Southwest adopts assigned seating: what travelers should know

Southwest assigned seating marks a major shift for the carrier long known for open boarding. The airline has announced a staged rollout that lets customers select seats starting July 29, 2025, for travel on or after January 27, 2026. Travelers should understand timelines, new fare bundles and how elite and cardmember perks will work under the new structure.

Southwest frames the move as part of a broader « Southwest. Even Better. » transformation that adds premium options like Extra Legroom while keeping signature elements such as two free checked bags. This guide explains the key changes, what each seat type means, and practical steps to prepare for assigned seating.

Timeline: when seat choice becomes available

Southwest will begin offering seat selection options on July 29, 2025; the selections apply for travel dated January 27, 2026 and beyond. The airline began introducing related fare and cardmember changes earlier, with Basic launching May 28, 2025 and other benefits phasing in on July 29, 2025 for booking functionality.

In short: if you book travel before July 29, 2025 for dates after January 27, 2026, seat selection rules will follow the new system once selection goes live. For many travelers, the practical cutoff to start actively choosing seats is July 29, 2025 for future trips.

Southwest has tied some Companion Pass and cardmember benefit timing to these same dates; Companion Pass and many tiered seating or bag privileges take full effect for travel on or after January 27, 2026, while select card benefits appeared earlier in the rollout window.

Seat categories: Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom

Under the new plan Southwest will offer three clear seat types: Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom. Standard is the baseline seat category; Preferred gives a step up in location and priority; Extra Legroom seats are located at the front and exit rows and provide up to five additional inches of pitch versus Standard.

Extra Legroom is positioned as a premium product with a bundle of perks: earlier boarding, priority bin access, and enhanced beverage/snack offerings on some services. Southwest has targeted roughly one-third of seats as extended-legroom across the fleet in the modernization program.

Passengers should not assume aisle/window choices will vanish: boarding passes will still show seat type and position (window/middle/aisle) under the new assigned system, but the cost and boarding priority will be tied to these categories.

Fare bundles reworked: what each bundle includes

Southwest restructured fares and renamed bundles to match seat access. Basic replaces Wanna Get Away and generally assigns a Standard seat at check-in. Basic launched May 28, 2025 as the new low-tier option in the lineup.

The Choice family allows paid selection at booking: Choice lets you choose a Standard seat at booking; Choice Preferred allows selection of Preferred seats at booking; Choice Extra is the top bundle that provides Extra Legroom selection at booking and the most perks. Expect pricing differences between these bundles and the ability to upgrade depending on availability.

For Basic passengers, seat assignment mostly occurs at check-in. If you want to guarantee a specific seat or Extra Legroom, you’ll typically need to book one of the Choice bundles or hold an eligible elite/cardmember benefit.

Boarding and gate changes: From A/B/C to numbered groups

Southwest is replacing its long‑standing open A/B/C boarding with a numbered group model that runs up to Group 8, with Groups 1 and 2 reserved for top tiers and premium fares. Boarding group and position will be tied to seat type and fare rather than a random A/B/C order.

Boarding passes will display your boarding group/position and seat type, and airports will adapt gate queuing with new signage and stanchion flows. The airline says it tested these changes extensively , more than 8 million simulation trials and live testing , to avoid disrupting quick turn times.

The company asserts the new boarding model preserves operational efficiency and on‑time performance, and the visible boarding group should make gate lines less chaotic for passengers used to open seating.

Rapid Rewards, Companion Pass, and cardmember perks

Elite members and cardholders receive defined seat privileges under the new structure. A‑List members can select Preferred and Standard seats at booking starting July 29, 2025. A‑List Preferred members may select any seat type, including Extra Legroom, at booking and will board no later than Group 2.

Cardmember seat privileges vary by card tier: some Southwest credit cards permit Standard seat selection within 48 hours of departure, while other cards include earlier or broader selection windows. Timing and scope of card benefits were rolled out in stages, with some takeaways effective May 28, 2025 and more complete seat privileges available from July 29, 2025.

Companion Pass access and related rules were explicitly scoped to take full effect for travel beginning January 27, 2026. If you rely on Companion Pass or card benefits, check the Rapid Rewards terms and your card notices so you understand who can pick seats at booking and who will be assigned at check‑in.

Cabin updates, fleet changes and comfort considerations

Assigned seating accompanies a broader cabin refresh: Southwest introduced new RECARO‑designed seats, updated interior palettes, larger over bins, device holders and in‑seat power on many aircraft beginning with new deliveries in 2025. Retrofits for existing MAX‑8 and 737‑800s are planned over time.

The airline says many aircraft will be reconfigured with the new layout and amenities as retrofits proceed. Extra Legroom will offer tangible pitch gains , up to five inches , and that will be a key selling point for taller travelers and those willing to pay for more space.

Reactions to the new styling and the end of open seating have been mixed in the press and on social media: some travelers welcome more predictable space and choice; others miss the old boarding tradition or are wary of extra fees for premium seats.

Operational rationale and investor context

Southwest frames assigned seating as a transformational change tied to revenue diversification and product modernization. CEO Bob Jordan said, « Moving to assigned seating and offering premium legroom options will be a transformational change that cuts across almost all aspects of the Company… » as part of investor materials outlining the program.

The move follows pressure from investors and activists seeking new revenue opportunities; Southwest presented the changes as part of its « Southwest. Even Better. » plan at investor day, noting premium products and cabin modernization as strategic priorities.

The airline emphasizes that all testing , millions of simulations and live trials , focused on preserving fast turn times and on‑time performance even as boarding and cabin layouts evolve.

Practical tips for travelers

Expect to be able to buy, select or upgrade seats at booking for most fares starting on July 29, 2025 for travel dated January 27, 2026 and after. If you prefer a specific seat or dislike surprises at check‑in, plan to book a Choice bundle or verify elite/cardmember selection windows.

Don’t assume open seating on flights after January 27, 2026: check your ticket and boarding pass for a numbered boarding group and assigned seat. Also, remember that Southwest is keeping its two‑free‑checked‑bag policy , a differentiator that remains in place.

Finally, review your Rapid Rewards status and cardmember materials a of travel so you know whether you get early selection, Extra Legroom access, or boarding protections. If you travel with a Companion Pass, confirm how seating will be handled for your companion for dates on or after January 27, 2026.

In short, Southwest assigned seating means more choice and new purchase options, but it also requires passengers to be deliberate about the fare bundle and timing of their booking to secure desired seats and benefits.

Stay alert for communications from Southwest as the July 29, 2025 selection window approaches and review gate signage on the day of travel , the boarding process and cabin experience will look different but is designed to be familiar and more predictable for many travelers.