Cover Story
Southwest Airlines•8 Mar 2026•4 min read
Southwest Shifts to Assigned Seats: What Flyers Must Know
The biggest policy revolution in Southwest's 53-year history eliminates open seating. Here is the exact timeline and seat selection breakdown.
What this means for your next flight
Starting this year, Southwest travelers will choose their specific seat during booking rather than lining up in numerical boarding columns at the gate. Approximately one-third of the aircraft cabin will now feature premium extra-legroom seating available for purchase or complimentary for top-tier Rapid Rewards elites. Crucially, Southwest's hallmark 'two free checked bags' policy remains intact.
David ChenCommercial Loyalty & Cabin Product Strategist
