Southwest Airlines Is Changing Its Seating Model: Everything Travelers Need to Know for 2026

After decades of its iconic open-seating system, Southwest Airlines is making one of the biggest changes in its history. Beginning in 2026, travelers will notice a completely redesigned seating and boarding experience—one that brings assigned seats, new fare benefits, and a more predictable boarding process.

If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer or planning upcoming trips, here’s a complete breakdown of what’s changing, when it’s happening, and what these updates mean for you.

✈️ The End of Open Seating: Assigned Seats Are Coming

Southwest is officially moving away from its “first-come, first-served” open seating. Instead, passengers will choose or receive an assigned seat, similar to other major airlines.

This means the days of hovering around the boarding poles and rushing onto the aircraft to snag a prime spot are coming to an end. Assigned seats will be selectable during booking, based on your fare type and loyalty perks.

🎯 New Seat Types and Upgraded Options

To modernize the cabin experience, Southwest is introducing multiple seat categories:

• Standard Seats – The core seating option available to all travelers.

• Preferred Seats – Located toward the front of the aircraft for faster boarding and exiting.

• Extra-Legroom Seats – Featuring more space to stretch out, typically in exit rows or designated premium areas.

Travelers will be able to choose these seats at booking, though higher-tier fares and loyalty perks will unlock the best options.

🧳 A New Boarding Process

Southwest’s classic A/B/C boarding groups will be replaced with a group/zone boarding structure, similar to what most U.S. airlines use today. Boarding order will be influenced by:

• Your fare bundle

• Seat type

• Rapid Rewards status

• Southwest credit card perks

This new system aims to streamline the boarding experience and eliminate the scramble that often accompanied open seating.

💺 Fare Bundles Now Determine Your Seat Perks

Southwest is aligning its fare classes with the new seating model. Instead of the traditional Wanna Get Away – Anytime – Business Select structure, the airline is shifting to new fare bundles:

• Basic – Lowest price, limited seat selection options

• Choice – Standard seat selection included

• Choice Preferred – Access to preferred seating and earlier boarding

• Choice Extra – Extra-legroom seats and front-of-cabin options included

These bundles make it clearer what you’re paying for—and what seat benefits you can expect.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families and Seating Together

Assigned seating means families will have a far easier time selecting seats together without depending on early boarding. You’ll simply choose seats at booking, ensuring everyone stays in the same row or nearby.

Parents traveling with children under 13 will still receive seating support if needed, but the new system makes the process far more predictable.

⭐ Rapid Rewards & Credit Card Benefits

If you hold a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card or elite status, you’ll gain new advantages:

• Complimentary seat-selection perks

• Access to preferred or extra-legroom seats (depending on card level)

• Priority boarding tied to your loyalty tier

This makes Southwest’s credit card ecosystem more valuable than ever for frequent flyers.

📅 Timeline of the Seating Changes

Here’s a clear, traveler-friendly timeline of what to expect:

2025

• Spring–Summer 2025: Southwest tests seat-selection features in the booking flow.

• Mid-2025: New fare bundles roll out, aligning with upcoming seating changes.

• Late 2025: Travelers begin booking flights for 2026 using assigned seating options.

January 27, 2026

• Assigned seating officially begins for all flights departing on or after this date.

• New group/zone boarding process launches.

• Preferred and Extra-Legroom seats become fully available across the fleet.

2026 and Beyond

• Southwest continues phasing in aircraft with renovated cabins featuring updated seating layouts.

• Loyalty benefits expand to integrate more seat-selection perks.

🌟 How These Changes Benefit Travelers

Southwest’s seating overhaul is designed to improve the passenger experience across the board. Here’s what you’ll gain:

1. More Predictability

No more stress about boarding early to find a good seat. You’ll know exactly where you’re sitting before you arrive at the airport.

2. Better Seating Options

Preferred and extra-legroom seats give customers new ways to upgrade comfort—especially on longer flights.

3. Faster, More Organized Boarding

The new group/zone system cuts down on aisle congestion and reduces the “gate crowding” effect.

4. Improved Family Travel

Families can book together without relying on early boarding or hoping the open-seating system works in their favor.

5. Enhanced Value for Loyalty Members

Southwest’s credit cardholders and frequent flyers receive more tangible perks tied directly to the onboard experience.

📝 Final Thoughts

Southwest Airlines is stepping into a new era with its 2026 seating transformation. While loyal fans may miss the charm of open seating, the shift to assigned seats brings clarity, comfort, and flexibility—key benefits for today’s travelers.

Whether you want a guaranteed aisle seat, need extra legroom, or simply want to ensure your family sits together, Southwest’s updated model delivers more control than ever.