Jacksonville, FL, January 27, 2026
Southwest Airlines has announced that it will end its open-seating policy and implement assigned seating starting January 27, 2026. This change allows passengers to choose their seats upon booking, aiming to improve the travel experience. A new boarding process with eight groups will prioritize travelers based on fare class and loyalty status. The airline is also revising its customer-of-size policy and implementing baggage fees to align its practices with other major U.S. carriers, responding to customer preferences and financial pressures.
Jacksonville, FL – Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating, Introduces Assigned Seats
Southwest Airlines has officially ended its open-seating policy, transitioning to assigned seating starting January 27, 2026. This significant change allows passengers to select their seats at booking, including options for extra legroom or preferred locations closer to the front of the plane.
New Boarding Process
The traditional A/B/C boarding groups are being replaced with a structured system of eight boarding groups. These groups are determined by factors such as fare class, seat location, and loyalty status. Passengers who purchase extra-legroom seats will be placed in groups 1-2, while those with basic fares are likely to be assigned to groups 6-8. Families of up to nine will be grouped together, and premium fare customers or top-tier loyalty members will receive boarding priority. Gate areas will undergo updates over the next two months to accommodate the new boarding system, with boarding passes reflecting seat assignments and boarding groups.
Policy Changes
Alongside the shift to assigned seating, Southwest is revising its customer-of-size policy. Travelers who do not fit within a single seat’s armrests will now be required to purchase an additional seat in advance, with refunds no longer guaranteed. This change follows the 2025 decision to end the “bags fly free” policy, implementing baggage fees for most travelers. These adjustments aim to increase profitability and align more closely with other major U.S. airlines, responding to customer surveys favoring assigned seating and investor pressure for financial growth.
Background
Southwest Airlines’ open-seating policy, a hallmark of its service for over 50 years, allowed passengers to board in one of three groups (A, B, or C) and choose any available seat upon boarding. This system rewarded early check-ins with better seat choices. The transition to assigned seating marks a significant transformation in the airline’s history, as it alters longstanding customer perks to bring it more in line with the practices of other larger U.S. carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does Southwest Airlines’ assigned seating policy begin?
Southwest Airlines’ assigned seating policy begins on January 27, 2026.
How will the new boarding process work?
The new boarding process will have eight groups based on seat selection and loyalty status, with priority given to holders of more expensive tickets. Groups 1 and 2 will be for passengers holding Choice Extra tickets and those seated in extra legroom seats, even if they purchased a cheaper ticket bundle. Groups 3-5 will be for standard fare passengers, and groups 6-8 will be for basic fare passengers. Families of up to nine will be grouped together.
What changes are being made to Southwest’s customer-of-size policy?
Under the new policy, travelers who do not fit within a single seat’s armrests will be required to purchase an additional seat in advance, with refunds no longer guaranteed.
Why is Southwest Airlines making these changes?
These changes aim to increase profitability and align more closely with other major U.S. airlines, responding to customer surveys favoring assigned seating and investor pressure for financial growth.
What was Southwest’s previous seating policy?
Southwest Airlines’ previous open-seating policy allowed passengers to board in one of three groups (A, B, or C) and choose any available seat upon boarding, rewarding early check-ins with better seat choices.
Key Features of Southwest Airlines’ New Assigned Seating Policy
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Assigned Seating | Passengers can select their seats at booking, including options for extra legroom or preferred locations closer to the front of the plane. |
| New Boarding Process | Eight boarding groups based on seat selection and loyalty status, with priority given to holders of more expensive tickets. |
| Customer-of-Size Policy | Travelers who do not fit within a single seat’s armrests are required to purchase an additional seat in advance, with refunds no longer guaranteed. |
| Baggage Fees | Implementation of baggage fees for most travelers, ending the “bags fly free” policy. |
| Alignment with Industry Standards | Changes aim to increase profitability and align more closely with other major U.S. airlines, responding to customer surveys favoring assigned seating and investor pressure for financial growth. |
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
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