Southwest Airlines has long stood out in the airline industry for its open seating policy, where passengers could choose any available seat once they boarded. This approach, unique among major U.S. carriers, created a sense of freedom and flexibility for travelers. However, a major change is on the horizon. Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will move to an assigned seating system for all flights departing on or after that date. This timeline content will guide you through every step of this transition, what to expect, and how to prepare for the new process. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a family traveler, or someone booking their first Southwest flight, this detailed overview will help you understand the changes and make your journey smoother.
Understanding the Timeline: Key Dates and Milestones
Let’s begin by outlining the most important dates and what happens at each stage:
- May 28, 2025: Southwest ends its “bags fly free” policy for new bookings. The first checked bag now costs $35, and the second costs $45.
- July 29, 2025: Seat selection opens for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Customers can choose their seats during booking.
- January 27, 2026: Assigned seating officially begins on all Southwest flights. The open seating policy ends, and the new boarding process with eight groups starts.
These dates mark the transition from Southwest’s traditional approach to a new system that aligns more closely with other major airlines in the United States 🇺🇸.
Step-by-Step Timeline: What to Expect and When
To help you plan, here’s a chronological breakdown of the process, including estimated timeframes, key milestones, and practical tips for each stage.
1. Before July 29, 2025: Last Days of Open Seating
- Booking Flights: If you book a flight for travel before January 27, 2026, you’ll still experience Southwest’s classic open seating. You’ll check in 24 hours before departure to get your boarding position (A, B, or C group), then pick any open seat once you board.
- Bags Policy: For tickets booked before May 28, 2025, your first two checked bags are still free. For tickets booked on or after May 28, 2025, bag fees apply.
What to Expect: This is your last chance to enjoy the open seating model. If you value picking your seat on the spot or traveling with free checked bags, book before these deadlines.
2. July 29, 2025: Seat Selection Opens for Assigned Seating
- Booking for Future Travel: Starting this day, if you book a flight for travel on or after January 27, 2026, you’ll be able to select your seat during the booking process.
- Seat Maps: When booking online or through the app, you’ll see a seat map for your flight. You can choose your preferred seat based on location (window, aisle, front, back, extra legroom, etc.).
- Fare Types: Most fare types allow you to pick your seat at booking. If you purchase the lowest “Basic” fare, your seat will be assigned at check-in unless you have elite status or are a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember.
Key Tip: Book early for the best seat selection, especially if you want extra legroom or specific locations. Premium seats may sell out quickly.
3. Booking Your Flight: Step-by-Step Process
Here’s what the booking process will look like for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026:
- Choose Your Flight and Fare Bundle
- Southwest will offer new fare bundles, including options for extra legroom and premium seating.
- Review the fare options carefully to decide which best fits your needs and budget.
- Select Your Seat
- For most fares, pick your seat from the seat map during booking.
- If you’re booking a Basic fare, you’ll receive a seat assignment at check-in unless you qualify for early selection.
- Pay for Upgrades (If Desired)
- Some seats, like those with extra legroom or preferred locations, may cost extra.
- You can pay for these upgrades during booking or, if available, later through your reservation.
- Complete Your Booking
- Once you’ve chosen your seat and any upgrades, finish your booking as usual.
What to Expect: The process is similar to other airlines, but with Southwest’s own fare bundles and seat map. Families on the same reservation will be grouped together for boarding, and efforts will be made to seat children under 13 with at least one adult, even on Basic fares.
4. After Booking: Managing Your Reservation
- Changing Seats: You may be able to change your seat after booking, depending on availability and your fare type. Log in to your reservation online or through the app to check options.
- Upgrading: If you decide later that you want a premium seat, you can pay for an upgrade if seats are still available.
- Special Requests: If you have accessibility needs or require special seating, contact Southwest customer service as soon as possible to ensure your needs are met.
Potential Delays: Waiting too long to select or change your seat may limit your options, especially on busy flights. Book and make changes early for the best selection.
5. Check-In and Boarding: New Process Starting January 27, 2026
- Check-In: You’ll still check in online or at the airport, but your seat is already assigned (unless you’re on a Basic fare and haven’t checked in yet).
- Boarding Groups: The old A/B/C system is replaced by eight boarding groups (Groups 1–8). Your group is determined by your seat type, fare, and loyalty status.
- Priority Boarding: Extra legroom seats, higher fare bundles, and top-tier loyalty members get earlier boarding groups.
- Paid Priority: You can pay to move up in the boarding queue.
- At the Gate: Boarding stanchions are removed. Listen for your group to be called, then board in order.
- Families and Groups: Families and groups on the same reservation board together. Children under 13 will be seated with at least one adult, even on Basic fares.
What to Expect: The boarding process will feel more organized, with less need to rush or line up early. Your seat is reserved, so there’s no scramble to find a spot.
6. At the Airport: Day of Travel
- Arrive Early: As always, arrive at the airport with plenty of time for check-in, security, and boarding.
- Baggage: Remember the new bag fees if your ticket was booked on or after May 28, 2025.
- Customer Service: If you have questions or issues with your seat assignment, visit the Southwest counter or speak with a gate agent.
Potential Delays: Busy travel days or last-minute changes can cause delays. Arriving early and checking your reservation in advance can help avoid surprises.
7. Onboard Experience: What’s New
- Assigned Seats: You’ll go directly to your assigned seat. No more searching for open spots or splitting up groups.
- Premium Options: If you paid for extra legroom or a preferred seat, enjoy the added comfort.
- Family Seating: Families should find it easier to sit together, especially with the new boarding and seat assignment rules.
What to Expect: The flight experience should feel more predictable and comfortable, especially for families and those who value knowing their seat in advance.
8. After January 27, 2026: Ongoing Adjustments and Feedback
- Customer Feedback: Southwest will monitor feedback and may adjust policies or fare bundles based on traveler responses.
- Further Changes: The airline has not ruled out more changes to fares or fees as it adapts to the new system and market conditions.
Staying Informed: For the latest updates, check the official Southwest Airlines assigned seating information page.
Key Milestones and Deadlines: Quick Reference
- May 28, 2025: Bag fees begin for new bookings.
- July 29, 2025: Seat selection opens for flights on/after January 27, 2026.
- January 27, 2026: Assigned seating and new boarding groups start for all flights.
Potential Delays and How to Avoid Them
While the new system is designed to be smooth, there are a few areas where delays or issues could arise:
- Late Booking: Waiting until the last minute to book or select your seat may leave you with fewer choices, especially for popular flights or premium seats.
- Basic Fare Limitations: If you book a Basic fare, you won’t pick your seat until check-in unless you have elite status or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card. This could mean less desirable seat assignments.
- Busy Travel Periods: Holidays and peak travel times may see higher demand for certain seats and boarding groups.
- Changing Plans: If you need to change your flight, your preferred seat may not be available on the new flight.
Tips to Avoid Delays:
– Book early and select your seat as soon as possible.
– Consider higher fare bundles or loyalty programs for better seat selection and boarding group placement.
– Double-check your reservation and seat assignment before travel.
– Arrive at the airport early, especially during busy times.
Multiple Perspectives: How the Changes Affect Different Travelers
Families:
The new system should make it easier for families to sit together, especially with efforts to seat children under 13 with an adult. Boarding together as a group also reduces stress.
Frequent Flyers and Loyalty Members:
Elite status and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers get earlier seat selection and better boarding groups. This rewards loyalty and provides more comfort.
Budget Travelers:
Those booking Basic fares may find the process less flexible, with seat assignments only at check-in and possible extra fees for bags and premium seats.
Industry Observers:
Analysts see these changes as a move to improve financial stability for Southwest Airlines and to match the offerings of other major carriers in the United States 🇺🇸. However, some worry that the airline may lose its unique appeal.
Southwest Leadership:
According to Tony Roach, Executive Vice President of Customer & Brand, 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 company says these changes are meant to improve the customer experience and make operations more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start picking my seat on Southwest Airlines?
You can select your seat for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026, starting July 29, 2025.
What if I book a Basic fare?
You’ll receive a seat assignment at check-in unless you have elite status or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card, which may allow earlier selection.
Will families be able to sit together?
Yes, families on the same reservation will be grouped together for boarding, and efforts will be made to seat children under 13 with at least one adult.
Are there new fees for checked bags?
Yes, for tickets booked on or after May 28, 2025, the first checked bag is $35 and the second is $45.
How do I get priority boarding?
Priority boarding is given to those who select extra legroom seats, buy higher fare bundles, or have top-tier loyalty status. You can also pay for priority boarding.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the official Southwest Airlines assigned seating page for the latest updates and FAQs.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Southwest Airlines
The move to assigned seating marks a big shift for Southwest Airlines and its customers. While some travelers may miss the open seating tradition, others will welcome the certainty and comfort of knowing their seat in advance. The new system brings Southwest in line with other major airlines in the United States 🇺🇸, offering more options for premium seating and a more structured boarding process.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes are part of a broader effort to respond to financial pressures and changing traveler preferences. The airline will continue to monitor feedback and may adjust policies as needed.
For travelers, the key is to stay informed, book early, and understand the new process. By following the timeline and tips outlined here, you can make the most of your Southwest Airlines experience as the assigned seating era begins.
Action Steps:
– Mark key dates on your calendar.
– Review fare options and seat maps when booking.
– Check your reservation for seat assignments and boarding group.
– Arrive early and be ready for the new boarding process.
– Visit the official Southwest Airlines assigned seating information page for updates.
With these steps, you’ll be ready for a smooth and comfortable journey as Southwest Airlines moves into its next chapter.
Learn Today
Assigned Seating → A system where passengers select specific seats before boarding, replacing open seating choices.
Basic Fare → The lowest fare category limiting seat selection until check-in and offering fewer perks.
Boarding Groups → A system dividing passengers into groups for orderly boarding based on seat type and fare.
Rapid Rewards Credit Card → A loyalty credit card giving members early seat selection and boarding benefits on Southwest.
Fare Bundles → Packages combining ticket prices with additional benefits like extra legroom or priority boarding.
This Article in a Nutshell
Southwest Airlines shifts from open seating to assigned seats starting January 27, 2026. Seat selection opens July 29, 2025, and bag fees begin May 28, 2025. This change modernizes boarding, offering families better seating and travelers more choice but ends the airline’s open seating tradition.
— By VisaVerge.com
