Southwest Assigned Seats and New Boarding Procedure
Southwest Airlines announced today that it will start selling assigned seats beginning July 29, 2025 for travel starting Jan. 27, 2026.
This is the latest change in the Southwest business model, which also includes charging for bags for most customers.
“Our Customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience,” said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President Customer & Brand, at Southwest Airlines. “Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our Customers”.
Southwest customers will be able to choose from various fare bundles, some that offer the opportunity to select a seat during the booking process, as well as access to the different seat types—Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard. Customers will also be able to purchase a seat upgrade.
Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers, depending on which Card they hold, can select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of departure, regardless of which fare they purchase, including Basic fares. A-List and A-List Preferred Customers will have access to select a seat at booking regardless of the fare they purchase, including Basic fares.
The airline also revealed a new group-based boarding process. The boarding process will prioritize customers into groups based on seat location, beginning with Extra Legroom seats in boarding Groups 1-2. Premium fares and Southwest’s most loyal Customers—Tier Members and Credit Cardmembers—will board earlier in the process.
Customers will be able to purchase Priority Boarding beginning 24 hours prior to departure.
You can find the full details here.