SOUTHWEST customers will see the first changes made to the boarding process this week.
Passengers will soon be given assigned seats as the airline breaks from tradition.
Southwest passengers will be given assigned seats going forward as the airline parts from tradition (stock image)[/caption]
From the beginning of 2026, Southwest Airlines flyers will no longer be seated on a first-come first-serve basis.
Passengers will be given the option to choose their seats ahead of time, putting an end to Southwest’s famous cattle-call boarding process.
The new policy will give customers the option to select the type of seats they would like, including extra legroom or preferred seat types.
Southwest Airlines confirmed the transition to assigned seating will officially begin on January 27, 2026.
However, passengers can begin purchasing tickets for flights with assigned seating from Tuesday, July 29.
New process
Southwest is introducing this major update to streamline the boarding process, giving passengers more certainty when choosing their seats.
Assigned seats will either be randomly allocated upon check in or can be selected in advance for an additional fee.
The fare bundles will provide customers with the option to select different seat types, including standard, preferred, and extra legroom.
These seat choices will be available to passengers at the time of booking, with the option to upgrade for a fee if they wish to secure a more comfortable option.
And along with the assigned seating update, Southwest will also roll out a new group-based boarding process.
This will see passengers who select extra legroom seats board in Groups 1-2.
They will then be followed by others based on their seating preferences.
Loyal customers
The new boarding process will also prioritize passengers who have purchased premium fares or are Southwest Tier Members, allowing them to board earlier in the sequence.
Frequent Southwest travelers will see additional benefits inlcuding A-List and A-List Preferred members being given the option to select seats while booking, regardless of their fare type.
Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders can also choose their seats either at the time of booking or within 48 hours before their departure, depending on the type of credit card they hold.
Southwest consumer card fee changes
HERE is the exact amount that each Southwest consumer card’s annual fees increased.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card – from $69 to $99
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card – from $99 to $149
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card – from $149 to $229
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card – from $99 to $149
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card – from $199 to $299
Southwest customers can purchase Priority Boarding starting 24 hours before their flight’s departure.
Phased in
The airline says it believes assigned seating will be more orderly and accommodating to its customers.
Seat options and passengers will divided into boarding groups by the price of their fare, helping to avoid any confusion and frustration.
According to the airline, this will create “a smoother and less stressful travel experience for all customers and employees”.
Southwest’s new policy will be phased in between now and early 2026.
“Loyal Southwest passengers won’t notice a change, as they’ll still be able to take advantage of priority boarding and A-list preferred or regular seat selection based on their status tier,” the airline said.
Southwest customers will be able to book flights with assigned seating from Tuesday, July 29[/caption]
