Advance bookings for designated seats on upcoming Southwest flights are now possible
Southwest Airlines Introduces Assigned Seating System Starting January 2026
Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will be introducing a new assigned seating system, marking a significant departure from its long-standing open seating policy. This change aims to offer passengers more choice and a smoother travel experience, while also allowing the airline to generate additional revenue.
Passengers can now select their assigned seats at the time of booking, choosing from three different categories: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard. The Extra Legroom seats offer up to 5 extra inches of legroom, priority bin access, premium snacks, and complimentary drinks. Preferred seats are standard legroom seats located near the front of the plane for quicker deplaning. Standard seats are the regular seats towards the rear of the aircraft.
The boarding process will also undergo a transformation. Instead of the current A-C groups, there will be eight numbered boarding groups (1-8). Priority boarding will be given to those who select Extra Legroom seats, premium fare customers, frequent flyer program members, and Southwest credit cardholders. Customers can also pay for priority boarding to move up in the boarding sequence. Extra Legroom seat passengers will typically board in Groups 1-2, ensuring a smoother and more efficient boarding experience.
Fare bundles have been redesigned to include seat selection options reflecting these seat categories, giving passengers more control and choice over their travel experience. However, specific details on fare changes and seat pricing have not been disclosed yet. This move aligns Southwest more closely with legacy carriers, enabling it to generate additional revenue through premium seating options.
In addition, Southwest has recently ended its "bags fly free" policy, now charging for checked bags, signaling a broader shift in its revenue strategy.
In summary, Southwest's new assigned seating system will feature:
- Assigned seats with advance selection at booking
- Three seat types: Extra Legroom, Preferred, Standard
- Group-based boarding with groups numbered 1-8
- Boarding priority for Extra Legroom seat holders, loyalty members, and premium customers
- Optional paid priority boarding
- Fare bundles incorporating these seat selections and potential upgrades
This overhaul aims to improve the passenger experience by removing uncertainty and enhancing choice, while also allowing Southwest to remain competitive financially.
Customers have the option to purchase Priority Boarding, allowing them to board early. Southwest Airlines has introduced new fare bundles: Choice Extra, Choice Preferred, Choice, and Basic (previously Wanna Get Away Plus). Choice Extra includes an extra legroom seat. Rapid Rewards Credit Card members can select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of departure, regardless of the fare they purchase. A-List and A-List Preferred Customers can select a seat at booking, regardless of the fare they purchase.
Southwest Airlines will implement a new group-based boarding process on Jan. 27, 2026, prioritizing customers with Extra Legroom seats in boarding Groups 1-2. Southwest Airlines announced these changes to their seating policy last summer. A full chart of fare comparisons from Southwest can be found here.
The new assigned seating system at Southwest Airlines, effective January 2026, not only offers passengers more choices for a smoother travel experience but also serves as a revenue generator for the airline through premium seating options like Extra Legroom seats, as the airline aligns itself more closely with legacy carriers in the business sector. Customers can now choose to purchase Priority Boarding, which provides an opportunity to board early and take advantage of technology-driven advancements in the airline's ticketing and seating process.
