priority Boarding → Early boarding privilege for certain fare types, loyalty members, or credit card holders.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southwest Airlines shifts from open seating to assigned seats starting January 27, 2026, changing decades of tradition. Passengers can now select seats with new fare options, but checked bags incur fees. This policy overhaul aims to increase revenue and improve boarding efficiency, impacting every Southwest flight nationwide.
— By VisaVerge.com
