Why Southwest Now Uses Assigned Seating and How It Works

As of January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines no longer has an open seating policy. Here's how Southwest now boards its aircraft and why it chose to go this route.

Assigned seating on Southwest Airlines begins Tuesday. Here's what passengers should know.

Starting Tuesday​, customers on Southwest flights will have assigned seats.

Southwest officially ends open seating as passengers take flight with new assigned seats

The Dallas, Texas-based carrier transitioned from its longtime open seating system in keeping with competitors like American, ...
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Southwest Airlines Expects Big Shift In Basic Fare-Buying Behavior

Southwest Airlines Expects Big Shift In Basic Fare-Buying Behavior is published in Aviation Daily, an Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) Market Briefing and is included with your AWIN ...

Southwest's open seating policy ends Monday: What's the new boarding process?

Southwest will also begin a new group-based boarding system starting on Jan 27. The new boarding process will prioritize ...

Southwest Airlines forecasts 330% earnings growth in 2026

Southwest Airlines (LUV) targets 330% profit growth by 2026 as fees, basic economy, and cost cuts boost results.

Southwest Airlines' signature policy to come to an end on Tuesday

Southwest is replacing A, B and C boarding groups with groups 1 through 8.