Breaking News! Southwest Airlines is transitioning from its renowned open seating policy to an assigned seating model, with rollouts expected soon, potentially as early as early 2026. This marks a significant shift for the airline, traditionally known for its unique "choose your own seat" approach. While the exact details of the new assigned seating system are still being fully revealed, we can anticipate a process similar to what other major airlines utilize.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through what we know and what to expect as Southwest moves towards assigned seating, building on their existing boarding structure.
How Southwest Airlines Assigned Seating Will Work: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to adapt to a new way of flying Southwest? Let's dive into the anticipated steps for assigned seating!
Step 1: Understanding the Shift from Open Seating
For decades, Southwest Airlines has stood apart with its "open seating" policy. This meant passengers were assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number within that group (e.g., A1, B35), which determined their place in the boarding line. Once on board, it was a free-for-all – first come, first served for any available seat. This system, while loved by some for its flexibility, often led to a frantic dash for preferred seats and sometimes, confusion.
The upcoming change to assigned seating aims to streamline the boarding process and provide passengers with a clear seat assignment before they even step onto the plane. This is a major departure from their traditional model, and it's essential for frequent Southwest flyers to understand this fundamental shift.
Step 2: The Booking Process and Seat Selection
With assigned seating, the moment you book your ticket will likely become more crucial than ever for seat selection.
Sub-heading: Initial Seat Assignment at Booking
It's highly probable that Southwest will offer passengers the option to select their seats during the booking process, much like other airlines. This might involve:
Complimentary Seat Selection: Certain fare classes (e.g., higher-tier fares like Business Select or Anytime) might include complimentary seat selection at the time of booking.
Paid Seat Selection: For more basic fares (like Wanna Get Away), there will likely be an additional fee to select a specific seat at the time of booking or in advance of check-in. This is a common revenue strategy for airlines.
Automatic Assignment: If you choose not to pay for a seat, or if it's not included with your fare, Southwest will likely automatically assign you a seat closer to the departure date or at check-in. This could be a random assignment.
Sub-heading: Understanding Fare Classes and Their Impact
Your chosen fare class will undoubtedly play a significant role in your seat assignment experience:
Business Select: Expect the highest priority, potentially allowing for immediate seat selection from premium options.
Anytime: Likely to include complimentary or preferred seat selection options.
Wanna Get Away Plus: Might offer paid seat selection or better automatic assignments than Wanna Get Away fares.
Wanna Get Away/Basic: These will likely have the most restrictions, potentially only allowing seat selection for a fee or resulting in a random assignment at check-in.
Step 3: Checking In and Your Boarding Pass
The check-in process will remain vital, but its role in seat selection will evolve.
Sub-heading: Online and Mobile Check-in
The current 24-hour check-in window will likely still be in place. However, instead of simply receiving a boarding group and position, you will receive your assigned seat number on your boarding pass.
You'll be able to check in online via Southwest.com or through the Southwest mobile app.
Your mobile boarding pass will display your specific seat assignment (e.g., 12F, 23A).
Sub-heading: Airport Check-in
For those who check in at the airport (at a kiosk or ticket counter), your boarding pass will also reflect your assigned seat.
Step 4: Boarding the Aircraft with Assigned Seating
This is where the biggest change in the actual experience will be felt. The "cattle call" will be replaced by a more orderly, traditional boarding process.
Sub-heading: Boarding Groups and Zones
While specific seat numbers will be assigned, Southwest may still retain some form of boarding groups or zones to manage the flow onto the aircraft. This could look like:
Group A, B, C: Passengers might still be called by these groups, but within each group, they will proceed directly to their assigned seat.
Boarding Zones: Airlines typically divide the cabin into zones (e.g., rear to front, window/middle/aisle) to facilitate efficient boarding. Southwest could adopt a similar system.
Sub-heading: Locating Your Assigned Seat
Upon entering the aircraft, you will locate your row and seat number, similar to boarding any other airline. Flight attendants will be available to assist if you have trouble finding your seat.
Step 5: Special Considerations and Exceptions
Southwest has always had policies for certain passengers, and these will likely be adapted for assigned seating.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
Southwest's current Family Boarding allows up to two adults traveling with a child aged six or younger to board after the "A" group but before the "B" group. With assigned seating, it's possible that families traveling with young children will be given priority in seat assignment to ensure they can sit together. Alternatively, Family Boarding might still exist as a means to ensure families can get to their assigned seats without delay.
Sub-heading: Passengers with Disabilities and Special Needs
Preboarding for passengers with disabilities who need specific seating accommodations or assistance will almost certainly continue. Southwest will work to ensure these passengers are seated appropriately.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding and Elite Status
Benefits for Southwest's A-List and A-List Preferred members, as well as those who purchase Upgraded Boarding or Business Select fares, will likely translate into priority seat selection. This means they would get the first pick of available seats, including potentially more desirable seats (e.g., front of the plane, exit rows, window/aisle).
Step 6: Potential Benefits and Drawbacks of Assigned Seating
Every system has its pros and cons, and assigned seating on Southwest will be no different.
Sub-heading: Expected Benefits
Reduced Boarding Stress: No more mad dashes for seats or concerns about finding seats together.
Clearer Expectations: Passengers will know their seat before boarding, reducing uncertainty.
Potentially Faster Boarding: A more organized boarding process can sometimes lead to quicker turnarounds.
Improved Customer Experience (for many): While some loyalists might miss open seating, many travelers prefer the certainty of an assigned seat.
Sub-heading: Potential Drawbacks
Loss of Flexibility: Passengers will no longer have the freedom to choose any open seat on a whim.
Possible Added Costs: The introduction of seat selection fees for certain fares is a strong possibility, increasing the overall cost of a ticket for some.
Impact on Spontaneity: Last-minute changes might be harder to accommodate regarding seat preferences.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about the upcoming Southwest Airlines assigned seating, with quick answers:
How to get the best seats on Southwest with assigned seating?
To get the best seats, consider purchasing a higher fare class (like Business Select or Anytime), buying EarlyBird Check-In (if it's still offered as a means to get an earlier seat selection window), or becoming an A-List/A-List Preferred member to gain priority seat selection.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest?
With assigned seating, the best way to ensure your family sits together is to select seats together during the booking process or as early as possible after booking, potentially for an additional fee. Family Boarding policies will likely be adapted to facilitate this.
How to check in for my Southwest flight with assigned seating?
You will check in online via Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app 24 hours before departure, or at the airport. Your boarding pass will then display your assigned seat number.
How to change my assigned seat on Southwest?
It's anticipated that you may be able to change your assigned seat, if available, either online, through the app, or at the airport, potentially for a fee or if a better seat opens up closer to departure.
How to preboard with assigned seating on Southwest?
Southwest's preboarding policy for passengers with disabilities who require specific accommodations will likely remain, allowing them to board before general boarding to secure their necessary seat.
How to understand my boarding pass with an assigned seat?
Your boarding pass will clearly display your assigned seat number (e.g., "Seat: 15B"). It may still include a boarding group and position, but these would likely dictate your place in line to reach your assigned seat.
How to benefit from A-List status with assigned seating?
A-List and A-List Preferred members will likely receive priority in seat assignment, allowing them to select desirable seats earlier or be assigned better seats automatically.
How to handle unexpected seat assignments on Southwest?
If you receive an undesirable seat, you might be able to check for alternative available seats through the app or at the gate, or ask a flight attendant upon boarding if any swaps are possible.
How to avoid paying for seat selection on Southwest?
To avoid paying, you might need to rely on the airline's automatic assignment or risk getting a less desirable seat. Booking basic economy fares often means not having complimentary seat selection.
How to know when Southwest's assigned seating officially starts?
Southwest has indicated an "early 2026" rollout. Keep an eye on official Southwest Airlines announcements and their website for the precise implementation date and detailed policies.
