Open passenger seating—a hallmark of Southwest Airlines’ customer experience for more than half a century—will go away in early 2026, the company announced.
Travelers will have the ability to choose their seats when booking flights beginning on Jan. 27, 2026, according to a recent press release touting the change as offering “Seatisfaction.”
Change Reflects Passenger Demand
“Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience,” said Executive Vice President Customer & Brand Tony Roach. “Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our customers—including the ability to select Extra Legroom seats—and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin.
“This is an important step in our evolution, and we’re excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary customer service,” said Roach.
The airline claimed that 80 percent of customers surveyed supported the change, although it will now cost money to do something that was previously free—securing a chosen seat. Mirroring practices already in place at other airlines, Southwest will segregate seating by price and location, offering a choice of Extra Legroom, Preferred and Standard seating.
“Customers will also be able to purchase a seat upgrade to elevate their travel experience,” according to the press release.
A-List and A-List Preferred customers will be able to select a seat at booking regardless of the fare they purchase, including the lowest “Basic” fares. Holders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card will be able to select a seat when they book or within 48 hours of departure.
Otherwise, the ability to choose a seat will be tied to the type of fare purchased: Business Select, Anytime, Wanna Get Away Plus and Basic.
Southwest’s familiar A, B, and C boarding groups will also be going away.
“The boarding process is optimized for assigned seating and will prioritize customers into groups based on seat location, beginning with Extra Legroom seats in boarding Groups 1-2,” according to the airline. “Premium fares and Southwest’s most loyal customers—Tier Members and Credit Cardmembers—will board earlier in the process.”
Travelers will also be able to pay for priority boarding, an option that Southwest already offers.
