Southwest Airlines Announces Major 2026 change for seat selection

Southwest Airlines has officially announced a major change to its boarding process

Are you a frequent flyer & planning for your next vacation with Southwest Airlines? Then there is a new update for passengers. To offer convenient air travel, there have been some major developments for Southwest Airlines assigned seating & boarding process. The main purpose behind these upgrades is to provide commuters with streamlined flight boarding & get assigned seats to avail an unforgettable air journey with enhanced in-flight comfort.

There are other reasons to implement changes to the airline’s regular boarding process. Moreover, the airline wants to focus more on offering comfort & convenience that will be beyond the travelers’ expectations. In addition, offering priority to the passengers in a group trip based on their seat location. As per the new modifications in the boarding process for the boarding groups 1 & 2, they will be provided with extra legroom seats.

Passengers flying with premium fares & loyal customers of the airline will have direct access to better seats & will board the flight earlier. For more information, below is a customised chart for the new boarding groups:

Group 1-2	Group 3-5	Group 6-8
Fare Bundle Type Extra ChoicePassengers who paid for an upgrade to extra legroom seat with any fare bundle	Preferred Choice (These passengers will not boarding later then group 5)	Choice Basic Fare (will board at last) Rapid Rewards Tier members For A list passengers who booked seats during flight booking will not board later then group 2 A-list passengers who have made a request for an upgrade to extra legroom seats available 48 hrs before departure will not include extra charges. A-list members who have preferred seats or standard seats & choose to book their seats during booking (will not board later than Group 5) Rapid Rewards Credit Card members Card members will board with group 5, if they have don’t have an earlier boarding position based on their seat type, fare type or tier status

• The airline will end its decades-old open seating policy by January 27, 2026.

Southwest Airlines’ current seat assignment allows passengers to choose their desired seats after boarding. However, this seat policy was active for over 50 years & now authorities have decided that Southwest Airlines’ open seating policy will end. Well, these changes will be applied w.e.f. from January 2026. Under the airline’s earlier seat selection policy, where seats were assigned after boarding, it could be a major reason for chaotic boarding. Besides, it can cause discomfort for other flyers & those boarding, and they may sit in the middle, which restricts their comfort & convenience.

But, now as time has evolved, the airline has taken some major decisions that completely focus on passengers’ comfort. As the new seat selection policy of the airline allows travelers to pre-book their flight seats, well, this step taken by the airline authorities will provide a transformed & comfortable air trip for worldwide passengers. The seat assignment while making a flight booking offers more seating options & lets them decide their seat assignment.

On the other side, choosing the seats after boarding has several complications, such as disorganised boarding, compromising comfort, conflicts over seat assignment & other major issues.

• This move has sparked strong reactions from loyal customers and frequent flyers.

Well, the objective behind this move is to enhance boarding efficiency & provide more comfort to other flyers. But, reactions can be expected from the loyal customers & frequent flyers, as from now they may have to choose from the limited seats available. The most important thing is that there won’t be any major difference in terms of services & benefits offered to loyal/frequent passengers & others. Usually, loyal customers & frequent flyers purchase expensive air fares to avail comfort seats & other benefits. But, after these changes in the seating rules of the airline, it doesn’t matter whether you are a frequent traveler or not.

The other reason airline loyal customers are not convinced by this decision may be due to sharing the same in-flight space & comfort.

• Here’s what’s changing, why it matters, and how it could impact your travel plans.

If you travel frequently with Southwest Airlines, then you’ll be aware of its open seat selection service. This means after boarding the flight, travelers can choose the best seats from the available options & store their bags. This means you can’t pre-decide your seat selection & assignment. But now the airline has decided to change this service. Well, for those who don’t travel with an airline on a regular basis or are not loyal to them, it’s great news, but it matters for those who frequently board flights with an airline, as they have to share the same level of comfort with the others. There will be other major differences for both parties.

As the airline has closed its open seating process, now travelers can make a request for Southwest Airlines assigned seating for 2026. This means they can choose the seats prior to boarding their flight, which seems to be a major change in terms of equal treatment for all, no more in-flight conflicts due to discomfort & seat assignment. In fact, passenger will get full control of making their desired seat selection.

This step taken by the airline will be helpful to upgrade passengers’ travel experience. The most important factor is to fly with a positive mindset along with comfort & convenience on your pre-selected seats. In addition to that, you don’t have to request another passenger to sit in your preferred seats, as now you have the official right to make your seat selection.

What Is Open Seating on Southwest?

• Open seating means you don’t get an assigned seat when you book a Southwest flight.

Till now, you have got an update that the airline has announced to end its open seating service, but what does the open seating concept mean? Well, there is a majority of passengers who may not have any idea. So, here you will get an elaborated information about this service.

Open seating on Southwest Airlines is a kind of process where passenger get to choose their seat after getting on board. To be more precise, passengers can’t pre-decide the seat type & assignment. Moreover, passenger have been a part of airline boarding group A, B & C; after that, they were supposed to choose their desired seats. Due to this, passengers who will be part of the last boarding group won’t get upgraded seats. Besides that, whether it’s a long or short haul flight, passengers have to manage their situation by themselves.

There are several disadvantages of an open seat selection offered by the airline:

1. No comfort & convenience.
2. Flying on unpreferred seats.
3. Discomfort for the passengers.
4. In-flight chaos

Instead, you board in a group (A, B, or C), and once on the plane, you pick any available seat.

Once you are on board, then under the open seating rule of the airline, travelers in A, B & C are allowed to choose any seat. But, it’s more beneficial for the top two groups as they have potential chances of getting to sit in the best seats. In fact, they get complete freedom to choose their preferred seat assignment with multiple features. Well, it’s pretty simple, passengers who are in group A & B have better chances of getting a premium travel experience. Due to a limited crowd, these passengers have a fair chance of switching their seats.

Well, an open seating can become a major trouble, especially for families with kids. As they also have their own preference for their seat assignment. But, now due to new seating rules, it will be easier to manage their situation & passengers won’t have to deal with seat assignment issues. However, the great news is that travelers can decide the type of seats and other services.

The seat selection process while booking a flight has proved to be a major relief for all three groups, especially for the group C passengers who always need to sit on the remaining seats.

• This first-come, first-served model is unique to Southwest and helped many budget travelers avoid extra seat fees.

There is no doubt that Southwest’s first-come & first-served policy has provided major assistance for the limited budget flyers. This process has helped the majority of passengers to book seats within a limited budget by avoiding additional charges for seat selection. Although, the airline won’t charge extra for the seat selection as passengers have to choose from the available seating options, which can cause inconvenience for the travelers.

But, the airline has finally decided to change its current seating policy by offering an advanced seat selection option.

• Families and frequent flyers often paid extra for early check-in or upgraded boarding groups to sit together.

The open seating program of Southwest Airlines has often allowed passengers to secure the best seats by paying extra fees. These help to get an early check-in & upgraded seats. Moreover, paying extra charges to the airline offers an early bird check-in/upgraded boarding on the flight. Now, these essential steps have been taken into consideration to ensure families & frequent flyers can enjoy their trip on their preferred seats.

The challenging part of an open seat assignment on the airline is to choose your seats after getting on board. In such situations, families & frequent travelers have to pay extra for upgraded seats & more comfort. You can also try to purchase an early bird check-in that allows you to get automatically checked in before 24 hours.

What’s Changing in 2026?

• Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest will switch to assigned seating for all flights.

Over several years, passenger used to choose & sit on their seats after getting on board. Well, this policy has helped several commuters with a limited travel budget. Now, to elevate your in-flight experience, under the Southwest Airlines seating change 2026 program, passengers can make an advance seat selection with the airline. No need to wait till you’re on board the flight. As Southwest has announced a major change in their seating policy w.e.f. from the next year.

So, no more open seating with the airline, but customer can now take their seats as soon as they get on board. These steps can be helpful in several ways & help to sit in your preferred seats without compromising their comfort. Moreover, there are multiple ways to choose your seats.

It’s an important decision that has been taken for offering smooth air trips.

• Passengers will choose their seats during booking based on fare type.

The major change in your seat selection arrives with numerous developments. You don’t need to rush to the airport & become a part of the airport boarding queue. To be more precise, an advance seat selection by the airline proves to be a convenient process towards a smooth seat selection. You can easily choose your favourite seats without requesting anyone.

Now, it’s quite understandable that passengers will be more curious to know how this system works. So, you can start choosing the seats from the Southwest Airlines website & app. Although it’s the most hassle-free method, in addition to that, you can also try to connect at the +1-866-679-5070 seat selection phone number of Southwest Airlines & get dedicated assistance.

Well, these steps can be more beneficial, especially for the differently able passengers & senior citizens. For them, the above options can provide instant access to make a seat selection.

New seat categories include:

• Standard
• Preferred
• Extra Legroom

Here, you will get complete information about the above seats assignment:

1. Standard seats:

If you have chosen the above seat types, then you have to sit at the back of the cabin & offer standard legroom. Moreover, these are more affordable, so no need to be concerned about the budget. You can try to choose them online without any obstacles.

2. Preferred seats:

Here, passenger get standard legroom & sit in the front side of the aircraft. Travelers who have booked preferred seats are allowed to board & de-board prior to the standard seat passengers.

3. Extra Legroom:

When you choose an extra legroom seat, it offers extra features & is located in the first row & near the exit. It provides more space for the travelers & is an ideal option when it comes to long-haul trips.

Boarding will also change from A/B/C to a numbered group system (1–8).

The major transformation in the airline seating assignment has also changed the group boarding system. Previously, Southwest Airlines had boarding groups like A/B/C, but now it has changed to 1-8. Now, this also allows for an advanced seat selection. The new boarding system helps passengers based on the type of their seat selection, loyalty programs & if someone has paid for the priority boarding.

For a detailed brief, you can read the points below:

Group 1-2:

This group allows travelers to pay for the business class and pay for extra legroom with A-list members.

Group 3-5:

In this group, passengers who have paid to get seats closer to the front, along with the rapid reward cardholders.

Group 6-8:

This group consists of the flyers travelling at the lowest air fares. Well, these group have passengers with lowest fares & board last.

• The new system aims to reduce boarding stress and make travel more predictable, especially for families.

There is no doubt that the new seat assignment program launched by the airline has definitely helped millions of travelers. You don’t need to get stressed about your seat selection after boarding. Families travelling with or without children don’t need to choose their seats on board. Seat selection offered by Southwest Airlines proves to be a major relief to choose your desired boarding group & choose the low-cost seats.

The best advantage is choosing your seats with the airline seat selection map. Here, you can decide your type of seat selection & assignment. Moreover, check the available features so that you won’t have to face any inconvenience. There are other benefits to the pre-decided seat selection.

How Will This Affect Travelers?

• Many travelers may welcome the change—especially those who previously paid for early boarding just to sit together.

An early seat assignment will be a positive change to their regular air trip. However, open seating allows you to get a seat after getting on board. But, advance seat selection has made this task easier. Well, there are passengers who have accepted this seating change & this involves travelers who have paid for early boarding. This procedure helps them to secure their seats without taking any stress to get their seats on board. The other advantage for those who have made an advance payment for early boarding is that they can choose their preferred seat assignment.

During open seating, passengers had to sit on the ordinary seats due to the boarding group & time. But the pre-boarding seat selection has completely changed your overall in-flight experience. The main reason to pay extra for early boarding is to book the best seats with excellent features.

It allows passengers to choose the favourite seats such as aisle, window, or those closer to the front.

• But others feel it’s the end of a Southwest tradition that set it apart.

The open seating tradition of the airline has lasted for over 50 years & majority of passengers also feel it’s the end of an era. But that’s not true. For a new change, sometimes tough calls need to be taken. The airline has focused more on offering maximum in-flight convenience for its worldwide passengers. In fact, what can be a better strategy than to allow passengers to select their own seats? Getting seats after boarding was a bit unfair, especially for those who need to board last. But, due to this major change, they can also choose their boarding group & avail a better flying experience, that too with an excellent seat assignment.

It is quite understood that adapting to new changes takes time, but we believe it offers an enhanced trip for millions of passengers.

• One concern is how the new fare bundles may affect add-ons like baggage:

• While Southwest has long been praised for its 2 free checked bags policy, some reports suggest that basic fare levels may no longer include this benefit in the future.

As the airline has recently introduced its new & advanced seating plans, there can be queries about the free checked bags. So, if you are concerned about the baggage charges, there will be changes in the Southwest Airlines baggage policy. Due to the latest developments in the airline baggage rules, the passengers have to pay around $35 for the first check-in bag & $45 for the second. But, don’t forget to carry a limited size & weight.

There will be certain exemptions for specific classes to carry free checked bags. Now, these include Business select members, A-list preferred members, active duty military personnel & more.

• Frequent flyers should stay updated on any adjustments to the Southwest Airlines baggage policy, especially as the airline aligns more with competitors in seating and boarding structure.

It is an advisory for all frequent travelers with Southwest Airlines that they should be attentive to the airline’s baggage policy. They have to keep an eye on all the latest developments made by the airline for check-in bags, as one small change can help to save maximum luggage fares.

• Also, cheaper fares may come with limited seat selection or lower boarding priority.

If a passenger has a limited travel budget, then they can’t expect to get a luxurious travel experience, as cheap air tickets offer a limited number of seats, which often have lower boarding priority. But, there are other alternatives that can help, such as booking off-peak season, low fare calendar, paying via reward points & more.

Why Is Southwest Making This Change?

• According to Southwest, customer feedback drove the shift:

• Over 80% of current passengers and 86% of potential flyers prefer assigned seating.

The main reason for making such changes is to help those passengers deal with their financial struggles, improve seat assignment, avoid on-board hustle & more benefits for the passengers. Well, as per the report, there are more than 80% current passengers & 86% of potential flyers who think this step can be more helpful, as you are eligible to book your seats in advance, and can choose various benefits.

• The airline says this change gives travelers more “choice and certainty”—something that’s become more important post-pandemic.

Yes, there’s nothing wrong with Southwest Airlines’ offers of options for seat selection. While choosing the seats, passengers can review the entire seat selection map & check the seat assignment, type, along with the benefits based on the group & fare type. In addition to that, the travelers can set a fare filter while making an online seat selection.

• It’s also a strategic move to compete with other major U.S. carriers.

Yes, it is a great strategy to compete with the other major airline & provide extraordinary facilities. Likewise, major airline Southwest’s seat assignment move has helped the majority of passengers to choose their own comfortable space.

What Should You Do Next?

• If you plan to fly Southwest in 2026 or beyond:

• Be ready to choose your seat when you book:

Those who are going to fly with the airline next year or later may face more convenience with the airline. The first thing is getting the freedom to choose your seats during the booking of a flight. So, this plan helps to avoid being a member of the last boarding group & you can decide your travel plan in advance.

• Understand what each fare level includes (seat type, baggage, boarding order).

The other advantage of advance seat selection on Southwest Airlines is getting a complete overview of different fare types. Moreover, here you can review the seat types, baggage allowance, and decide your boarding order. These things help passengers to have a complete update about the entire journey.

• Double-check your baggage allowance, especially if you’re booking a lower-tier ticket.

Passengers are requested to take time & check all the details as advance seat selection allows us to confirm all the details. Not only can you ensure your total baggage allowance with its confirmed cost in case you have booked a low-cost cabin.

• Travelers who enjoyed the open seating freedom might consider upgrading to maintain similar flexibility with better seat options.

Once you have chosen your desired seats, why not have a look at their upgrade options? Well, the airline does not restrict the passengers to the seat selection, but also allows them to upgrade. Now, this helps to unlock other benefits such as getting a chance to fly in business class, which can enhance your travel experience.

Conclusion:

• Southwest’s move to eliminate open seating marks a major shift in how the airline operates.

Earlier, passengers got used to dealing with open seating policies & choosing their seats after boarding. But the sudden transition has completely changed the entire airline’s operations. Travelers can purchase an advance boarding online rather than at the airport. So, this makes their entire trip more convenient without any stress of getting the best seats.

• While it may improve convenience for some, it could also bring new fees or limitations for others.

Yes, it’s quite possible that advance seating assignment can be a convenient option for some passengers, this involves passengers who focus on quality & comfort rather than the cost. But, for the limited budget travelers, they have to pay charges depending on their class, which means the lowest amount for the seat selection offers fewer features & limited number of seats.

• Make sure to understand your fare type, seat selection options, and any baggage policy updates before you book.

The passengers who are making an advance seat selection, though it’s an easy way to make a seat selection, should keep several parameters in mind. Understand your fare type, review the various options for the seat selection, along with the baggage policy update. Well, these things can impact your entire travel budget.

• This change may take some getting used to—but with the right preparation, your Southwest experience can still be smooth and stress-free.

There are passengers who may need assistance for the seat selection with the airlines. But, by following the correct steps & choosing the right services can help you enjoy your trip. Here, you can check the best & available seats by setting the fare alert to the lowest. After that, check the facilities like baggage allowance & other benefits that make it your preferred seat while flying with the airlines.