Last Updated on June 10, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines changed how it handles seating in January 2026. After more than 50 years of open seating, the airline switched to assigned seats. If you’ve flown Southwest before, the new process works very differently. Your fare type now determines when and what seats you can choose. This guide walks you through every step so you can lock in the seat you want before your flight.
Quick Answer
Southwest Airlines moved to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, ending 54 years of open seating. Most fares let you choose a seat at the time of booking. Basic fare passengers get a seat assigned at check-in. Three seat types are available: Standard (back of plane), Preferred (near the front), and Extra Legroom.
What’s in This Article
- Checking In for Your Southwest Flight
- Selecting a Seat at the Time of Booking
- Understanding Southwest’s New Boarding Process
- How Your Fare Type Affects Seat Selection
- Checking In at the Airport
- Understanding Southwest’s Assigned Seating Policy
- Tips for Choosing the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines
- Frequently Asked Questions
Key Takeaways
- Southwest Airlines switched from open seating to assigned seating on January 27, 2026, ending a 54-year tradition.
- Four fare levels (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra) control when and what seat type you can select at booking.
- Three seat categories exist: Standard (back of plane), Preferred (near the front), and Extra Legroom (extra space plus perks).
- Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure; your boarding group (1 through 8) depends on your fare type, seat location, and Rapid Rewards status.
- A-List members and Southwest credit cardholders get early seat selection and earlier boarding regardless of which fare they purchase.
Checking In for Your Southwest Flight
Checking in for a Southwest flight works the same way it always has. Online check-in opens 24 hours before your scheduled departure. You can check in through the Southwest website, the mobile app, or at the airport.
With assigned seating, your boarding position no longer depends on when you check in. Your boarding group (1 through 8) is set by your fare type, seat type, and Rapid Rewards status. Still, check in on time to access your boarding pass and confirm your seat assignment.
Selecting a Seat at the Time of Booking
Since January 27, 2026, most Southwest passengers can choose their seat when booking. The seat types available at booking depend on the fare level you purchase.
Choice fare gives you access to Standard seats at booking. Choice Preferred unlocks Standard and Preferred seats (near the front) at no extra charge. Choice Extra lets you pick any seat, including Extra Legroom, at the time of booking. Basic fare is the only option that does not include seat selection. Southwest assigns your seat at check-in instead.
Pro tip: Book the highest fare your budget allows if seat choice matters — Choice Preferred gives you front-of-plane seats at no extra fee, which adds real value on short flights.
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Understanding Southwest’s New Boarding Process
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Boarding Groups | 1 through 8 (replaced old A/B/C system) |
| Extra Legroom Seats | Board in Groups 1-2 (first on plane) |
| Basic Fare | Boards in Groups 6-8 (last to board) |
| Priority Boarding | Available to purchase 24 hours before departure |
| Family Boarding | Families on same reservation share a boarding group |
| Seat Selection at Gate | No longer available — seats assigned before boarding |
Southwest replaced its old A/B/C boarding groups with a new system of Groups 1 through 8. Your boarding group now reflects your seat type and fare level rather than when you checked in.
Extra Legroom seat holders board first in Groups 1 and 2. Premium fares and Rapid Rewards Tier Members board earlier in the sequence. Basic fare passengers board last, in Groups 6 through 8. You can buy Priority Boarding starting 24 hours before departure to move up in the queue.
How Your Fare Type Affects Seat Selection
Southwest now offers four fare levels. Each gives you different access to seat types and boarding groups.
Basic is the lowest-cost option. Southwest assigns your seat at check-in from whatever seats remain. You board in Groups 6 through 8. Southwest credit cardholders on a Basic fare can still select a seat within 48 hours of departure, subject to availability.
Choice lets you pick a Standard seat at booking. You still board in the later groups but ahead of Basic passengers.
Choice Preferred adds access to Preferred seats near the front of the cabin at no extra cost. These seats mean a faster exit after landing and more overhead bin access.
Choice Extra gives you access to all seat types, including Extra Legroom, at booking. Extra Legroom seats also come with earlier overhead bin access, enhanced snacks, and complimentary premium beverages.
A-List Preferred members can select any available seat, including Extra Legroom, at booking regardless of fare type. A-List members can pick a Preferred seat at booking and access Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure at no extra charge if seats remain.
Checking In at the Airport
Travelers who prefer to check in at the airport can use Southwest’s self-service kiosks. Enter your confirmation number or scan your ID to pull up your flight details and print your boarding pass. Kiosks also let you check luggage at the same time.
Southwest staff at the airport counter help with questions during check-in. This is especially useful if you’re on a Basic fare and want to review your assigned seat before reaching the gate. With assigned seating, your boarding group is fixed before you arrive, so airport staff can confirm your details quickly.
Note: Southwest ended its “Bags Fly Free” policy in May 2025 — the first checked bag now costs $35 and the second $45, unless you fly on the highest fare tier or hold a qualifying Southwest credit card.
Understanding Southwest’s Assigned Seating Policy
Southwest Airlines ended its open seating policy on January 27, 2026, after more than 54 years. The change brings Southwest in line with most other major U.S. carriers. Passengers no longer pick seats at the gate. They select their seat at booking instead (or receive one at check-in on Basic fares).
Three seat types now exist. Standard seats sit toward the back of the plane and come with every fare. Preferred seats are standard-legroom seats located closer to the front. Extra Legroom seats offer more space and extra perks, and they board in the earliest groups (1 and 2).
Families traveling on the same confirmation number go into the same boarding group, which makes sitting together much easier. Groups traveling on separate bookings should choose Choice fare or higher to secure seat selection at booking.
Tips for Choosing the Best Seat on Southwest Airlines
Getting a good seat on Southwest now comes down to booking strategy, not airport timing.
Book early. Seat selection opens at the time of booking for Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares. The earlier you book, the more seats are available. Front-row and Extra Legroom seats fill up fast on busy routes.
Match your fare to your priority. Choose Choice Preferred if you want to sit near the front at no added cost. Go with Choice Extra if extra legroom matters most. A-List members can access Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure for free if any remain.
Check the seat map when you book. On lightly booked flights, more seat types stay available longer. On popular routes, Preferred and Extra Legroom seats can sell out quickly, so don’t wait to decide.
If you hold a Southwest credit card, review your card’s seat benefits before buying. Most cards let you select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of departure, even on Basic fares. Some cards include a free first checked bag, which can offset the cost of choosing a higher fare.
If you’re planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and want to get the best seats possible, be sure to check out this article on how to select seats on Southwest Airlines. It offers useful tips for securing the ideal spot for your journey. And while you’re at it, consider investing in a solar-powered camping lantern from this article to light up your outdoor adventures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does Southwest Airlines still use open seating?
No. Southwest ended its open seating policy on January 27, 2026, after more than 54 years. All flights now use assigned seating. Most passengers select their seat at booking. Basic fare passengers receive a seat assignment at check-in.
How do I select a seat on Southwest Airlines?
Choose your seat during booking on Southwest.com or the mobile app. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares include seat selection at booking. You can also update your seat after booking through the Manage Reservations section on the website or app.
Can I pay for a specific seat on Southwest Airlines?
Yes. Southwest now offers three seat types: Standard, Preferred (near the front), and Extra Legroom. Preferred seats come with Choice Preferred fare at no extra cost. Extra Legroom seats are available with Choice Extra fare or as an upgrade, subject to availability.
What are Southwest’s boarding groups now?
Southwest replaced its old A/B/C system with Groups 1 through 8. Groups 1 and 2 board Extra Legroom seat holders first. Premium fare passengers and Rapid Rewards Tier Members board earlier in the sequence. Basic fare passengers board in Groups 6 through 8. Priority Boarding is available to purchase starting 24 hours before departure.
Are there seating options for passengers with special needs on Southwest Airlines?
Southwest still offers pre-boarding for passengers with disabilities or those who need extra time to board. Staff assist with finding suitable seating for passengers with special needs. You can request accommodations at the time of booking or at the airport counter.
Making the Most of Southwest’s New Seating System
The biggest shift in Southwest’s history means seat selection now happens at booking, not at the gate. Pick the right fare for your needs, book as early as you can, and check your credit card or Rapid Rewards benefits before you buy. Families and groups should book on the same confirmation number to stay in the same boarding group.
Visit Southwest’s assigned seating page for full details on fare types, boarding groups, and seat availability on your specific route.
References
- Assigned Seating Overview — Southwest Airlines, 2026
- The Choice is Yours: Seatisfaction Is Coming to Southwest Airlines — Southwest Airlines Newsroom, 2025
- Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating After 54 Years — CNBC, January 2026