Southwest says assigned seating starts in ‘first half of 2026’

Assigned seating starts for Southwest Airlines passengers in the “first half of 2026.”

Southwest made the announcement Thursday as part of a three-year plan aimed at improving customer experience. That initiative and other changes are being announced at the company’s “Investor Day.”

According to Southwest, 80% of its travelers—and 86% of travelers who choose other airlines—have a preference for assigned seating.

The airline will start selling assigned seats in the second half of 2025, with the first flights operating under the new model to take to the skies in the first half of 2026.

For now, Southwest’s traditional “open seating” model will remain the norm. The policy has been in effect for more than five decades.

Southwest’s plans call for additional legroom options for passengers, with up to five inches available for about a third of its seats. The company said the options will “drive demand” and could generate more revenue per passenger. It’s putting a focus on premium seating.

Travelers should look for an updated boarding process for Southwest flights. The airline said the new procedures will maintain Southwest’s “unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area.”

Loyal customers and those who buy premium seating will still be among the first to board.

The company’s “bags fly free”—which allows travelers two carry-ons with no additional charge—isn’t going anywhere. The company said its research showed the policy is the “most important feature by far” setting it apart from competitors.

“Based on Southwest’s research, the Company believes that any change in the current policy that provides every Customer two free checked bags would drive down demand and far outweigh any revenue gains created by imposing and collecting bag fees,” the company said.

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