Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating: What Assigned Seats Mean for Your Flight.
Key Points
- 1The 53-year Southwest Airlines open seating policy officially ends on January 27, 2026.
- 2Three new seating options are introduced: Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard seats.
- 3The boarding process will switch from A/B/C groups to a new numbered system (Groups 1-8).
- 4The strategic shift is expected to generate significant ancillary revenue for the airline.
The world of flying with Southwest Airlines is undergoing a historic transformation. The carrier will end its 53-year-old open seating policy. This major change begins for all flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. The move to assigned seating brings Southwest in line with most other major U.S. airlines. This shift is part of a larger strategy to modernize the customer experience and increase ancillary revenue.
A New Cabin Experience
The new seating model introduces three distinct tiers for passengers. This marks a significant departure from Southwest’s traditional single-class cabin. The airline is retrofitting its Boeing 737 fleet with new Recaro seats. These seats feature adjustable headrests and personal device holders. The FAA must approve all major cabin and operational changes. The airline is working to complete all aircraft upgrades before the January 27 2026 flights begin.
Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard Seats
The top tier is the Extra Legroom Seat. These seats are located at the front and near exit rows. They offer up to five additional inches of legroom on some aircraft. Passengers in this tier also receive earlier access to overhead bin space. They also get enhanced snacks and a complimentary premium beverage. The Preferred Seat is a standard legroom option. These seats are positioned closer to the front of the aircraft cabin. Finally, the Standard Seat provides standard legroom. These seats are generally located toward the back of the cabin.
Boarding and Fare Structure Changes
The iconic "cattle call" boarding process is also being overhauled. The old A/B/C groups with numbered positions are being replaced. The new system will use eight numbered boarding groups (Groups 1 through 8). Boarding priority will now be based on the purchased seat location.
The airline has also introduced new fare bundles. The lowest-priced Basic fare includes a Standard seat. This seat is assigned automatically at check-in. Higher tiers like Choice and Choice Preferred allow customers to select their seats at booking. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members can select any available seat for free at booking.
Industry Impact and Revenue Strategy
This shift is a major strategic move for the Dallas-based carrier. For over 50 years, open seating was a defining part of the Southwest open seating ends brand. The airline's CEO, Bob Jordan, noted that open seating had begun to slow down aircraft turnaround times. Modeling suggested that assigned seating could actually be faster for a full aircraft.
- The change is primarily a financial necessity.
- Analysts suggest the new seating could generate significant airline ancillary revenue strategy.
- The IATA has long tracked the growth of optional services.
- This reflects a broader industry trend toward unbundling fares.
This transformation shows how even established low-cost carriers must adapt. The move is a strong signal to the market about the future of the low-cost carrier model. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.
Topics
You Might Also Like
Discover more aviation news based on similar topics
Southwest Airlines Reveals Major Policy Shifts for 2026: What Travelers Must Know
Southwest Airlines will end its open-seating policy and implement a new extra seat purchase requirement for plus-size customers starting January 27, 2026.
Southwest Ends 50-Year Tradition: What Assigned Seats and New Policies Mean for Flyers
Southwest Airlines will end its open-seating policy and update its plus-size customer refund rules on Jan. 27, 2026, marking a major shift in its business model to boost ancillary
Avelo 737 Clips Southwest MAX Winglet During Tow at RDU
Avelo Airlines' Boeing 737 clipped a parked Southwest 737 MAX 8 winglet during a tow at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), causing no injuries or flight delays.
Avelo Airlines Ends Controversial ICE Flights, Citing Unstable Revenue and Costs
Avelo Airlines is ending its DHS deportation charter flights and closing its Mesa, Arizona base by January 27, 2026, citing unstable revenue and operational complexity.
Austin-Bergstrom Airport Secures $5B Funding to Nearly Double to 66 Gates
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) secured 10-year lease agreements with major airlines to fund a $5 billion expansion, adding 32 gates and doubling capacity by the early 2030s.
Did WestJet Executives Know Their New Boeing 737 Seats Were Too Cramped?
WestJet executives flew on a Boeing 737 with the new 28-inch seat pitch weeks before a viral video sparked backlash, acknowledging comfort challenges on longer flights.