Southwest announces when passengers can book assigned seats

Southwest Airlines is making a significant change to its long-standing open seating policy. The Texas-based carrier recently announced that flights with assigned seats will commence on January 27, 2026. This move signifies the end of an era where Southwest passengers were accustomed to choosing their seats during boarding, a departure from the industry norm.

The decision to transition to assigned seating was made public last year, and customers can start booking flights with allocated seats for 2026 starting on July 29. This change aims to provide passengers with new opportunities, such as selecting Extra Legroom seats, and eliminates the uncertainty of seat selection during boarding. Tony Roach, the executive vice president of customer & brand at Southwest Airlines, emphasized the benefits of assigned seating in a statement.

Under the new policy, travelers will have the option to choose from different fare bundles and seat selections, including those offering additional legroom. While specific details on fare adjustments under the new reservation system are currently unavailable, Southwest is committed to enhancing the overall customer experience.

In addition to the shift to assigned seating, Southwest Airlines has also revised its baggage policy. Effective May 28, passengers will be required to pay $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, marking a departure from the airline’s previous “bags fly free” policy.

Furthermore, Southwest announced a revamped boarding process to complement its new seating arrangement. Passengers will now be grouped based on seat location, with priority given to individuals selecting seats with extra legroom and loyalty program members. Those seeking priority boarding can opt to pay for this service to expedite their boarding process.

While Southwest customers are currently assigned a group letter (A-C) and number for boarding, the new system will assign a group number ranging from 1-8. This restructured approach aims to streamline the boarding process and enhance the overall customer experience on every flight.

As Southwest Airlines embraces these changes, passengers can anticipate a more structured and efficient travel experience. The airline’s commitment to customer satisfaction and adaptability in the ever-evolving aviation industry underscores its dedication to providing a seamless and enjoyable journey for all travelers.