Breaking News in the Skies! Southwest Airlines is Shifting from Open Seating to Assigned Seating!
For decades, Southwest Airlines has been synonymous with its unique "open seating" policy – a true anomaly in the airline industry. Passengers would board by group and position, then scramble to find any available seat. It was a system loved by some for its flexibility and loathed by others for the perceived "boarding chaos." However, as of late 2025 with a full rollout in 2026, Southwest Airlines is making a historic change: they are transitioning to assigned seating!
This is a monumental shift that will fundamentally alter the Southwest travel experience. If you've flown Southwest before, you're likely used to strategizing your check-in time to secure a good boarding position. Well, get ready for a new era!
Step 1: Get Ready for a New Boarding Mindset!
First and foremost, let's acknowledge this major change together! Are you a long-time Southwest loyalist who embraced the open seating hustle, or have you always wished for a guaranteed seat? Either way, the landscape is changing, and understanding this new approach is key to a smooth journey. Gone are the days of vying for your preferred window or aisle seat the moment you step on board. Instead, your seat will now be pre-determined. This could mean less stress for some, and perhaps a period of adjustment for others.
Step 2: Understanding the New Assigned Seating Model
While the exact specifics of the full rollout in 2026 are still being refined, Southwest has announced that they will be moving to an assigned seating model. Here's what we know so far:
2.1 Assigned Seats: The New Standard
The most significant change is that when you book your flight, you will be assigned a seat. This brings Southwest in line with most other major airlines. No more lining up by number and hoping for the best. Your boarding pass will now clearly indicate your row and seat number.
2.2 Introduction of Premium Seating Tiers
In addition to standard assigned seating, Southwest will be introducing premium seating options. This likely means the ability to purchase seats with:
Extra Legroom: For those who crave more space, especially on longer flights.
Preferred Locations: Seats closer to the front of the plane for quicker deplaning, or perhaps window/aisle seats in high-demand areas.
The airline has indicated that approximately one-third of the cabin's seats will offer extended legroom.
2.3 The Role of Fares and Rapid Rewards Status
While the open seating system is ending, the importance of your fare type and Rapid Rewards status will likely continue to influence your boarding experience, even within an assigned seating model.
Business Select Fares: These fares, which are Southwest's most premium option, currently offer priority boarding (typically A1-A15). It's highly probable that Business Select will continue to offer the best seat selection opportunities, potentially allowing you to choose from a wider range of seats at the time of booking, including the new premium options, or guarantee an early boarding position to select from the best available seats.
A-List and A-List Preferred Members: Elite status holders will continue to receive benefits. Currently, A-List and A-List Preferred members receive priority boarding. It's expected that these members will still have an advantage in the new system, potentially with early access to seat selection or automatic assignment to more desirable seats. A-List Preferred members are expected to have access to all seats at the time of purchase, including extra legroom, while A-List members will have access to standard seats at booking and can choose extra legroom seats free of charge within 48 hours of departure if available.
EarlyBird Check-In: This paid option currently provides automatic check-in and an earlier boarding position. While the "boarding position" concept will evolve with assigned seating, EarlyBird Check-In may translate into earlier access to seat selection, giving you a better chance at your preferred assigned seat.
Step 3: Navigating the New Booking and Check-In Process
The transition to assigned seating will mean changes to how you book and check in for your Southwest flight.
3.1 Booking Your Flight with Assigned Seating
Online Booking: When booking on Southwest.com or via the app, you will now see options to select your seat during the booking process, similar to other airlines.
Fare Types and Seat Choices: The fare type you choose (Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, Business Select) will likely determine the range of seats you can select from and at what stage in the booking process. Higher-tier fares will undoubtedly offer more flexibility and better choices.
3.2 The Evolving Check-In Process
While the exact 24-hour check-in rush for a good boarding position might diminish, checking in promptly will still be important, particularly if you have specific seat preferences not guaranteed by your fare or status.
Online Check-in: This will remain crucial for obtaining your boarding pass. While your seat will be assigned, checking in online can still ensure you have all your travel documents ready.
Airport Check-in: Kiosks and ticket counters will still be available for those who prefer them or require assistance.
Step 4: Boarding the Aircraft with Assigned Seating
The physical boarding process at the gate will also see modifications.
4.1 Boarding Groups and Positions (Re-imagined)
While the A, B, C groups and numerical positions (1-60) might still be used for managing the flow of passengers, their primary purpose will shift from indicating your place in the scramble for a seat to simply directing you to board in an orderly fashion to reach your assigned seat.
4.2 Pre-Boarding and Special Assistance
Southwest's policies for pre-boarding will likely remain similar. Passengers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their needs, require assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device will still be eligible for pre-boarding. Similarly, those needing extra time to board (but not meeting pre-boarding criteria) may still board between the A and B groups.
4.3 Family Boarding
Families traveling with a child aged six or younger currently board after the A group. Southwest has stated they will continue to prioritize families, so it's anticipated that a similar family boarding policy will be in place, allowing families to settle into their assigned seats together without additional stress.
Step 5: Onboard Experience and Finding Your Seat
Once you step onto the aircraft, the experience will be more streamlined.
5.1 Locating Your Assigned Seat
Your boarding pass will clearly display your seat number (e.g., 12A, 25C). You'll simply proceed to your designated row and seat.
5.2 Overhead Bin Space
While assigned seating doesn't directly guarantee overhead bin space, an orderly boarding process could potentially lead to a more even distribution of space. Those with earlier boarding priority (e.g., Business Select, A-List) will still have an advantage in stowing their carry-on luggage.
Important Considerations for the Transition Period (Late 2025 / Early 2026)
As Southwest rolls out these changes, there will likely be a transition period.
Stay Informed: Keep a close eye on official announcements from Southwest Airlines regarding the exact dates and full details of the assigned seating implementation.
Check Your Booking: Double-check your booking confirmation for any specific instructions related to seating.
Flexibility: Be prepared for minor adjustments as the airline fine-tunes its new system.
This is a significant evolution for Southwest Airlines, aiming to appeal to a wider range of travelers and offer a more consistent and comfortable flying experience. While the "open seating" era is drawing to a close, the promise of a more predictable and potentially less stressful boarding process awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to will I know if my Southwest flight has assigned seating?
You will know if your Southwest flight has assigned seating based on your booking confirmation and boarding pass, which will explicitly state your row and seat number. This change is expected to be fully implemented by 2026, with booking options becoming available in the second half of 2025.
How to get the best seats on Southwest Airlines now with assigned seating?
To get the best seats, consider booking Business Select fares (which will likely offer the best selection) or maintaining A-List/A-List Preferred status for early access to seat selection. Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In may also provide an advantage.
How to utilize EarlyBird Check-In with the new assigned seating system?
While the exact mechanics will be confirmed, EarlyBird Check-In will likely give you an earlier opportunity to select your assigned seat, rather than just a better boarding position for open seating.
How to will family boarding work with assigned seating on Southwest?
Southwest will continue its family boarding policy, allowing families with children aged six and under to board together after the A group. This will ensure they can settle into their assigned seats as a family.
How to ensure I sit with my travel companions on Southwest?
With assigned seating, you should be able to select seats together at the time of booking. If booking separately, coordinate with your companions to select adjacent seats.
How to request special assistance seating on Southwest with the new system?
Southwest will continue to accommodate passengers needing special assistance. Contact Southwest customer service in advance to arrange pre-boarding or specific seating requests for disabilities.
How to upgrade my seat on Southwest once assigned seating is in place?
Details on upgrading specific assigned seats are still emerging, but it's likely that premium seat options (extra legroom, preferred locations) will be available for purchase either during booking or closer to departure, similar to other airlines.
How to will the boarding groups (A, B, C) function with assigned seating?
The A, B, and C groups will likely still be used to manage the flow of passengers to the aircraft in an orderly fashion, but instead of indicating a scramble for a seat, they will simply guide you to board at your designated time to reach your pre-assigned seat.
How to manage changes to my flight and seating with the new policy?
Southwest's flexible change policies are a hallmark of the airline and are expected to continue. You should be able to manage your reservations and seat assignments through the Southwest website or app.
How to stay updated on the latest changes to Southwest's seating policy?
The best way to stay updated is by regularly checking the official Southwest Airlines website, their social media channels, and any email communications you receive from the airline.
