Last Updated on July 28, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Southwest Airlines has officially retired its open-seating model. As of January 27, 2026, every Southwest flight operates with assigned seating. Where you sit — and when you board — now depends on your fare type, Rapid Rewards tier status, and whether you select a seat in advance during booking or check-in. Here is the complete breakdown of how Southwest’s assigned seating system works today.
Quick Answer
Southwest ended open seating on January 27, 2026. Fares under the Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra tiers allow you to select a seat at booking, while Basic fares receive an assigned seat at check-in. Boarding now follows Groups 1 through 8 based on seat row, fare class, and status — fully replacing the former A/B/C lettered boarding positions.
Key Takeaways
- Fare-Based Selection: Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares let you pick a seat at booking; Basic fares receive an automated assignment at check-in.
- Three Seat Tiers: Choose between Standard (31″ pitch), Preferred (front-of-cabin), and Extra Legroom (34″–36″ pitch with extra perks).
- Boarding Structure: Boarding runs in Groups 1 through 8, eliminating the old A/B/C lining-up stanchions at gate areas.
- Baggage Fees: Checked bags cost $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares unless offset by Choice Extra, tier status, or a credit card.
How to Navigate Southwest’s Seat Selection Process
Navigating Southwest’s seat selection process depends primarily on your chosen fare class. Passengers booking Basic fares cannot pre-select a seat free of charge; instead, a Standard seat is automatically assigned during online check-in. Passengers booking Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra can select their seat during the initial reservation process.
When viewing the digital seat map, seats are visually categorized by comfort level and location. If you purchase a Choice or Basic fare but prefer an Extra Legroom seat, you can purchase an upgrade starting 48 hours prior to departure, subject to availability. Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and elite status members gain additional early-selection windows regardless of fare class.
Note: Boarding position under the assigned seating model is determined by your assigned seat location, fare type, and status level (Groups 1–8) rather than how quickly you click check-in 24 hours before your flight.
Understanding Seat Types, Pitch, and Cabin Layout
Southwest offers three main seat categories across its Boeing 737 fleet:
- Extra Legroom Seats: Located in the front rows and exit rows, these offer 34 to 36 inches of seat pitch (3–5 extra inches compared to standard seats). Passengers flying on qualifying fares or status tiers also receive complimentary premium beverages and enhanced snack selections.
- Preferred Seats: Located in the front half of the cabin with standard legroom (31 inches of pitch). These seats enable faster deplaning upon arrival.
- Standard Seats: Located throughout the mid-to-rear sections of the cabin with a standard 31-inch pitch. Standard seats are available across all fare tiers.
“Extra Legroom seats provide 3 to 5 additional inches of legroom (34–36 inches total pitch), giving premium fare holders and A-List Preferred members elevated onboard space.”
Boarding Groups 1 Through 8 Breakdown
To streamline passenger entry without the former numbered stanchions, Southwest organizes boarding into eight distinct groups:
| Boarding Group | Eligible Passengers & Fare Types |
|---|---|
| Group 1 | Choice Extra fares, A-List Preferred members, and passengers who purchased Standalone Priority Boarding. |
| Group 2 | A-List members and customers holding Extra Legroom seat assignments. |
| Groups 3–4 | Choice Preferred fare holders and passengers seated in Preferred Seats (front cabin). |
| Group 5 | Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Choice fare holders. |
| Groups 6–8 | Basic fare passengers, general check-in seat assignments, and late-assigned travelers. |
How to Choose Your Seat During Booking
To secure your preferred seat during reservation:
- Access the Seat Map: Select your flight itinerary and navigate to the interactive aircraft seat map.
- Verify Loyalty Tier: Ensure your Rapid Rewards number is entered to unlock tier-based seat choices automatically.
- Evaluate Seat Perks: Review whether Choice Extra (which includes Extra Legroom) fits your travel requirements.
- Utilize Credit Card Benefits: Select Standard seats within 48 hours of departure if you hold a qualifying Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
Seat Assignment Process at Check-In
Online check-in opens 24 hours prior to scheduled departure. Passengers on Basic fares who did not purchase advance seat selection are assigned a remaining Standard seat automatically upon checking in. Passengers flying on Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fares already have confirmed seats from booking and do not need to check in early to preserve their seat assignment.
Rebooking, Flight Changes, and Disruption Policies
If you voluntarily change your flight or experience an involuntary schedule disruption (IRROPS):
- Voluntary Flight Changes: If you modify your booking, your seat selection transfers to the new flight based on current seat availability in your fare class. If an equivalent seat class is unavailable, you may select from open Standard seats.
- Involuntary Delays or Cancellations: During rebooking caused by weather or maintenance, Southwest’s automated systems prioritize matching your original seat category (e.g., Extra Legroom or Preferred). If rebooked into a lower seat class, passengers can request a refund for paid seat upgrade fees through Southwest Customer Service.
How Tier Status Enhances Your Seat Selection Options
Rapid Rewards status holders retain substantial advantages within the assigned seating environment.
Benefits for A-List Members
- Advance Selection: A-List members can select Preferred or Standard seats at booking regardless of fare type.
- Upgrades: Option to upgrade to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure if available.
- Priority Boarding: Placement in Boarding Group 1 or 2.
- Baggage Perks: A-List members receive one free checked bag; A-List Preferred members receive two free checked bags.
Companion Passholder Advantages
Designated Companions traveling on a Companion Pass booking receive seating privileges that mirror the primary passholder’s fare or status benefits, including joint placement in adjacent seats where available.
Key Benefits of the Rapid Rewards Credit Card
Holding a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card mitigates extra travel expenses under the updated fee structure.
At a Glance: Credit Card Seat & Bag Perks
| Free Checked Bag | First checked bag free for the primary cardmember and up to eight companions on the same reservation. |
| Seat Selection | Standard seat pre-selection opens 48 hours prior to departure for cardholders. |
| Boarding Position | Typically Boarding Group 5, with spend-based upgrades to earlier boarding groups. |
| Checked Bag Fee Without Card | $45 for the first checked bag, $55 for the second on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares according to Southwest Optional Travel Charges. |
Pro Tip: Carrying a Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Card covers the $45 first-bag fee for up to 9 travelers on a single reservation, making it a cost-effective option for group travel.
Tips for Families Traveling Together With Seat Selection
With open seating gone, families traveling with children should plan seat selections in advance to ensure they sit together.
Early Seat Selection Benefits
- Booking Choice or Choice Preferred fares guarantees adjacent seats at the time of purchase.
- Basic fares risk splitting family members across middle seats if check-in is delayed.
- A-List Preferred status allows primary account holders to reserve adjacent seating for up to nine travelers on the same itinerary.
Warning: Southwest cannot guarantee adjacent seats for families booked under separate confirmation codes or on Basic fares checked in late. Book a fare class with complimentary seat selection if keeping your group together is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still pick any seat I want when boarding Southwest?
No. Open seating officially ended on January 27, 2026. Every passenger receives an assigned seat based on their fare selection, status, or check-in assignment prior to stepping onto the aircraft.
Does Southwest offer a dedicated senior discount on seats?
Southwest does not offer specific senior discounts for seat selection. However, fare bundles and Rapid Rewards tier perks offer options to secure preferred seating at reduced rates.
What is the 10-minute check-in rule for assigned seats?
Southwest requires passengers to complete check-in at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure. For unassigned Basic fare tickets, checking in earlier maximizes the remaining availability of Standard window or aisle seats.
How can I avoid paying extra fees for seat selection on Southwest?
Purchase a Basic fare and skip optional seat upgrades. A Standard seat will be assigned automatically at check-in at no extra charge, though location choices will be limited.
Conclusion
Navigating Southwest’s assigned seating model relies on understanding how fare classes, elite status, and check-in timing interact. Whether upgrading for Extra Legroom or selecting adjacent seats for family travel, booking early within the appropriate fare category ensures a smoother airport experience.
Sources
- Southwest Airlines: Assigned Seating Overhaul — Official portal confirming assigned seating implementation and boarding group structures.
- Southwest Airlines: Fare Types & Benefits — Details fare classes including Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra features.
- Southwest Airlines: Optional Travel Charges — Source for baggage fee schedules and cardholder exemptions.