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Southwest ended open seating and began assigning seats on January 27, 2026. This article interprets the title’s “policy change” as that transition; the available sources do not establish that it was Southwest’s most controversial change by any measured ranking. The shift also affects how travelers compare fares, seat choices, boarding priority and the total cost of a trip.
Does Southwest still have open seating?
No. Since January 27, 2026, Southwest assigns seats rather than letting passengers choose any available seat as they board. The airline now boards customers in Groups 1 through 8. See Southwest’s current seating information for the rules that apply to a particular booking.
How does Southwest’s assigned seating work?
Seat categories
Southwest identifies three categories. Extra Legroom seats are at the front of the aircraft and in exit rows. Preferred seats are nearer the front and have standard legroom. Standard seats, also with standard legroom, are toward the back. Which seats are included or available to select depends on the fare and booking; some seats outside a fare’s benefits may be offered for purchase. There is no single verified seat-selection price that applies to every itinerary.
When seats are assigned
For most fares, travelers can select a seat when booking. Basic fare customers generally receive an assignment at check-in, although some loyalty members and Rapid Rewards cardmembers may qualify for exceptions. Check the seat-selection terms attached to the specific fare rather than assuming Basic includes advance selection.
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Boarding groups
Southwest assigns boarding priority based on factors that include fare, seat type and location, tier status, and applicable card benefits. A seat assignment and boarding-group placement are related to the airline’s system, but travelers should check their own reservation for the actual seat and group.
Can I choose a Southwest seat for free?
It depends on the fare and the seats available to it. Some seat options may be included with a fare, while another seat choice may cost extra. The airline’s categories describe location and legroom, not a guaranteed price. Before paying, compare the seats included with the fare, the cost of any preferred alternative shown during booking, and the trip total; selection prices and availability can vary by itinerary and date.
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Does Southwest Basic include seat selection?
Basic customers generally get a seat assignment at check-in, not the same advance-selection access available with most other fares. Exceptions may apply to certain loyalty members and Rapid Rewards cardmembers. The exact benefits can depend on eligibility, so confirm the terms shown for the traveler and booking before purchase.
What does the change mean for families and travelers with disabilities?
Families
Passengers traveling on one confirmation are assigned to the same boarding group. Southwest says it will try to seat families together and, when seats are limited, to place children age 12 and younger beside at least one adult. This is not a promise that every family will receive seats together, so review assignments and contact the airline if the arrangement does not meet your needs.
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Accessibility accommodations
Some customers with disabilities may qualify to preboard or receive another accommodation if they meet Southwest’s criteria. Requirements and arrangements are specific to the traveler and situation; consult Southwest’s accessibility guidance for current instructions.
Why did Southwest move to assigned seating?
Southwest said its research found that 80% of its customers and 86% of passengers who choose other airlines wanted assigned seats. Those are figures reported by Southwest, not an independently verified finding in the cited announcement. The company also said demand for extra legroom came from business and leisure travelers, and announced plans for extra-legroom options with up to five additional inches of seat pitch on approximately one-third of its seats. That was an announced plan, not confirmation that every aircraft or seat has those dimensions. Southwest’s Investor Day announcement also described broader cabin and service updates; the stated rationale should not be mistaken for proof that the change improved operations for every traveler.
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How the seating rollout fits with Southwest’s other policy changes
Assigned seating was one part of a broader set of changes, and the details matter when comparing the true cost of a ticket.
Basic fares and checked bags
Southwest announced a Basic fare for tickets purchased on or after May 28, 2025, alongside changes to checked-bag charges and exemptions. The announcement described two free checked bags for A-List Preferred members and Business Select customers, and one for A-List members and some other eligible customers, including certain cardmembers. Current rules include further terms and exceptions. Check Southwest’s baggage page before budgeting; fees and eligibility can change.
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Extra-seat policy
The Associated Press reported that a change to Southwest’s extra-seat policy took effect with assigned seating: customers who do not fit within one seat’s armrests must purchase an additional seat in advance, and refunds are possible but no longer guaranteed. Because this detail comes from secondary reporting rather than a current primary policy page, travelers affected by it should verify the applicable requirements and refund terms directly with Southwest before booking. Associated Press coverage
Recent checked-bag fee report
On April 8, 2026, the Associated Press reported a $10 increase, listing fees of $45 for the first checked bag and $55 for the second, with exemptions for some travelers. These are reported prices at that time, not timeless rates; use Southwest’s live baggage terms for current charges and eligibility. Associated Press report dated April 8, 2026
What to compare before booking
Compare the full trip cost and the practical value of the seat—not just the advertised fare. Use this checklist for the booking you are considering:
Quick Recap
- Which seat types the fare includes, and whether you can select one at booking.
- Whether the seat’s location and legroom suit your needs.
- Your boarding-group eligibility based on fare, loyalty status or card benefits.
- The total after any seat-selection and checked-bag charges that apply to you.
- Whether family seating or an accessibility arrangement needs attention before travel.
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.
