Welcome aboard! If you're here, you're likely curious about a significant shift at Southwest Airlines. For decades, their "open seating" policy was a unique hallmark – a bit of a scramble, perhaps, but it also offered a sense of freedom. Well, that is changing.
Southwest Airlines is indeed moving towards an assigned seating model. This is a major evolution in their boarding process, bringing them more in line with most other major airlines. This transition isn't just about picking a seat; it's about a fundamental re-imagining of the Southwest experience, driven by customer feedback and a desire to streamline operations. The rollout for assigned seating is expected to begin with bookings in the second half of 2025 for flights operating in 2026.
So, let's dive deep into how Southwest Airlines will assign seats now and what you, as a traveler, need to know to navigate this new era of flying with them.
Step 1: Understanding the Shift from Open Seating to Assigned Seating
First things first, let's address the elephant in the cabin! Are you surprised by this change? Many frequent Southwest flyers have strong opinions about the open seating policy, loving its flexibility or loathing the boarding "mad dash." This move to assigned seating is one of the most significant changes Southwest has made in its long history, and it's driven by a desire to meet evolving customer expectations for a more predictable and perhaps less stressful boarding experience.
What does "assigned seating" actually mean for Southwest? No longer will it be a free-for-all where the earliest bird gets the best worm (or window seat!). Instead, when you book your flight, you'll generally be assigned a specific seat number, much like on other airlines. This aims to:
Reduce boarding anxiety: No more rushing to check-in exactly 24 hours prior to get a good boarding position.
Streamline the boarding process: Passengers will know exactly where to go, potentially leading to faster boarding times.
Offer new product options: Southwest is introducing "premium seating" options with extra legroom, which is a direct result of this shift.
Step 2: How Assigned Seats Will Be Determined
While the exact algorithms are proprietary, Southwest has provided some insights into how seats will be assigned. It won't be entirely random, and your fare class and Rapid Rewards status will play a significant role.
Sub-heading: Fare Class Matters More Than Ever
Southwest typically offers different fare types, such as Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus®, Anytime®, and Business Select®.
Business Select® and Anytime® Fares: These higher-tier fares will likely offer the best seat assignments, often including access to the new premium seating options or early selection of preferred standard seats. This is a clear incentive for those willing to pay a bit more for comfort and convenience.
Wanna Get Away® and Wanna Get Away Plus® Fares: These more budget-friendly options will still get assigned seats, but the specific seat location might be less desirable (e.g., middle seats, rear of the aircraft) unless you utilize other strategies to improve your assignment.
Sub-heading: The Role of Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred Status
For Southwest's most loyal customers, elite status will continue to provide significant advantages.
A-List and A-List Preferred Members: If you hold A-List or A-List Preferred status, you and everyone on your reservation will generally receive priority boarding positions and potentially have early access to selecting your preferred seats, including the new premium options. This is a major perk designed to reward frequent flyers. A-List Preferred members typically get first pick, followed by A-List.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In (What's Left of It)
The popular EarlyBird Check-In option, which previously secured an earlier boarding position in the open seating system, is also evolving.
With assigned seating, EarlyBird Check-In's primary benefit will shift from securing a better boarding position to securing a better seat assignment within your fare class or a slightly earlier opportunity to confirm your assigned seat. It may help you get a window or aisle seat rather than a middle one. The exact mechanics of EarlyBird Check-In in the new assigned seating system are still being fully detailed by Southwest.
Step 3: Navigating the Booking and Check-in Process with Assigned Seats
This is where the rubber meets the runway for most travelers. The way you interact with Southwest from booking to boarding will change.
Sub-heading: Booking Your Flight
When you book your flight on Southwest.com or via their app, you will likely see your assigned seat immediately or be prompted to select one from available options based on your fare and status.
Standard Seat Assignment: For most fares, you'll be assigned a seat. You may have the option to change it for a fee or if better seats become available closer to departure.
Premium Seat Selection: Southwest is rolling out "premium seating options" with extra legroom. These will likely be available for purchase as an upgrade during booking or closer to departure, similar to how other airlines offer premium economy or extra-legroom seats.
Companion Pass Holders: If you have a Companion Pass, you and your companion will be able to select your seats together when booking, ensuring you can sit side-by-side.
Sub-heading: The Check-in Process
The familiar 24-hour check-in window will still be relevant, but its purpose will shift.
Confirming Your Seat: Even with assigned seats, checking in within the 24-hour window will be important to confirm your boarding pass and seat assignment.
Last-Minute Seat Changes: If you're not happy with your assigned seat, checking in early might still give you an opportunity to change to a more desirable seat if one becomes available due to cancellations or other passenger changes. This might involve a fee for certain changes.
Digital Boarding Passes: Continue to utilize the Southwest app for digital boarding passes, which will now clearly display your assigned seat number.
Step 4: The New Boarding Experience
The gate area will look and feel different. No more lining up in numerical order by your A, B, or C group and then rushing onto the plane to claim a seat.
Sub-heading: Group and Seat-Specific Boarding
Southwest will likely still utilize boarding groups (A, B, C) to manage the flow of passengers, but within those groups, you'll proceed directly to your assigned seat.
Expect announcements guiding passengers to board by their assigned seat rows or sections. For example, "Passengers in rows 15-30 may now board."
Sub-heading: Special Boarding Categories (Family, A-List, Business Select, etc.)
These categories will still receive priority, but their integration into the assigned seating model will be more structured.
Pre-boarding: Passengers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations or assistance will still pre-board.
Business Select and A-List/A-List Preferred: These passengers will likely board first within their designated groups, allowing them to settle into their pre-assigned preferred seats.
Family Boarding: Southwest's family boarding policy (for families with children aged six or younger) is also adapting. While specific details are still emerging, the airline has indicated they will endeavor to seat a child next to at least one accompanying adult, even with assigned seats. If your family has an "A" boarding pass with assigned seats, you'll board with the "A" group. If you're relying on family boarding, you'll likely board after the "A" group to ensure you can find seats together.
Step 5: Onboard the Aircraft
Once you're on the plane, the experience will be much like any other airline with assigned seating.
Finding Your Seat: Simply locate your row and seat number on your boarding pass and settle in.
Overhead Bin Space: Earlier boarding positions (whether through fare class or status) will still offer a better chance at securing overhead bin space near your seat.
The Southwest Spirit: While the seating process is changing, Southwest aims to maintain its unique customer service and friendly atmosphere. Flight attendants will still be there to assist you.
This transition marks a significant moment for Southwest Airlines. While some loyalists may miss the old open seating system, the move to assigned seating is a strategic decision to align with broader industry trends and customer preferences for a more predictable and potentially less chaotic travel experience. By understanding these new processes, you can continue to enjoy your Southwest flights, albeit with a new approach to finding your spot in the sky!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to choose my seat on Southwest Airlines now?
You will typically be assigned a seat when you book your flight. Depending on your fare class or Rapid Rewards status, you may have the option to select a preferred seat, including premium seating, during booking or closer to departure, potentially for a fee.
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest with assigned seating?
To increase your chances of securing a window or aisle seat, consider purchasing Business Select or Anytime fares, achieving A-List/A-List Preferred status, or purchasing EarlyBird Check-In if it's offered as a seat-preference benefit. Checking in precisely 24 hours before your flight might also allow you to adjust your assigned seat if better options become available.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest will endeavor to seat children aged 6 or younger next to at least one accompanying adult. For older children, checking in early and communicating with gate agents or flight attendants upon boarding will be crucial. Purchasing tickets together on the same reservation and potentially utilizing EarlyBird Check-In for all family members can also help.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In with the new assigned seating system?
The benefit of EarlyBird Check-In will likely shift from securing an early boarding position to securing a better seat assignment within your fare class or an earlier opportunity to confirm your assigned seat. Exact details are still being refined by Southwest.
How to board early on Southwest Airlines with assigned seats?
Early boarding will still be available for Business Select passengers, A-List and A-List Preferred members, and those requiring pre-boarding assistance. Families with children aged six or younger will still have family boarding.
How to upgrade my seat on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest is introducing "premium seating" with extra legroom, which you can likely purchase as an upgrade during booking or closer to departure. Other seat upgrades may also become available for a fee.
How to know my seat assignment before my flight?
Your seat assignment will typically be displayed during the booking process or on your digital/printed boarding pass after check-in.
How to change my assigned seat on Southwest Airlines?
You may have the option to change your assigned seat, possibly for a fee, through the Southwest website or app after booking, especially closer to the 24-hour check-in window if more desirable seats become available.
How to get an emergency exit row seat on Southwest Airlines?
As with other airlines, emergency exit row seats will likely be assigned at the gate or during check-in to passengers who meet specific safety requirements (e.g., 15 years or older, able to assist in an emergency, speak English). These seats often come with additional legroom.
How will the new seating policy affect Southwest's on-time performance?
Southwest hopes the assigned seating policy will streamline the boarding process, potentially leading to improved on-time performance by reducing the time it takes for passengers to board the aircraft.
