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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Southwest’s plan to introduce assigned seats was announced in 2024, with seat sales expected to begin in the second half of 2025. The change did not take effect that year: Southwest says assigned seating and its redesigned boarding system began operating on January 27, 2026. Your seat options now depend on fare, availability, and—where applicable—Rapid Rewards status or credit-card benefits.
What changed, and when?
Southwest moved from open seating to assigned seats on January 27, 2026. Its September 2024 announcement had projected that assigned seats would go on sale in the second half of 2025, with the first flights using the new system in the first half of 2026. Those were forecast dates, not the date the system began operating. Southwest’s current assigned-seating guidance confirms the transition date.
The change also replaced the A/B/C boarding groups and numbered positions with Groups 1 through 8. Southwest says boarding now takes seat location, fare bundle, and loyalty status into account; gate-area stanchions are no longer used. Its 2025 annual report describes the redesigned model.
What seat types does Southwest offer?
Southwest identifies three seat categories. The location descriptions are general; aircraft layouts vary.
#1 Best Overall
- CHIN SUPPORT TRAVEL NECK PILLOW - This airplane pillow can better wrap your neck and free your chin, prevents the head from falling forward, relieves neck pain during travel.
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| Seat category | Typical location | Legroom | Other details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extra Legroom | At the front and near exit rows | Three to five inches more pitch than Standard, depending on aircraft type | Some seats may include extra snacks and a premium beverage on select flights when available; these extras are not guaranteed. |
| Preferred | Near the front | Standard | Seat selection depends on fare rules and availability. |
| Standard | Generally toward the back | Standard | Basic fares generally receive a Standard seat assignment at check-in or at the gate. |
These descriptions and aircraft-dependent legroom figures come from Southwest’s seat-category guidance. “Pitch” is the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front; it is not a guarantee of usable personal space.
How do fares affect seat selection?
Southwest’s published fare comparison ties seat-selection options to the fare bundle. Selection is subject to availability, and loyalty status or eligible Rapid Rewards credit-card benefits may affect what a traveler can select. Check the current terms when booking rather than assuming a seat is included or available.
Rank #2
- Classic style：360 ° all-around support for your neck, head, and chin， Make your travel and rest easier
- High quality materials ：100% Pure Memory Foam and Soft and skin friendly fabric
- Detail design: Three sizes for you to adjust, invisible zipper, Removable cover always clean
- Risk-free Try: We believe that you would like our travel pillow，But if you meet any problem or feel unsatisfied while using it, please feel free to contact us and we would provide a 100% satisfactory solution for you in 24 hours.
| Fare | Published seat-selection option | When and how to interpret it |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Generally assigned a Standard seat at check-in or at the gate. | Do not assume advance selection is included; the applicable rules and availability govern. |
| Choice | Standard seat selection. | Selection remains subject to availability and fare rules. |
| Choice Preferred | Preferred or Standard seat selection. | Selection remains subject to availability and fare rules. |
| Choice Extra | Extra Legroom or another available seat. | Selection remains subject to availability and fare rules. |
For current eligibility and fare details, consult Southwest’s assigned-seating guidance and its live fare comparison. A listed option is not a promise that a particular seat will still be open when you choose.
What happens during boarding now?
Southwest uses eight boarding groups rather than A/B/C positions. The airline says the order reflects seat location, fare bundle, and loyalty status. Your assigned seat and boarding group are related parts of the new process, but the group number does not itself describe the seat category.
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- Neck Pillow Size：The size of this airplane travel neck pillow is 11.8*11.8*3.94inch, the perfect curve shape design, supports the head and neck, prevents the head from leaning forward, and relieves neck pain when traveling
- Memory Foam Velvet Pillowcase：The neck pillow is made of good memory foam, comfortable and breathable. The pillowcase is made of soft velvet fabric, which is soft to the touch, does not pill, and does not fade
- Design: We have carried out multiple experiments on the travel neck pillows, finding a more suitable shape for the cervical vertebrae, the enlaraed desian on both sides prevents the head from slidina. fits naturally.reduces the cervical vertebrae Fatigue
- Travel Companion：The travel pillow is designed with a hanging buckle. If your suitcase is full, you can easily tie it to the outside of the suitcase, which is very convenient. Easily adjust comfort for car, plane, travel and home
- Worry-free after sale：We will 100% serve our customers. If for any reason you are not satisfied with our products or services, please feel free to reach out to us. Please give us a chance to communicate with you
Priority Boarding is a separate optional purchase when available. Southwest’s benefits page says it can be purchased from 24 hours before the original scheduled departure until 30 minutes before departure, subject to availability. Because purchase windows and terms can change, verify them on the current Priority Boarding benefits page before relying on that timing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why did Southwest make the change?
In its September 2024 Investor Day release, Southwest said 80% of its customers wanted assigned seats and 86% of passengers who choose other airlines wanted them. These are figures Southwest reported from its own customer-preference research; the release does not provide enough methodological detail to assess sampling, representativeness, or question wording. They should not be read as independently verified industry-wide findings. Southwest’s newsroom release contains the company’s announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Premium Memory Foam for All-Day Neck Relief: Made with high-density slow rebound memory foam, this travel neck pillow maintains consistent support without flattening over time. The ergonomic core evenly distributes pressure to support your cervical spine, helping reduce neck stiffness, muscle soreness, and fatigue during long flights, road trips, or extended office sitting
- G-Shaped Ergonomic Design for 360° Support: Designed with a G-shaped structure, this upgraded travel pillow provides full 360° support from jaw to shoulder—unlike traditional U-shaped pillows that leave gaps. The raised back support cradles your neck to help prevent head dropping, making it ideal for airplane travel, long commutes, and desk naps
- OEKO-TEX Certified, Skin-Friendly & Breathable Fabric: The outer fabric is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, ensuring it is tested for harmful substances and safe for prolonged skin contact. Combined with lightweight, breathable materials and 3D honeycomb weaving, this neck pillow enhances airflow, reduces heat buildup, and keeps you comfortable throughout your journey
- Removable, Machine-Washable Cover for Easy Care: Featuring a hidden zipper design, the pillow cover can be easily removed for machine washing. This travel pillow for airplane stays fresh and clean trip after trip, whether you’re flying frequently, commuting daily, or using it at the office
- Complete Travel Pillow Set for Comfortable Rest Anywhere: This travel pillow set includes a durable storage bag, a lightweight memory foam eye mask with 3D eye sockets for pressure-free shading, and soft noise-reducing earplugs. Everything packs easily, so you can rest better on planes, trains, cars, or wherever your journey takes you
Rank #4
- PATENTED DOUBLE SUPPORT: Overlapping arms support the head, neck and chin while resting upright on airplanes, in cars or at home.
- 3 COMFORTABLE POSITIONS: Place the arms under the chin, fold the pillow for side support, or rotate it for combined front and side support.
- FITS MOST ADULTS: Large fits necks up to 16 inches. Choose X-Large for a neck circumference of 16 inches or more.
- SOFT, FLEXIBLE COMFORT: Cozy microfleece, smooth microsuede and bounce-back filling shape easily for balanced comfort and support.
- WASHABLE & TRAVEL-READY: The entire pillow is machine washable and includes a carry bag and snap loop for attaching to luggage.
What should you check before booking?
- Confirm the seat type your fare permits and whether selection is available at booking or later.
- Check whether your loyalty status or eligible cardmember benefit changes your selection options.
- Review seat availability and the fare’s change and refund terms before paying; selection options do not establish those terms.
- If considering Extra Legroom, check the aircraft-specific layout and whether any onboard extras are offered on your flight.
- Confirm current boarding and any Priority Boarding purchase terms directly with Southwest.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
