• The End of Open Seating: Southwest Airlines is officially discontinuing its iconic, 50-year-old open-seating policy in a major strategic shift.
• Implementation Timeline for Assigned Seating: Starting July 29, 2025, customers can book flights with assigned seats for travel on or after January 27, 2026.
• A Move to Enhance the Customer Experience: The airline states the change is driven by customer research showing an overwhelming preference for assigned seats and more control over the travel experience.
• New Customer Benefits: This new policy will allow passengers to select their exact seat in advance and offers the new opportunity to purchase seats with extra legroom.

Southwest Airlines is embarking on an exciting new era, announcing a significant and highly anticipated evolution of its customer experience. After more than 50 years, the airline is introducing assigned seating, a move celebrated as a comprehensive upgrade that directly responds to passenger feedback. This modernizing step is designed to give travelers more choice, control, and comfort, ensuring an even more enjoyable and streamlined journey from booking to landing.

Starting tomorrow, customers will have the wonderful opportunity to select their specific seats for flights departing in early 2026 and beyond. This enhancement not only removes the uncertainty of the boarding process but also unlocks new options, including the ability for passengers to purchase seats with extra legroom. While honoring its unique and beloved history, Southwest is looking confidently toward the future. This change is part of a broader metamorphosis for the airline, aimed at enhancing profitability and aligning its services with the preferences of today’s travelers. This thoughtful transition marks a pivotal moment for the airline, reaffirming its commitment to listening to its customers and continuing to be a leader in the aviation industry by providing a more personalized and convenient travel experience for millions.