{"id":20840,"date":"2026-01-28T17:31:23","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T12:01:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/?p=20840"},"modified":"2026-01-28T17:32:19","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T12:02:19","slug":"southwest-assigned-seating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/","title":{"rendered":"Southwest Airlines Drops Open Boarding, Moves to Seat Assignments"},"content":{"rendered":"<figure id=\"attachment_20841\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-20841\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-20841\" src=\"https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating.png\" alt=\"Southwest Assigned Seating\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating.png 800w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-630x420.png 630w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-640x426.png 640w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-681x454.png 681w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-24x16.png 24w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-36x24.png 36w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-48x32.png 48w, https:\/\/tds.indianeagle.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Southwest-assigned-seating-272x182.png 272w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-20841\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">source: freepik<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s history, replacing its long-standing open boarding tradition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_71 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0a0a0a;color:#0a0a0a\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#Story_Behind_Southwests_Open_Seating_Model\" title=\"Story Behind Southwest\u2019s Open Seating Model\">Story Behind Southwest\u2019s Open Seating Model<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#Step-by-Step_End_of_Open_Seating_at_Southwest\" title=\"Step-by-Step End of Open Seating at Southwest\">Step-by-Step End of Open Seating at Southwest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#Southwests_New_Seating_System\" title=\"Southwest\u2019s New Seating System\">Southwest\u2019s New Seating System<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#Business_Case_for_Assigned_Seats\" title=\"Business Case for Assigned Seats\">Business Case for Assigned Seats<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#Southwest_vs_Other_Airlines_on_Legroom_and_Price\" title=\"Southwest vs Other Airlines on Legroom and Price\">Southwest vs Other Airlines on Legroom and Price<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#Operational_Changes_Behind_Assigned_Seating\" title=\"Operational Changes Behind Assigned Seating\">Operational Changes Behind Assigned Seating<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#How_to_Get_the_Best_Seats_Now\" title=\"How to Get the Best Seats Now\">How to Get the Best Seats Now<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/traveldiary\/southwest-assigned-seating\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0\">Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Story_Behind_Southwests_Open_Seating_Model\"><\/span><b>Story Behind Southwest\u2019s Open Seating Model<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s early days.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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\u2019s changes trace back to the evolution that led to the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Southwest_Airlines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest Airlines<\/a> new seating policy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Step-by-Step_End_of_Open_Seating_at_Southwest\"><\/span><b>Step-by-Step End of Open Seating at Southwest<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s most daring change yet. Rundown ahead:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>July 21, 2025:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Announcement sets Jan 27, 2026 launch. Test bookings with assigned seats begin.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>September 2025:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Boeing 737 cabins updated: extra-legroom rows, front perks added.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>January 25, 2026:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Open-seating sales halted. &#8220;Desert Gold&#8221; retro jet debuts for farewells.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>January 27, 2026:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Last open-seating flight departs. Assigned seating activates.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>January 28, 2026+:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Full rollout network-wide with new fare bundles.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Southwests_New_Seating_System\"><\/span><b>Southwest\u2019s New Seating System<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Feature<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Old Open Way<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>New Assigned Way<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seat Pick<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any empty after board<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locked at buy; app swaps free early<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Basic Fare<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Group pick onboard<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back rows free (12+ on 737s)<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Premium<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Zilch<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Front picks $15\u2013$49; Legroom 36&#8243; $29-$99<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Boarding<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A\/B\/C for first dibs<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A\/B\/C zones to your spot; early check grabs upgrades<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groups<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fight for rows<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book together, sit together<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Switches<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">No sweat<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free till 24 hrs out, fees late<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Business_Case_for_Assigned_Seats\"><\/span><b>Business Case for Assigned Seats<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Southwest_vs_Other_Airlines_on_Legroom_and_Price\"><\/span><b>Southwest vs Other Airlines on Legroom and Price<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Airline<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Legroom Economy<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Premium Price<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>Kids Sit Free<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southwest New<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">31\u201336&#8243;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$15\u2013$99<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Together auto<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delta<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30\u201333&#8243;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$10\u2013$200<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Under 12<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">United<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30\u201334&#8243;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$20\u2013$150<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra fee<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">American<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">31&#8243;<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$15\u2013$100<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Small free<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.livenowfox.com\/news\/southwest-open-seating-ends-assigned-seating\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These differences highlight how the Southwest Airlines new seating policy compares with legacy carriers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Operational_Changes_Behind_Assigned_Seating\"><\/span><b>Operational Changes Behind Assigned Seating<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s symbolic DAL\u2013MSP flights.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Get_the_Best_Seats_Now\"><\/span><b>How to Get the Best Seats Now<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use the 24-hour check-in window for upgrades or standby options.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redeem points for extra legroom seats for strong value.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor the app for last-minute seat openings.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Groups of eight or more should call ahead to secure seat blocks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\/southwest-cheap-flights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest cheap flights<\/a> without overpaying on seats? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indianeagle.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Indian Eagle<\/a> helps find the best Southwest deals, compares fares fast, and locks in savings before prices climb. Book smart, fly comfortable, and keep more money for the trip.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><b>Frequently Asked Questions\u00a0<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>When did Southwest end open seating?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Southwest flew its last open-seating flight on January 27, 2026. All flights after that date use assigned seats only.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How does assigned seating work on Southwest?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What are the new boarding groups?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How much do Southwest premium seats cost?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Does Southwest still call boarding groups over the PA like old A1-A60?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b><i>Disclaimer:\u00a0<\/i><\/b><i>Indian Eagle claims no credit for the images featured on its blog site. All the visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners only. We mention the source name of the image whenever possible and found. However, if we miss acknowledging the owner\u2019s source, please contact us. In case, owners don\u2019t want us to use their images, we will remove them promptly. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist, and photographer.<\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019s history, [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":20841,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[6275,6273,6272,6274,6276],"class_list":["post-20840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-southwest-airlines-boarding-process","tag-southwest-airlines-new-seating-policy","tag-southwest-assigned-seating","tag-southwest-assigned-seats","tag-southwest-seat-selection"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Southwest Assigned Seating Replaces Open Seating for Good<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Southwest assigned seating replaces open boarding with fixed seats, premium options, and new boarding groups, reshaping how 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