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‘Are You Sitting Down?’: Southwest’s Assigned-Seating Ad—and What Changed

Southwest’s June 2025 ad promoted assigned seating and Extra Legroom ahead of the January 27, 2026 transition. Seat selection depends on fare and eligibility.
From TheFinanceBase Team3 min to read
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Southwest’s “Are You Sitting Down?” ad promoted assigned seats and Extra Legroom ahead of the airline’s transition from open seating. The campaign appeared June 20, 2025; Southwest began operating its assigned-seating and redesigned boarding model on January 27, 2026. Seat-selection access depends on fare and eligibility, so the ad’s promise did not mean every passenger could choose a seat at booking.

What the “Are You Sitting Down?” campaign advertised

Southwest published its 15-second “Are You Sitting Down?” campaign video on June 20, 2025. The description said travelers would be able to select a seat when booking, including an Extra Legroom seat or one near friends and family. It also explicitly excluded Basic fares from seat selection at booking. Watch Southwest’s campaign video.

The video framed the change as an end to the scramble for seats, using the phrase “Say goodbye to the seat scramble.” In practical terms, it promoted a shift in how customers choose seats and board—not simply a new advertising slogan.

When did Southwest switch to assigned seating?

Southwest announced on July 29, 2025, that its new seating and boarding process would start January 27, 2026. The airline’s February 2026 annual report says assigned seating, Extra Legroom seating, and the redesigned boarding model began operating on that date. Southwest’s July 2025 announcement and 2025 annual report document the rollout.

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How Southwest assigned seating works

Southwest’s current guidance describes assigned seats and numbered boarding Groups 1–8. The boarding group is determined by fare and seat. Seat assignment timing and available seat types vary with the fare and a passenger’s eligibility; check the live policy and the options shown for a specific itinerary before booking.

  • Basic fare: The campaign said Basic does not include seat selection at booking. Current Southwest guidance says a Basic-fare seat is assigned at check-in, with exceptions for eligible Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers or tier members, subject to availability.
  • Other fares: Southwest’s fare and seating materials describe seat selection and options such as Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats where offered. The exact selection rights depend on the fare and itinerary.
  • Boarding: The current process uses numbered groups 1–8, with placement based on fare and seat.

Because benefits, eligibility, and seat availability can change, verify the terms for the traveler and itinerary in Southwest’s fare information and assigned-seating guidance. The airline does not establish one stable, itinerary-independent price comparison for seat types in these materials.

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Why Southwest said it was making the change

Southwest presented assigned seating and premium seating as a response to customer preferences and a way to offer more choice. At its September 26, 2024 Investor Day, the airline reported that 80 percent of its customers and 86 percent of passengers who choose other airlines wanted assigned seats. Those figures are Southwest’s own reported research; the cited release excerpt does not provide survey methodology, so they should not be treated as an independent or universal measure of passenger preferences. Southwest’s 2024 Investor Day release.

In a fare announcement, Southwest Executive Vice President Customer & Brand Tony Roach said: “With new choices like seat selection and Extra Legroom, our enhanced fare bundles let Customers customize their trip while still enjoying our industry-leading reliability and hospitality.” Southwest’s fare announcement.

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What the ad means for a traveler comparing fares

The most useful comparison is not just the ticket price. Check when seat assignment happens, which seat types are available, what the fare bundle includes, the likely boarding-group placement, and whether status or a qualifying cardmember benefit applies. Availability and benefits are itinerary- and eligibility-dependent; review the live booking details rather than assuming the campaign’s seat-selection promise applies to every fare.

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  • Perfect Size – At 1/200 scale, the model measures approximately 13 inches long with a 12 ½-inch wingspan—large enough to impress while fitting neatly on shelves or desks
  • Quality Materials – Made from durable solid injection-molded plastic for long-lasting quality, smooth finishes, and detailed realism
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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.

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