Southwest will implement assigned seating and change how it boards flights starting early next year.
The carrier, which for years has allowed passengers to pick their seats as they board, said its first assigned seat tickets will go on sale July 29 for flights beginning Jan. 27, 2026. The change was previously announced in 2024 as the airline signaled a shift away from its former low-cost model, though no date had been set until this week.
In a statement, Southwest said it is rolling out numerous “fare bundles,” some of which allow travelers to select their seat as part of the booking process. The seats will come in three types – extra legroom, preferred, and standard.
A-List and A-List Preferred members, along with some Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders, will be able to select a seat while booking regardless of what fare they purchase.
Seat selection is one of several factors in Southwest’s new boarding system, also set to start Jan. 27. Customers with extra legroom seats will board in groups one and two, the airline said, while premium fares, Tier members, and Rapid Rewards Credit Card holders “will board earlier in the process.” Passengers will be able to purchase “Priority Boarding” beginning 24 hours before departure to move toward the front of the line.
“Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience,” said Tony Roach, executive vice president for customers and brands at Southwest. “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. This is an important step in our evolution, and we’re excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary customer service.”
Southwest is overhauling longstanding policies as it works to increase profitability. Earlier this year, it ended the allowance of two free checked bags per passenger. Now, only qualifying A-List members get that perk.
