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Southwest switched from open seating to assigned seats on January 27, 2026. Passengers now have a seat assignment and a boarding group; when you can choose a seat, and whether you pay to do so, depends on your fare, available seats, and eligibility for applicable benefits.
When did Southwest assigned seating start?
Southwest’s transition took effect on January 27, 2026. The date the airline announced the change and began selling travel under its new fare and seat options came earlier; January 27 is when assigned seating replaced open seat choice after boarding. Southwest describes the change and its current seat options on its assigned-seating page.
Does Southwest still have open seating?
No. Southwest flights now use assigned seats and a group-based boarding process. Check the boarding group and seat shown on your reservation, and follow the airport and onboard instructions for your flight. Your boarding benefits may depend on your fare, seat location, Rapid Rewards status, or eligible card benefits; consult Southwest’s current assigned-seating support information for the rules that apply to you.
Do you have to pay to pick a seat?
Not necessarily, but seat selection depends on the fare, timing, eligibility, and remaining inventory. Southwest describes Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats. A fare may allow selection at booking or later, while some passengers receive an assignment from the airline instead. The exact price and available choices vary by itinerary, so check the fare rules and seat map while booking rather than assuming a particular fee or that every seat will be selectable.
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Standard and Preferred seats
These are two of Southwest’s named seat categories. The fare and any applicable eligibility determine when a passenger can select among available seats. Check the options attached to your reservation for the specific flight; category names do not guarantee that a particular seat will remain available.
Extra Legroom seats
Southwest places Extra Legroom seats at the front of the cabin and near exit rows. The airline says they provide three to five additional inches of pitch compared with Standard seats, depending on aircraft: five inches on the 737-700 and three inches on the 737-800/MAX 8. Pitch is the distance between rows, not a promise that a seat will feel comfortable for every traveler. See Southwest’s seat guidance for current details.
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When will you get your seat assignment?
It depends on your fare and eligibility. Southwest says Basic-fare passengers generally receive their seat assignment at check-in, with exceptions for certain qualifying Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers and tier members. Other passengers may be able to select earlier, subject to their fare rules and seat availability. Confirm the timing for your ticket in Southwest’s booking flow or reservation details; don’t rely on a general rule if your itinerary shows different terms.
Will your child sit with you?
Review the assigned seats on the actual reservation and Southwest’s current family boarding guidance. If a child is not seated as needed with an accompanying adult, contact Southwest before travel to ask what options are available for that itinerary. The former open-seating family boarding process should not be treated as a guarantee of a particular seat assignment under the current system. Southwest’s support resources cover assigned seats and family boarding.
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What if you need a disability-related seating accommodation?
Contact Southwest and consult its current accessibility guidance if you have a specific disability-related seating need. The appropriate process and available arrangements depend on the traveler and reservation, so verify details directly with the airline rather than assuming a particular seat outcome. Southwest’s support information provides a starting point for assigned-seat and assistance questions.
Quick Recap
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What to check before you travel
- Review the fare rules before buying to see when seat selection is available and whether a seat charge applies.
- Check your reservation for the assigned seat and boarding group, and revisit it if your plans or the airline’s assignment changes.
- For family seating or an accessibility need, contact Southwest about the specific reservation early enough to discuss available options.
- Verify current details in Southwest’s booking and support channels, since seat inventory, terms, and customer-specific assignments can vary.
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.
