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Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteSouthwest now uses assigned seating: the airline says the change began January 27, 2026. Its four fare bundles—Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra—differ in when you can choose a seat, which seats are included, and what flexibility comes with the ticket. Whether seat selection costs extra depends on your fare, seat availability, and eligible loyalty or cardmember benefits.
What changed at Southwest, and when?
Southwest announced new fare products on April 28, 2025, ahead of its move to assigned and premium seating. The new bundles were slated to become available for booking in the third quarter of 2025. Basic replaced Wanna Get Away for tickets covered by the transition; Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra replaced Wanna Get Away Plus, Anytime, and Business Select, respectively. Southwest’s announcement explains the fare-name change.
Assigned seating became operational on January 27, 2026, according to Southwest’s current assigned-seating page. The airline replaced open seating and A/B/C boarding groups with assigned seats and boarding Groups 1 through 8. An Associated Press report published January 26, 2026, described the final day of open seating and noted that boarding groups reflect seat location, fare class, loyalty status, and credit-card benefits: Associated Press coverage.
How the four fare bundles compare
The seat included in a fare and the timing of seat selection are central differences. Southwest’s live offer may vary by itinerary and eligibility, so check the fare rules and seat map for the specific flight before buying.
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| Fare bundle | Seat selection | Other stated features |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | Generally receives a Standard seat assignment at check-in; loyalty and eligible cardmember exceptions may apply. | Specific flexibility benefits are not stated here; review the fare rules for the itinerary. |
| Choice | Can select a Standard seat at booking. | Includes a Transferable Flight Credit and same-day-change flexibility. |
| Choice Preferred | Seat options depend on the bundle, availability, and any applicable status or cardmember benefits. | Review the itinerary’s live fare details for included flexibility. |
| Choice Extra | Seat options depend on the bundle, availability, and any applicable status or cardmember benefits. | Review the itinerary’s live fare details for included flexibility. |
Southwest’s current policy and FAQ describe the four bundles and how seating access works: assigned seating details and assigned-seating FAQ. The benefits attached to a bundle determine which seats can be selected without an added seat charge. Do not assume that status or a card provides the same seat access to every traveler: eligibility and selection windows differ.
What are the seat types?
- Extra Legroom: Seats at the front of the cabin and in exit rows.
- Preferred: Seats near the front with standard legroom.
- Standard: Seats toward the back with standard legroom.
A seat may be available at no added cost because of the fare bundle, tier status, or an eligible cardmember benefit. If your preferred seat is not included, Southwest says you may be able to purchase it. Availability and price depend on the flight and seat; check the seat map during booking. The seat descriptions and selection caveats are in Southwest’s FAQ.
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- Purpose & Use – Perfect for collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or as a display piece, this snap-fit model assembles quickly without glue and includes a sturdy display stand
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- Brand Excellence – From SkyMarks by Daron, a trusted leader in collectible aircraft models, delivering officially licensed replicas that celebrate modern aviation design and engineering
Will choosing a seat cost extra?
Not necessarily. Basic generally assigns a Standard seat at check-in, while Choice allows Standard-seat selection at booking. Other seat types and selection windows depend on the bundle and whether a traveler qualifies through loyalty tier or eligible cardmember benefits. If the desired seat is not included, a purchase may be offered, subject to availability. Confirm the final price and included seat before completing the booking; there is no single seat-selection charge established for every Southwest flight.
What this means for your fare comparison
Compare the total price for the itinerary and the seat you actually want, not just the bundle name. A lower fare may mean later assignment or fewer included seat options, while paying for a higher bundle may not be worthwhile if you do not value its seat access or flexibility. On the booking screen, check:
Rank #3
- Purpose & Use – Perfect for collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or as a display piece, this snap-fit model assembles quickly without glue and includes a sturdy display stand
- 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
- Brand Excellence – From SkyMarks by Daron, a trusted leader in collectible aircraft models, delivering officially licensed replicas that celebrate modern aviation design and engineering
- The fare’s included seat type and the time when selection opens.
- Whether the seat you want is included or priced separately.
- Any change or same-day-travel flexibility stated for that fare.
- Whether the loyalty or cardmember benefit applies to you and the traveler whose seat you are booking.
Seat availability can change, and eligibility is not universal. Treat the live fare rules and seat map for your itinerary as the deciding information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why Southwest made the change
In its September 26, 2024 transformation announcement, Southwest said its own research found 80 percent of its customers and 86 percent of passengers who choose other airlines wanted assigned seats. Those are company-reported figures, not independent findings. The same 2024 announcement described planned Extra Legroom seating as offering up to five additional inches of pitch for approximately a third of seats; that was an announcement-era plan, not a current measurement for every aircraft. Southwest’s transformation announcement.
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When the airline introduced the fare products in April 2025, 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.” That quote states the company’s rationale, not an independent assessment. Southwest’s fare announcement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Purpose & Use – Perfect for collectors, aviation enthusiasts, or as a display piece, this snap-fit model assembles quickly without glue and includes a sturdy display stand
- 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
- Brand Excellence – From SkyMarks by Daron, a trusted leader in collectible aircraft models, delivering officially licensed replicas that celebrate modern aviation design and engineering
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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