Southwest Airlines just dropped the biggest news in its 50-year history. The airline's iconic open seating policy officially ends January 27, 2026, marking the end of an era that defined Southwest's unique identity since the 1970s.

Here's what matters most: You can start selecting seats next week. Beginning July 29, 2025, travelers booking flights for January 27, 2026 and beyond will choose their seats at booking—just like every other major airline. Southwest calls this transformation "SeatisFaction", promising customers more choice and control over their travel experience.

The Timeline: Key Dates You Need to Know

Mark your calendar with these critical dates:

• July 29, 2025: Seat selection opens for flights departing January 27, 2026 and later
• January 27, 2026: First flights operate with assigned seating
• January 26, 2026: Last day to experience Southwest's classic open seating

If you're booking a flight through Southwest Airlines that departs before January 27, 2026, you'll still experience the traditional boarding process. But anything on or after that date? Welcome to the new Southwest.

Southwest's New Fare Classes: What Each One Gets You

Southwest is completely overhauling its fare structure with new names and benefits. Here's how the four tiers break down:

Basic (formerly Wanna Get Away)

The bare-bones option doesn't include free seat selection. You'll board last in groups 6-8 and get assigned whatever seats remain. However, Southwest credit card holders can still select seats within 48 hours of departure, even on Basic fares.

Choice (formerly Wanna Get Away)

This fare includes standard seat selection at booking. You'll still board in groups 6-8 but ahead of Basic fare passengers. It's the sweet spot for budget-conscious travelers who want to pick their seats.

Choice Preferred (formerly Anytime)

Step up to Choice Preferred and you can select seats closer to the front of the plane at no extra charge. You'll board no later than Group 5, getting earlier access to overhead bins.

Choice Extra (formerly Business Select)

The premium option includes free extra legroom seat selection at booking. You'll board in Groups 1 or 2, ensuring plenty of overhead space and first choice of seats.

Three Types of Seats on Every Flight

Southwest's introducing a tiered seating system that'll feel familiar if you've flown other airlines:

Extra Legroom Seats: Located at the front of the cabin and exit rows, these seats offer up to 5 inches more pitch than standard seats. They come with priority boarding (Groups 1-2), enhanced snacks, complimentary premium beverages, and free inflight internet where available.

Preferred Seats: These standard-legroom seats near the front let you board and deplane earlier. They're perfect if you don't need extra space but want convenience.

Standard Seats: The majority of the plane features these regular seats. Southwest's reducing pitch from 32 to 31 inches on these seats—still reasonable but slightly tighter than before.

The New Boarding Process: 8 Groups Instead of 60 Positions

Gone are the days of checking in exactly 24 hours early to snag A1-15. Southwest's new boarding mirrors what you'll find on American Airlines or United Airlines:

• Groups 1-2: Extra legroom seat passengers and A-List Preferred members
• Groups 3-5: Choice Preferred passengers, A-List members, and credit card holders
• Groups 6-8: Choice and Basic fare passengers (Basic boards last)

You can still purchase Priority Boarding 24 hours before departure if you want to board early regardless of your fare type.

What This Means for Rapid Rewards Elite Members

Southwest's taking care of its loyal flyers with these perks:

A-List Members:

• Select any available seat at booking, regardless of fare type
• Choose preferred seats at booking
• Select extra legroom seats within 48 hours of departure (if available)

A-List Preferred Members:

• Select any seat at booking, including extra legroom seats
• Board in Groups 1-2 with extra legroom passengers
• All the A-List benefits plus premium seat access

Both tiers maintain their existing benefits like free same-day standby and priority check-in. The Southwest Companion Pass will also extend these seating benefits to your companion.

Credit Card Perks Under the New System

Southwest credit card holders aren't left behind in this transition. All cardholders receive:

• Seat selection at booking or within 48 hours of departure
• Ability to select seats even on Basic fares (within 48 hours)
• Boarding no later than Group 5
• Select cardholders can upgrade to extra legroom seats within 48 hours (subject to availability)

These benefits make Southwest credit cards more valuable than ever, especially if you frequently book Basic fares.

Strategic Tips for the New Southwest

Book Early for Best Selection

With assigned seating, the early bird truly gets the worm. Premium seats will sell out on popular routes, so book as soon as your plans firm up. Use Going.com to track flight deals and book when prices drop.

Consider Your Priorities

If you're traveling solo and don't mind where you sit, Basic fares still offer Southwest's signature two free checked bags. But families or groups should spring for at least Choice to ensure sitting together.

Leverage Elite Status

This change makes A-List status more valuable than ever. The ability to select extra legroom seats for free (even if just 48 hours out) could save hundreds of dollars annually.

Watch for Upgrade Opportunities

Like other carriers, expect Southwest to offer paid upgrades to better seats closer to departure. Set alerts with ExpertFlyerto track seat availability on your flights.

What Southwest Isn't Changing

Despite this seismic shift, Southwest's keeping several beloved policies:

• Two free checked bags remain (though recent changes added fees for third bags)
• No change fees on most fares continue
• Rapid Rewards points don't expire
• Companion Pass benefits remain intact

The Business Strategy Behind the Change

Southwest's research showed 80% of current customers and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seating. More tellingly, open seating was the number one reason people chose competitors over Southwest.

This move allows Southwest to:

• Generate ancillary revenue from seat selection fees
• Compete directly with legacy carriers on premium products
• Attract business travelers who avoided Southwest due to open seating
• Increase revenue per passenger without raising base fares

Industry analysts estimate this change could generate $1.5-2 billion in additional annual revenue for Southwest.

Booking Your First Assigned Seat

When seat selection opens July 29, expect high demand and potential website issues. Here's how to prepare:

1. Create your booking list: Know your confirmation numbers for any existing reservations
2. Set calendar reminders: Seat selection may open at midnight Central Time
3. Have backup options: If the website crashes, try the mobile app or call
4. Be flexible: Popular routes will see premium seats sell out quickly

For existing bookings, Southwest will likely send emails with instructions on how to select seats for flights after January 27, 2026.

What This Means for Southwest's Future

This change represents Southwest's biggest operational shift since adding international flights. Combined with recent schedule changes and the introduction of redeye flights, Southwest's evolving to compete more directly with full-service carriers.

The airline's also investing heavily in its digital experience. After finally appearing on Google Flights, Southwest's modernizing its booking process to match customer expectations.

International Flight Considerations

Southwest's partnership with China Airlines and other international expansions make assigned seating crucial. International travelers expect seat assignments, and this change removes a barrier to Southwest's global growth.

The Bottom Line

Southwest's assigned seating marks the end of an era but opens new possibilities for travelers. While some mourn the loss of Southwest's unique character, the change brings benefits like:

• Certainty about where you'll sit
• Premium seat options for those willing to pay
• Better family seating arrangements
• Alignment with global airline standards

The key is adapting your strategy. Book early, consider credit cards for added perks, and embrace the new system's benefits while mourning what we've lost.

Ready to experience the new Southwest? Start planning your 2026 travel now and be among the first to select your seats when booking opens July 29.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still get a good seat without paying extra? Yes, if you book early. Choice fares include free standard seat selection, and even Basic fare passengers with credit cards can select seats 48 hours before departure.

Will families still be able to sit together? Yes, by selecting seats at booking with Choice fares or higher. Southwest hasn't announced a specific family seating policy for Basic fares yet.

What happens to EarlyBird Check-In? EarlyBird becomes less relevant with assigned seats, though Southwest hasn't officially discontinued it. The focus shifts to fare types and seat selection timing.

Can I change my seat after booking? Southwest hasn't detailed seat change policies, but expect similar flexibility to their current change policy—likely free for all but Basic fares.

Will Southwest add more fees with this change? Beyond seat selection charges for premium seats and Basic fare limitations, Southwest hasn't announced additional fees. Their two-free-bags policy remains unchanged.

For more Southwest coverage and travel tips, check out our guides on Southwest Vacations deals and why Southwest might still be your best choice despite these changes.

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