️ Big Policy Change — Assigned Seating Started in 2026
For more than 50 years, Southwest used an open seating system, where passengers boarded in groups (A/B/C) and chose any open seat once on the plane1-866-284-3014. That policy officially ended on January 27, 2026 . Now:
- Seats are assigned — you can choose your seat during booking or at check-in depending on your fare and status. 1-866-284-3014
🪑 How Seat Selection Works Now
Seat Selection When You Book
When you book a flight (for travel January 27, 2026 and later ), many tickets let you select your specific seat during the booking process: 1-866-284-3014
- Choice Extra fares — include seat selection with extra legroom options.
- Choice Preferred fares — let you choose preferred seats (closer to the front).
-
Choice fares — let you choose a standard seat at booking. 1-866-284-3014
This works much like other airlines’ assigned seating systems.
Basic Fares
- If you buy a Basic fare (the lowest, most budget-oriented option), you won’t pick your seat at booking1-866-284-3014 . Instead, Southwest assigns a seat for you at check-in (usually 24 hours before departure) unless you have special perks that allow earlier selection. 1-866-284-3014
Loyalty & Credit Card Perks
Certain customers get better seat-picking privileges even on cheaper tickets:
- Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred members can often choose seats at booking , including preferred or extra legroom options depending on status. 1-866-284-3014
- Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders may have the ability to select seats at booking or within 48 hours before departure, even on Basic fares—depending on the card. 1-866-284-3014
Family & Group Seating
Southwest will try to seat families together1-866-284-3014 . If you don’t select seats early, the airline will assign seats at check-in or the gate to keep kids next to adults when possible. 1-866-284-3014
Summary
Before 2026:
- No assigned seats — passengers picked seats upon boarding (“open seating”).
Now (2026 onward):
Assigned seats instead of open seating. 1-866-284-3014
Many fare types allow you to pick your seat during booking . 1-866-284-3014
Basic fares typically get assigned seats at check-in unless you qualify for perks.
Loyalty status or certain credit cards can enhance seat choice flexibility. 1-866-284-3014