Big change at Southwest. The airline ended its open-seating policy with a final flight on January 27, 2026. From that point on, every flight operates with assigned seats. The shift introduces paid premium seating and brings Southwest in line with Delta, United, and American. Southwest assigned seating marks the biggest shift in the airline’s history, replacing its long-standing open boarding tradition. 

Story Behind Southwest’s Open Seating Model

Starting in 1971, Southwest emerged as a budget Texas shuttle. Keeping it simple proved the trick. Check in 24 hours early to earn a spot in Group A, B, or C. Then board the plane and grab any open seat. No seat maps. No extra steps. This approach cut costs sharply during the airline’s early days. 

When deregulation arrived in the late 1970s, Southwest expanded across the country. That fast, open boarding style became part of its identity. Ads showed crowds cheering as boarding groups were called. Solo travelers often scored exit rows without effort. Families, meanwhile, hoped luck was on their side so they could sit together.

Keep things equal, no fancy classes. Short 90-minute hops? Pure gold. But flights stretched longer over time. Bags jammed aisles. Kids screamed while parents split up. By 2025 it dragged down the fun on coast-to-coast runs. The roots of today’s changes trace back to the evolution that led to the Southwest Airlines new seating policy. 

Step-by-Step End of Open Seating at Southwest

As post-COVID pressures rose, 2023 investor meetings revealed early signals. The decision solidified in July 2025 during a major strategy event where CEO Bob Jordan proclaimed it Southwest’s most daring change yet. Rundown ahead: 

• July 21, 2025: Announcement sets Jan 27, 2026 launch. Test bookings with assigned seats begin.
• September 2025: Boeing 737 cabins updated: extra-legroom rows, front perks added.
• January 25, 2026: Open-seating sales halted. “Desert Gold” retro jet debuts for farewells.
• January 27, 2026: Last open-seating flight departs. Assigned seating activates.
• January 28, 2026+: Full rollout network-wide with new fare bundles.

The change spans more than 700 aircraft and nearly 4,000 daily flights across 120 cities. This timeline explains how Southwest assigned seats moved from concept to full network rollout. 

Southwest’s New Seating System

Under this structure, Southwest seat selection now happens at booking or check-in, depending on fare type. At time of purchase, tickets provide a designated row and seat number, such as 12C. The mobile app presents the assignment and permits complimentary modifications should alternative seats become available. Check the changes: 

175 seats are configured on the Boeing 737-800, including 35 forward premium. The Boeing MAX 8 achieves identical capacity via 32 extra-legroom seats. Single-cabin layout persists. Higher prices apply to front rows. 

Business Case for Assigned Seats

Surveys showed nearly 80% of Southwest passengers wanted seats assigned in advance. Among noncustomers, more than 90% avoided the airline for that reason alone. Boarding delays added five to seven minutes per flight, driving up fuel costs. Competitors earn five to ten dollars per passenger from seat selection, while Southwest earned nothing until now. The plan targets an additional $1 to $1.5 billion in revenue by 2027, supporting growth in Hawaii and key routes like Newark connections to India. Investor pressure intensified after a long stretch of weak stock performance.

Southwest vs Other Airlines on Legroom and Price

These differences highlight how the Southwest Airlines new seating policy compares with legacy carriers.

Operational Changes Behind Assigned Seating

Together, these updates redefine the Southwest Airlines boarding process across aircraft and gates. Ensuring adoption by summer on each Boeing 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX, the new layout coincides with retained free Wi-Fi for loyalty members and complimentary two checked bags, as crews receive training for boarding zone enforcement and line-cutting prevention, highlighted by the gold retro aircraft’s symbolic DAL–MSP flights.

How to Get the Best Seats Now

• Use the 24-hour check-in window for upgrades or standby options.
• Redeem points for extra legroom seats for strong value.
• Monitor the app for last-minute seat openings.
• Groups of eight or more should call ahead to secure seat blocks.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

When did Southwest end open seating?
Southwest flew its last open-seating flight on January 27, 2026. All flights after that date use assigned seats only.

How does assigned seating work on Southwest?
Tickets assign a specific row and seat letter (like 14A) at booking. Most fares let selection right away via app or site. Basic fares get assigned at check-in, usually back rows (12+ on 737s).

What are the new boarding groups?
Southwest now boards by Groups 1 to 8 based on seat, fare, loyalty status, and card perks. Extra legroom boards in Groups 1 and 2, while Basic fares board in Groups 6 to 8. Gates use two boarding lanes, with no numbered stanchions.

How much do Southwest premium seats cost?
Preferred front seats on Southwest cost between $15 and $49 per flight segment. Extra legroom seats with a 36-inch pitch range from $29 to $99 per segment. Pricing varies by route, demand, and travel dates.

Does Southwest still call boarding groups over the PA like old A1-A60?
No. Boarding positions are no longer called over the PA. Tickets show Groups 1 to 8, with two boarding lanes and digital screens guiding each group.

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