Southwest Airlines to Introduce Assigned Seating After More Than 50 Years
Marking one of the most significant operational changes in its 50-year history, Southwest Airlines is set to bid farewell to its iconic open-seating policy. Starting January 27, 2026, the airline will transition to assigned seating. The Dallas-based carrier has already begun accepting bookings for the new system, a fundamental shift for an airline recognized for its unique boarding process.
Passengers booking flights scheduled to depart on or after January 27 can now select from three seat categories:
- Standard Seats: Located towards the rear of the cabin.
- Preferred Seats: Positioned closer to the front.
- Extra Legroom Seats: Situated near exit rows, offering an additional 3 to 5 inches of space.
The familiar A, B, and C boarding groups will be replaced with eight numbered boarding groups. Priority will be given to premium fares, loyalty program members, and those who purchase Extra Legroom seats.
Southwest executives have attributed this change primarily to customer demand. They note that 80% of existing customers and 86% of potential customers prefer knowing their seats in advance. This change enables the carrier to better compete with legacy airlines such as American, Delta, and United by monetizing premium seating. Despite this major shift, Southwest will continue its popular policy of offering two free checked bags. The airline has already reconfigured approximately 200 aircraft—about one-quarter of its fleet—to accommodate the new seating model.
Source: Southwest Airlines