Assigned Seating | Southwest Airlines
Discover our new assigned seating options that give Customers more flexibility when flying including extra legroom seats, preferred seats, and standard seats.
Southwest's New Assigned Seating Policy: A-List Perks Revealed
May 30, 2025 · Flights with seat assignments will begin to be sold in the second half of 2025 for travel in the first half of 2026. At that time, you’ll be able to pay to choose your seat at booking (including new …
Southwest Airlines revamping seating, fees in 2026: What to know
Dec 27, 2025 · Beginning on Jan. 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines is enacting a new assigned seating policy as well as new requirements for plus-size customers. Southwest had first announced plans to...
Southwest ends open seating after 54 years. We took the last flight
Jan 28, 2026 · Southwest Airlines ended its open-seating policy after 54 years and has started assigning seats to passengers. The airline's executives say customers sought the change and touted the...
Southwest Changes 2026: Assigned Seating, New Fare Bundles, Bag …
Dec 29, 2025 · Southwest is making some big changes, the biggest they’ve ever done. Starting January 27, 2026, they’re getting rid of open seating and giving everyone assigned seats.
Southwest becomes last airline to switch to an assigned seating …
Jul 21, 2025 · Southwest Airlines announces a shift from open seating to assigned seats starting July 29 for flights booked from 2026, becoming the last major airline to end a pick-any-seat policy.
Southwest's new policy change sparks backlash—'money grab'
Aug 1, 2025 · The new assigned seating model, which allows passengers to pay in advance to select their seats, will roll out from January 27, 2026. It will apply to flights booked under the airline's...
Southwest Sets Date for its Move to Assigned Seating
Starting July 29, 2025, Southwest will sell tickets with assigned seats for flights operating on or after January 27, 2026. The airline is moving away from its open seating system, where passengers …
Southwest launches assigned seats, revamped boarding process - The ...
Jan 27, 2026 · Southwest Airlines has transitioned from its long-standing open seating policy to assigned seats on all flights, aligning with standard industry practices. The airline has also introduced …
Why Southwest Now Uses Assigned Seating and How It Works - AFAR
As of January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines no longer has an open seating policy. Here’s how Southwest now boards its aircraft and why it chose to go this route.