Southwest Ends Open Seating: Assigned Seats and Premium Options Begin Jan. 27

Southwest Airlines will officially retire its signature open-seating model and begin assigning seats on flights starting Jan. 27, marking a major change to a practice the carrier used since it launched in 1971.

What’s Changing

The carrier announced the move in September 2024 as part of a three-year business plan intended to broaden its appeal and increase demand. While Southwest began offering assigned seats for purchase in late 2025, Jan. 27 is the date assigned seating will be implemented across flights.

Gettystock photo of passengers waiting at a boarding gate

“Southwest will broaden its consumer appeal and boost demand through an assigned seating model,” the company said, adding that many passengers prefer pre-assigned seats—particularly on longer routes.

New Fare Tiers and Seat Options

Seat selection will now depend on the fare purchased, Rapid Rewards tier status, and Rapid Rewards credit-card membership. Southwest outlined five fare/choice tiers:

• Choice Extra: Select Extra Legroom, Preferred, or Standard seat at booking (if available).
• Choice Preferred: Select Preferred or Standard seat at booking (if available).
• Choice: Choose a seat at booking.
• Basic: Standard seat assigned at check-in.
• Getaways By Southwest: Standard seat chosen after booking.

About one-third of seats will be offered as Premium Seating with up to five additional inches of pitch—an option aimed at passengers who want extra legroom.

DANIEL SLIM/AFP via GettySouthwest Airlines plane

Boarding Procedure

The old 24-hour check-in boarding-position system is being replaced by assigned boarding groups 1 through 8, determined by fare tier and loyalty/card status. Families and people traveling on the same reservation will be placed in the same boarding group. Preboard and Priority Boarding for customers who need extra time, active-duty military, and those who buy Priority Boarding will continue to board before Group 1.

Why It Matters

Southwest said customer preference drove the change: surveys cited by the airline show roughly 80% of Southwest customers and 86% of passengers who fly other carriers prefer assigned seats. Executives also noted seat assignments are increasingly important on longer-haul flights.

The shift closes a notable chapter in U.S. aviation: Southwest began service on June 18, 1971, operating from Dallas Love Field to San Antonio and Houston, and its open-seating system became a defining feature of the brand’s low-cost, customer-focused image.

What To Expect As A Passenger

• Check your fare type and Rapid Rewards status to know whether you can pick a seat at booking.
• If you want extra legroom, look for Choice Extra or the new Premium Seating options.
• Traveling with others? Southwest says it will keep companions in the same boarding group.

While the change has already prompted strong reactions from loyal customers, Southwest frames it as an evolution to align with broader passenger preferences and to support growth on longer routes.