Southwest Airlines Transitions to Assigned Seating Starting January 2026

Tuesday, 22 July 2025, 11:11

Southwest Airlines is shifting to assigned seating in 2026, ending its long-standing open seating policy. This significant change will also affect checked bag policies and fare types. The transition aims to boost revenue and compete with rivals.

Thehill — Southwest Airlines Transitions to Assigned Seating Starting January 2026

Significant Shift in Policy

Southwest Airlines is officially moving to assigned seating starting January 27, 2026, marking the end of its iconic open seating policy that has been in place for more than 50 years. Passengers will no longer choose their seats at boarding, allowing the airline to streamline its boarding process.

Fare Changes and New Offerings

Along with the transition to assigned seating, Southwest will also revise its fare structures and will no longer offer two free checked bags, a hallmark of their customer service.

Competition and Revenue Strategy

Southwest is adopting this change in an effort to increase revenue.
The new policies aim to remain competitive with rival airlines that have already implemented similar changes.
Top-tier customers will find that most new fees and restrictions will not affect them.

Boarding Process Adjustments

The new boarding process will categorize passengers based on their assigned seats and priority status, facilitating a more organized experience.

Tickets for the flights featuring assigned seating will be made available starting July 29.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.