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Southwest Airlines sets a date for seat assignment launch, lays out new boarding order
DALLAS COUNTY, TEXAS, JUL 21 – Southwest Airlines ends its 50-year open seating policy to improve boarding efficiency and meet customer demand, with 80% of current flyers preferring assigned seats, the airline said.
- Monday, Southwest Airlines announced the start of seat assignment sales, with tickets available after July 29, supported by a press release from Dallas-based Southwest Airlines.
- Amid competition from more profitable rivals, Southwest is revamping its model, with initiatives expected to add $800 million to EBIT this year and $1.7 billion in 2026.
- In the new system, the first two groups include top-tier frequent flyers and premium ticket holders, Groups three through eight will be for “Choice” and “Basic” ticketholders based on seat location, Southwest said.
- In a bid to reward loyalty, Southwest prioritizes top-tier flyers, with the most loyal and biggest spenders boarding first based on seat location.
- Future bookings will include assigned seats in various fare tiers with no disclosed pricing, offering standard, preferred, and extra-legroom options.
140 Articles
140 Articles
Southwest Is Rolling Out Assigned Seating—And Here’s When It Begins
What do you think about this change?Seibel Photography LLC via Getty ImagesAnother big change is coming to Southwest Airlines and it could make travel slightly less stressful. Folks booking tickets to travel on Southwest after January 27, 2026, will be able to book their seat at the same time. That means no more lining up early for the flight in the hopes of snagging a precious aisle seat.The assigned seats don't roll out until flights that take…
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Assigned Seating Coming to All Southwest Flights In January
Source: The Washington Post / Getty Southwest Airlines’ signature open seating policy is coming to an end. The Texas-based carrier announced Monday it will begin offering assigned seating on all flights starting January 27, 2026 — marking a major shift from the decades-old practice of letting passengers choose their seats during boarding. Customers will be able to book flights with assigned seats beginning July 29, the airline said. “Assigned se…
Southwest Announces End to Open Seating Policy Effective Next January
Southwest Airlines will eliminate its long-standing open seating policy starting in January 2026. The change marks a major shift in how the company serves customers and positions itself in the airline industry. Key Facts: Southwest will begin assigning seats on flights booked starting January 27, 2026. This ends the airline’s unique “pick any seat” boarding method, long favored by loyal customers. Executive VP Tony Roach cited customer demand f…
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