Austin, Texas, January 14, 2026

Southwest Airlines is shifting from its traditional open seating policy to a new assigned seating system starting January 27, 2026. This change allows passengers to select their seats when booking flights. The new fare structure includes Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra categories, each offering different benefits and boarding options. The new seating arrangements and group-based boarding processes aim to enhance the customer experience by providing greater control over travel arrangements. Families traveling together will be seated in the same boarding group, accommodating options for children.

Southwest Airlines Introduces Assigned Seating Starting January 27, 2026

Austin, Texas – Southwest Airlines is set to implement assigned seating on flights beginning January 27, 2026, marking a significant shift from its long-standing open seating policy. This change aims to provide passengers with greater control over their travel experience by allowing seat selection during the booking process.

Key Details of the New Seating Policy

• Seat Selection Availability: Passengers can choose their seats at the time of booking for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. This option became available on July 29, 2025.
• Fare Structure Changes: Southwest’s fare categories will be rebranded to align with the new seating system:
  • Basic Fare: Includes a Standard seat assigned at check-in and boards last.
  • Choice Fare: Allows selection of a Standard seat at booking and general boarding.
  • Choice Preferred Fare: Provides access to Preferred seating and earlier boarding.
  • Choice Extra Fare: Includes all seat options, including Extra Legroom, and boards with Groups 1 or 2.
• Assigned Seating Categories: The seating options are:
  • Extra Legroom Seats: Located at the front of the cabin and in exit rows, offering up to five extra inches of legroom.
  • Preferred Seats: Standard legroom seats situated near the front for faster deplaning.
  • Standard Seats: Located toward the rear of the aircraft, offering traditional space and amenities.
• Boarding Process Overhaul: The boarding process will transition to a group-based system:
  • Groups 1 and 2: Reserved for passengers who purchased a Choice Extra bundle or an upgrade to an extra-legroom seat with any fare bundle, A-List Preferred members who selected a seat at the time of booking, and A-List members who upgrade to an extra-legroom seat.
  • Groups 3 through 5: Include passengers who purchased the Choice Preferred fare bundle, A-List members seated in a preferred or standard seat who can make this selection at booking.
  • Groups 6 through 8: Allocated to customers who purchased Choice or Basic fares.
• Impact on EarlyBird Check-In and Upgraded Boarding: These services will be discontinued for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026.

Background on the Policy Change

Southwest Airlines has been known for its open seating policy, where passengers board in a specific order and choose any available seat once on the plane. This system has been a hallmark of Southwest’s low-fare model since 1971, promoting efficiency and flexibility.

The decision to move to assigned seating comes after customer feedback indicating a preference for more control over seat selection. The new policy aligns Southwest with industry standards and aims to enhance the overall passenger experience.

What Passengers Need to Know

• Booking Flights: Passengers can begin booking flights with assigned seating starting July 29, 2025, for travel dates on or after January 27, 2026.
• Seat Selection: Seat selection will be available during the booking process for most fare types. For Basic fares, seat assignments will be provided at check-in.
• Family Boarding: Families traveling on the same confirmation number will be assigned to the same boarding group. Efforts will be made to seat children ages 13 and younger next to at least one adult in the party.
• Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers: Depending on the card type, members can select seats at booking or within 48 hours of departure, regardless of the fare purchased.

For more detailed information, passengers are encouraged to visit Southwest Airlines’ official website or contact their customer service center.

FAQ

Key Features of Southwest Airlines’ New Seating Policy

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