Navigating the Skies of Change: Your Ultimate Guide to Southwest Airlines' Upcoming Assigned Seating (2025 Onwards)
Are you a seasoned Southwest traveler, intimately familiar with the exhilarating (or sometimes agonizing) dance of the open seating policy? Or perhaps you're new to the Southwest experience and wondering how to secure a good spot. Either way, get ready, because Southwest Airlines is making a significant shift! After decades of its unique "choose your own seat" model, the airline is transitioning to an assigned seating system, with bookings expected to become available in the second half of 2025 and operations commencing in 2026. This is a major change, and understanding how it will impact your travel is key to a smooth journey.
Let's dive in and demystify how Southwest Airlines is going to assign seats, step by step!
Step 1: Understanding the "Why" Behind the Change (And What it Means for YOU!)
First things first, why the big switch? Southwest has long prided itself on its open seating, often lauded for its efficiency in boarding and its "no-frills, low-cost" approach. However, it seems customer feedback has played a significant role. Southwest's own research indicates that many passengers, both loyal and potential, actually prefer assigned seats. This change is aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction, potentially reducing gate crowding, and streamlining the boarding process.
What does this mean for you, the traveler?
Less "scramble": Say goodbye to the mad dash to find seats together, especially for families or groups.
More predictability: You'll know exactly where you're sitting before you even get to the airport.
Potential for premium options: The new system will allow Southwest to introduce premium seating with extra legroom, similar to what other airlines offer. This could be a game-changer for those who value comfort.
Step 2: The New Boarding System: Groups, Positions, and How They're Assigned
While the "open seating" aspect is fading, Southwest will still utilize a structured boarding process with groups and positions. The key difference is that these will now correspond to a specific seat assignment rather than just a boarding order.
Sub-heading: Boarding Groups (A, B, C) and Positions (1-60)
You will still see a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position number (1-60) on your boarding pass. This combination, like "A25" or "B40", will now directly correspond to your pre-assigned seat.
Sub-heading: Factors Influencing Your Seat Assignment
The exact algorithm for seat assignment is proprietary, but based on current trends and announced changes, several factors will likely determine your assigned seat:
Fare Type:
Business Select: This premium fare will likely continue to offer the best boarding positions (A1-A15), now guaranteeing you an early choice of premium seats or desirable standard seats (e.g., front of the plane, window/aisle). They'll also typically include two free checked bags, free inflight Wi-Fi, and a complimentary premium drink.
Anytime: This fare usually provides a better boarding position than Wanna Get Away Plus or Basic fares, and may include EarlyBird Check-In. This will likely translate to a more favorable seat assignment.
Wanna Get Away Plus: This tier offers more flexibility than Basic fares, including transferable flight credits and same-day confirmed changes. It will likely secure a better boarding position/seat assignment than Basic fares.
Basic: The most restrictive and lowest-priced fare will likely result in later boarding positions and seats assigned at check-in, potentially leading to middle seats or those towards the back of the plane.
Check-in Time: Even with assigned seating, checking in as early as possible (24 hours before your flight) will still be crucial, especially for Wanna Get Away Plus, Wanna Get Away, and Basic fares. The earlier you check in, the better your assigned seat will likely be within your fare class. Southwest may allocate better seats to those who check in promptly.
Rapid Rewards Elite Status (A-List & A-List Preferred):
A-List and A-List Preferred members will continue to receive priority boarding (automatically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight), giving them access to better seat selections within their fare category. This is a significant perk for frequent flyers.
A-List Preferred members typically get positions A1-A15, and A-List members get earlier "A" group positions. This will now mean they are pre-assigned desirable seats.
EarlyBird Check-In: Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. While it won't guarantee an "A" boarding position every time, it will significantly improve your chances of getting an earlier boarding position and, consequently, a better assigned seat than if you waited until the 24-hour mark.
Upgraded Boarding: For a fee (typically $30-$50 per segment), you can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of departure, subject to availability. This typically grants you a boarding position between A1-A15, securing you a prime assigned seat.
Step 3: The Boarding Process with Assigned Seats
While the core mechanics of getting on the plane will still involve groups and positions, the in-flight experience will be different.
Sub-heading: At the Gate
Monitor Your Boarding Pass: Your boarding pass will clearly display your group (A, B, or C) and your assigned seat number.
Line Up by Group and Position: Just like before, you'll line up at the gate according to the numbered posts corresponding to your group and position.
Pre-boarding and Special Assistance: Passengers needing special assistance, such as those with disabilities, unaccompanied minors, and families with children aged six and under, will still be able to pre-board. This is an important exception to the assigned seating for families with young children, allowing them to sit together.
Sub-heading: Onboard the Aircraft
No More "Seat Scramble": The days of rushing down the aisle to find an empty row or a window seat are over. You will simply proceed to your assigned seat.
Overhead Bin Space: Those with earlier boarding positions will still have an advantage in securing overhead bin space near their assigned seat.
Assistance from Flight Attendants: While the need for flight attendants to help with seat-finding will diminish, they will still be there to assist with any questions or issues.
Step 4: Tips for Securing Your Preferred Seat (Even with Assigned Seating)
Even with assigned seats, you can still employ strategies to increase your chances of getting a seat you'll love.
Book Business Select: If a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position (and thus a prime seat) is paramount, and your budget allows, Business Select remains the top-tier option.
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In: This is often the most cost-effective way to significantly improve your chances of a better seat assignment, especially for Wanna Get Away and Wanna Get Away Plus fares.
Check In Exactly 24 Hours Prior: Set an alarm! Being among the first to check in, particularly for lower fare classes, will still give you a better probability of a desirable seat within your assigned group.
Consider Elite Status: For frequent Southwest flyers, achieving A-List or A-List Preferred status offers consistent priority boarding and, now, better assigned seats.
Utilize Upgraded Boarding: If you find yourself with a later boarding position and a strong desire for a better seat, check for Upgraded Boarding availability at the gate.
Travel with Young Children (Under 7): Remember the Family Boarding policy! If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can still pre-board, allowing you to select seats together before general boarding.
Step 5: Embracing the New Southwest Experience
While the change to assigned seating marks the end of an era for Southwest, it also signals an evolution aimed at meeting modern passenger expectations. The airline is adapting to provide a more standardized and potentially less stressful boarding experience. By understanding the new system and utilizing the available tools and strategies, you can continue to enjoy your Southwest flights.
This shift, along with other recent changes like the "Bags Fly Free" policy potentially being modified for certain fares (as of May 28, 2025, bag fees will apply to Basic, Wanna Get Away Plus, and Anytime fares, while Business Select and A-List Preferred members retain two free checked bags), underscores Southwest's ongoing efforts to optimize its operations and offerings.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest with assigned seating?
To increase your chances of a window or aisle seat, aim for an earlier boarding position through Business Select, EarlyBird Check-In, elite status, or by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight. Your assigned seat will reflect your boarding priority.
How to guarantee sitting with my family on Southwest after the change?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can still utilize Family Boarding (after Group A and before Group B) to ensure you sit together. Otherwise, aim for early boarding positions for all family members by booking higher fares, using EarlyBird Check-In, or checking in early.
How to change my assigned seat on Southwest if I don't like it?
It's currently unclear if Southwest will offer options to change assigned seats after initial assignment. Your best bet is to secure a good boarding position to receive a preferable seat initially. You may be able to inquire at the gate, but it's not guaranteed.
How to ensure my carry-on bag has space with the new seating policy?
Earlier boarding positions (A Group, especially A1-A15) will still give you the best access to overhead bin space near your assigned seat.
How to check in for my Southwest flight with assigned seating?
You'll still check in online via the Southwest website or app 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure to retrieve your boarding pass with your assigned group, position, and seat number.
How to understand the different Southwest fare types and their impact on seat assignment?
Business Select offers the highest priority for seat assignment (A1-A15). Anytime fares also get good priority and often include EarlyBird Check-In. Wanna Get Away Plus is next, and Basic fares will likely get the last choice of seats, assigned at check-in.
How to get an "A" group boarding position with the new assigned seating?
Purchase a Business Select fare, hold A-List or A-List Preferred elite status, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, or buy Upgraded Boarding. Checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight can also result in an "A" group position, though it's not guaranteed.
How to pre-board on Southwest with disabilities or special needs?
Pre-boarding remains available for customers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations, assistance boarding, or need to stow an assistive device. Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket or departure gate counter to determine eligibility.
How to save money on Southwest fares while still getting a decent seat?
Consider purchasing EarlyBird Check-In with a Wanna Get Away or Wanna Get Away Plus fare. This is often a more economical way to improve your boarding position and seat assignment compared to upgrading to a higher fare class.
How to know if my flight will have assigned seating or open seating in 2025?
Southwest plans to begin rolling out assigned seating in 2026, with bookings for these flights becoming available in the second half of 2025. For flights prior to the full rollout, the traditional open seating policy may still apply. Always check your booking details and Southwest's official announcements for the most up-to-date information for your specific flight.
