Southwest Airlines will introduce assigned seating on all flights starting August 13, 2025, marking a major change from its long-standing open seating policy. This move aims to modernize the airline, improve customer experience, and bring Southwest in line with other major U.S. carriers. Travelers booking flights after July 29, 2025, for travel on or after January 27, 2026, will be able to select their seats in advance, including options for extra legroom and preferred seats.
The new assigned seating system will use a nine-group boarding process, replacing the previous open boarding method. According to Southwest Airlines executives, this change is designed to offer more choice and comfort to passengers. Rapid Rewards members may get to pick seats at no extra cost, depending on their tier level. Tickets with assigned seating will be available on the Southwest website and through some travel agencies, though integration with third-party booking platforms is still under review.
Alongside assigned seating, Southwest Airlines is rolling out other important changes. On May 28, 2025, the airline introduced a new “Basic” fare, replacing the “Wanna Get Away” fare. The Basic fare is the lowest price option but comes with strict rules: it’s non-refundable, cannot be changed (except for a 24-hour cancellation window), and flight credits expire after six months. Checked bag fees now apply to most fares, ending the popular “bags fly free” policy for many travelers. Only those with premium fares, elite status, or Hawaii residents flying inter-island will continue to get free checked bags.
Fare tiers are also being updated. The new names are “Choice Extra” (previously Business Select), “Choice Preferred” (formerly Anytime), and “Choice” (formerly Wanna Get Away Plus). Each tier offers different benefits, such as more flexibility or free bags. Flight credits for tickets bought after May 28, 2025, now expire in six to twelve months, depending on the fare class. Credits from before this date do not expire unless used for a new booking after May 28 and then canceled.
Southwest is also improving the travel experience with new overnight flights, better cabin features like in-seat power and larger bins, and faster WiFi on newer planes. Digital tools now let customers track bags, buy upgraded boarding, and manage lap child seating online or through the app. In June 2025, Southwest announced a partnership with China Airlines, expanding connections between the United States 🇺🇸 and Asia.
Travelers should be aware of these changes when booking. The new assigned seating and fare rules may affect families, business travelers, and those used to Southwest’s old policies. Corporate travel managers have advised against booking the Basic fare due to its restrictions. Customer advocacy groups are watching for impacts on pricing and value.
For more details and the latest updates, visit the official Southwest Airlines Customer Enhancements page. As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes reflect Southwest’s efforts to stay competitive while promising to keep customer service and transparency at the core of its business.
Learn Today
Assigned Seating → System where passengers select specific seats prior to boarding their flight in advance.
Basic Fare → A low-priced ticket with non-refundable, non-changeable terms and limited flexibility.
Rapid Rewards → Southwest Airlines’ frequent flyer program offering benefits like seat selection and boarding priority.
Boarding Groups → Designated groups allowing passengers to board the plane in a specific order.
Flight Credits → Value issued for canceled tickets, usable for future bookings within a specific time.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southwest Airlines ends open seating starting August 13, 2025, adopting assigned seats for 2026 flights. Alongside fare changes and checked bag fees, new boarding groups will improve travel comfort and flexibility, modernizing their service while maintaining customer focus and competitive positioning in the US airline market.
— By VisaVerge.com
