Southwest Airlines is set to introduce assigned seating on flights from 27 January 2026—marking a significant shift in how the carrier manages its famously open boarding process.
The Dallas-based airline, long known for its “first come, first served” approach to seating, will soon give customers the option to select their seats in advance.
The change is part of a broader overhaul of Southwest’s in-flight and booking experience, including redesigned cabins, new fare bundles, and a range of added benefits for frequent flyers and cardholders. Notably, the carrier also started charging for c checked bags for the first time from 28 May 2025.
The new seating system will be divided into three categories:
- Extra Legroom Seats – Located at the front of the cabin and in exit rows, these offer up to five extra inches of legroom, priority bin access, premium snacks, and complimentary drinks
- Preferred Seats – Standard legroom seats situated near the front for faster deplaning
- Standard Seats – Located toward the rear of the aircraft, these offer traditional space and amenities
The layout applies to aircraft such as the Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8, which dominate the Southwest fleet.
The first flights with assigned seating will take off on 27 January 2026. Booking for these begins 29 July 2025.
Fare Bundles
Four fare tiers—Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra—will be available for bookings from 29 July 2025. Each tier offers different benefits relating to seat selection, boarding position, flexibility, and rewards.
- Basic fares include a Standard seat assigned at check-in and board last
- Choice allows selection of a Standard seat at booking and general boarding
- Choice Preferred provides access to Preferred seating and earlier boarding
- Choice Extra includes all seat options, including Extra Legroom, and boards with Groups 1 or 2
Rapid Rewards Tier Members and eligible cardholders will also benefit from earlier boarding, enhanced earning rates on flights, and access to premium seating depending on their status.
The New Boarding Process
In line with these changes, the airline will also restructure its boarding groups to support the new seating policy. Groups 1 and 2 will now be reserved for Extra Legroom passengers, Choice Extra fare holders, and A-List Preferred members. Groups 3 to 5 will cover Preferred seats and eligible Choice fares. Groups 6 to 8 will be allocated to Basic fare passengers and any remaining Standard seat travellers.
While the company is maintaining its single-cabin layout, these changes aim to create a more streamlined and flexible experience for passengers, particularly those willing to pay for added comfort or convenience.
Loyalty Perks
Frequent flyers with A-List or A-List Preferred status will gain new privileges including:
- Complimentary upgrades to Extra Legroom seating (subject to availability)
- Free seat selection at booking, including for designated Companions
- Guaranteed earlier boarding groups (no later than Group 2 for A-List Preferred)
- Free inflight internet and premium drinks for top-tier members
