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Travelers will now be able to select specific seats on Southwest Airlines flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Southwest historically used to assign seats through open seating (on a first-come, first-served basis).
Southwest Airlines has joined the major airlines in offering seat selection from 2026 onwards. The newly introduced Southwest Airlines seat selection scheme allows passengers to reserve their preferred seats at the time of booking. This Southwest Airlines seat selection policy marks the beginning of a new chapter in the Airline’s operations, aiming to offer customers greater flexibility.
If you plan to fly with Southwest Airlines, you should not miss the latest seating facility being offered by the Airline. Go through this blog to understand every crucial detail related to the Southwest Airlines assigned seating for a comfortable air journey.
What is the latest Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy?
Southwest Airlines now offers seat selection. Southwest Airlines introduced this feature after a 53-year wait since it began operations. The Airline used to follow the open seating process. Passengers were used to get flight seats randomly during check-in. Southwest Airlines now offers various seating options for passengers on its flights. The Southwest Airlines seat selection policy has made it possible for families with kids or friend groups to choose their preferred seats. Southwest Airlines has introduced a new seating hierarchy to make assigned seating more appealing.
When will the new Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy come into effect?
The Southwest Airlines seat selection policy will become effective on January 27, 2026. Southwest flights departing on or after this date will offer assigned seating. The Airline has already allowed passengers to select their seats since July 29, 2025. The Southwest seat assignment process will depend on the fare type purchased. The specific fare class will allow some passengers to select their seats at the time of booking. Some others will receive assignments at check-in. Passengers with Basic fares will have a seat assigned automatically. Those with higher fares (Choice/ Choice Preferred/Choice Extra) will have the option to choose a seat. Basic fare customers can still pay a fee to select one.
MFP Tip: Southwest Airlines also offers advanced seat selection to passengers with Rapid Rewards status/ credit card perks. Passengers need to use their tier member status to receive better Southwest Airlines seat upgrade and seat selection policies. Call MyFlightPolicy customer travel agents now at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 to book the best seats for your next vacation.
What seat options can I select on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines has introduced new fare options beyond the seat assignment process. We have listed the different seat types available on Southwest Airlines below.
- Basic Fare Seat
- Standard Seat– It is located in the back of the plane.
- Preferred Seat type– These seats are present near the front of the cabin.
- Extra Legroom Seats: Southwest will assign you seats in the front & exit rows.
What is the working process behind the Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy?
The Southwest’s new seat selection policy involves purchasing fares that include seat selection/ paying for upgrades. It replaces the old Southwest Airlines open seating system. The process works by displaying a seat map during the booking process. Customers can choose an available seat included with their fare/ pay an additional fee for a different seat type (such as Extra Legroom). This is a departure from the previous Southwest open seating system, where customers boarded and chose a seat on a first-come, first-served basis. Elite members/ credit cardholders have priority access to choose seats at booking or up to 48 hours before departure. Here are some key points about this scheme.
- Basic fare passengers receive an auto seat assignment at check-in. Member tier status/ credit card offers may still give you the flexibility to receive Southwest assigned seats.
- The Choice/ Choice Preferred/ Choice Extra fares include Southwest Airlines seat selection service.
- The Choice fares offer you priority seat selection on Standard seats. You can also choose this seat with Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares.
- The Preferred seat selection is available through Choice Preferred/ higher fare bundles.
- Travelers with Choice Extra fare receive extra-legroom seats. The Southwest Airlines seat upgrade option also helps travelers get Extra legroom seats.
- Rapid Rewards cardmembers get seat selection benefit 48 hours before departure (subject to availability/ card type).
- A-List/A-List Preferred members can make their seat selection at the time of booking or up to 48 hours before departure. These members do not have to pay any fee for this.
What are some of the Best seats on Southwest Airlines available during Seat selection?
Travelers get plenty of options in the new Southwest Airlines seat selection policy to choose the best seats, such as extra legroom. We have presented the best seats available on Southwest Airlines below.
| Seat Type | Key Features | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Legroom Seats |
|
Tall travelers/ anyone wanting more space & a premium feel |
| Preferred Seats |
|
Travelers wanting quick deplaning without paying for extra space |
| Exit Row Seats |
|
Those wanting maximum leg stretch/ a quieter area |
| Window Seats (Front Rows) |
|
Solo travelers or anyone wanting rest/ work time |
| Aisle Seats Near Front |
|
Business travelers/ Frequent flyers/ convenience-focused passengers |
| Group 1–2 Boarding Seats |
|
Travelers who want the best seat options/ top boarding priority. |
How to select different types of seats on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to select the different seat types is to purchase the eligible fare option for that particular seat. Travelers also need to use the Southwest Airlines seat map to select the best seats on the flight. Check the process for getting different types of seats on a Southwest flight below.
- Extra Legroom Seats: Buy Choice Extra fares or upgrade options available with other fares.
- Preferred Seats: Passengers must purchase the Choice Preferred fare, which also includes upgrades.
- Standard Seats: Book a Basic or Choice fare to get these seats for free.
MyFlightPolicy Tip: Passengers can purchase the priority boarding option 24 hours before departure for early boarding. Call MyFlightPolicy travel experts at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 for booking your flight with the best seating option.
Why did Southwest Airlines begin assigning seating options?
Southwest Airlines is all set to operate flights with new seating options from next year (2026). It has taken this step to meet customer demand/ attract more business travelers/stay competitive with other airlines. A majority of both current/ potential customers prefer the Southwest assigned seating. The southwest open seating policy was a reason some chose other airlines. The change also allows Southwest to offer new revenue streams (such as premium/ extra-legroom seats).
What strategies can I use to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines?
The Southwest Airlines seat selection policy has smooth methods like early check-in that will give you priority in boarding and seat selection. We have presented some useful tips below.
- Travelers need to book a fare that lets them choose their seat early.
- You should reserve the Southwest Business Select fare for the best chance at getting a seat.
- Apply for Upgrade to Extra Legroom seats.
- Be a Rapid Rewards Tier Member.
- Flyers should check in exactly 24 hours before their flight (if they are flying Basic).
- Utilizing the Rapid Rewards Credit Card earns you an easier seat selection option on Southwest Airlines.
- Passengers should use Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In method. It will offer them a smoother experience.
How does the Southwest Airlines boarding group affect your seats on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest’s new boarding groups will determine your seat by assigning you a boarding position (for flights starting January 27, 2026). The Airline will assign a seat based on your fare/ status. Passengers in higher boarding groups (Groups 1-2) get earlier access to the aircraft. It will allow them to choose from the best available seats. These include extra-legroom/ preferred front-of-cabin options. Those in lower groups (6-8) will have fewer choices. The Basic fare customers will board the flight last.
Wrapping it up
Southwest Airlines is introducing the assigned seating scheme from January 2026 onwards. Southwest Airlines will provide the seat selection options to Choice/ Choice Preferred/ Choice Extra passengers. The Basic fare option will only offer the Southwest Airlines open seating option. The Credit card type/ reward status/ member tier are other options to get the seat selection with any fare type. You need to opt for the early check-in method for better seat assignment. The new type of seat selection on Southwest will become a breeze if you go through every detail of the Southwest Airlines seat selection policy.
Call myflightpolicy.com customer support agents at Call Us : +1-877-271-4004 for assistance with flight-related queries. Our expert travel representatives will help you with flight bookings, cancellations, refunds, changes, and other corresponding services. The expert travel agents are present on the given helpline channel 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Southwest Airlines' boarding groups work for seat choices?
Southwest Airlines will assign boarding groups and seat types on tickets for a more organized process. Customers will be sorted into boarding groups 1-8 (based on factors like fare class/ loyalty status). Seat choice is now determined by the fare purchased and the boarding group’s place in line. It will have a new “window/ middle/ aisle” (WILMA) method for seat selection after the first groups have boarded.
Can I reserve a specific flight seat in advance on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines has allowed advanced seat selection since July 29, 2025. Passengers can purchase different fare types to get priority in selecting different types of seats. You can also choose the Southwest Airlines seat upgrade option to get a desired seat.
How does the EarlyBird Check-In of Southwest Airlines affect seating?
EarlyBird Check-In automatically checks you in 24 hours before departure, often improving your boarding position and your chances of grabbing a preferred seat.
Can I change my Southwest seat after I have boarded?
You can change your seat on a Southwest flight after boarding. It applies as long as the flight has not yet departed and no assigned seating is in place (i.e., only an open seating option is available). To change a flight with Southwest Airlines assigned seating, use the Manage Booking option to check available seats and make the change there.
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