The End of an Era: Southwest Airlines Transitions to Assigned Seating
For decades, Southwest Airlines captured the hearts of travelers with its unique open boarding process. This system allowed passengers to board the plane in a free-for-all style, making the boarding experience one of spontaneity. However, the era of choice and unpredictability officially ended on January 27, 2026, when Southwest Airlines adopted assigned seating. Passengers will now receive seat assignments at check-in or earlier, depending on their fare type and status, marking a significant shift in the airline’s approach.
The absence of the EarlyBird Check-In feature, which previously gave passengers a chance to secure a better boarding position for as little as $15, is another major change. Yet, for travelers hoping to snag a more comfortable seat—especially extra legroom or a coveted window spot—there are still strategies available.
What are the Southwest Seat Types?
With the transition to assigned seating, Southwest now offers several categories of seats:
- Standard Seats: Located in the rear of the cabin, these are the regular economy seats.
- Preferred Seats: These are the same size as standard seats but positioned toward the front of the aircraft, allowing for quicker boarding.
- Extra Legroom Seats: With up to five extra inches of legroom (depending on the aircraft), these seats are located at the front and in exit rows. Passengers in these seats also enjoy slightly better snack options and complimentary premium beverages.
Hold the Right Southwest Credit Cards
If you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, owning a Southwest credit card can be highly beneficial. Not only do these cards provide perks such as free checked bags but they also unlock early seat selection for cardholders and up to eight additional passengers on the same booking.
Paid upgrades for better seating can reach up to $250 per segment, which is often more than the cost of the annual fees associated with Southwest’s premium credit cards. Depending on which card you hold, different levels of seat selection access are available—from choosing seats 48 hours ahead to selecting preferred seats at the time of booking.
Southwest Credit Cards with Seat Selection Benefits
Here’s a quick overview of the credit cards and their benefits related to seat selection:
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card: Allows cardholders to select preferred or standard seats at booking and upgrade to Extra Legroom seats 48 hours before departure at no extra cost.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card: Enables cardholders to select standard seats 48 hours before departure.
Earn Southwest Elite Status
Achieving elite status with Southwest—known as A-List or A-List Preferred—grants you additional seat selection benefits, even for Basic fares.
- A-List Preferred: Obtainable by flying 40 one-way qualifying flights or earning 70,000 tier qualifying points within a calendar year. This status allows you to select seats at booking.
- A-List: Earned by completing 20 one-way qualifying flights or 35,000 tier qualifying points. You can pick a Preferred or Standard seat at the time of booking and select an Extra Legroom seat within 48 hours of departure at no additional cost.
Maintaining elite status is moderately challenging, as it requires regular flying, but the benefits provide tangible savings and conveniences.
Check In at the 24-Hour Mark
For passengers who purchase a Basic fare and lack elite status or a qualifying credit card, seat assignments occur at check-in. It’s crucial to check in exactly when the window opens—24 hours before departure—to improve your chances of a better seat assignment.
Nerdy Tip
Set an alarm for the 24-hour mark—or a few minutes earlier—to ensure you can check in right at the opening.
Contact Southwest for Assistance
If you require special accommodations—such as traveling with children aged 12 and under—contacting Southwest ahead of time can help. The airline makes efforts to seat families together as much as possible.
How Does Southwest Boarding Work Now?
Gone are the stanchions and open boarding lines. Now, passengers will board based on designated groups that are displayed on their boarding passes. Those with disabilities can request to preboard at the ticket desk or gate, allowing them to enter first.
The boarding groups will proceed in a specific order:
- Choice Extra fare passengers
- Passengers who paid for an upgrade to Extra Legroom seats
- A-List Preferred members
- A-List members who upgrade to Extra Legroom seats
- Choice Preferred fare passengers
- A-List members in Preferred or Standard seats
- Southwest credit card members
Nerdy Tip
Starting 24 hours before departure, you can also purchase Priority Boarding to ensure you board among the first, regardless of your fare type.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
Travelers who regularly fly Southwest can leverage various programs to optimize their flying experience.
By understanding the new structure of seating and boarding, along with utilizing credit card benefits and elite statuses effectively, you can enhance your travel experience even in this new landscape of assigned seating.