<body><div><p>A big change is coming to Southwest Airlines.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1W5DF2_0vkkY0fr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1W5DF2_0vkkY0fr00" width="700" height="464" ><figcaption>Southwest plane</figcaption></figure><p>We’ll admit we’ve been a little nervous since Southwest Airlines announced it was ending its open seating policy and start offering assigned seats. Southwest is one of our favorite airlines to fly to Disney World after all, and perhaps we feared that this change would mean other things changing, like free checked bags (because all the other airlines charge for those). However, <b>we’ve got a big update about the new seating policy.</b></p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4YpTgQ_0vkkY0fr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4YpTgQ_0vkkY0fr00" width="600" height="400" ></figure><p>Southwest Airlines recently hosted an Investor Day briefing to talk about its future as an airline and how it plans to make its customer experience even better by offering more choices and comfort. One of the things Southwest mentioned is that <b>it plans to continue with its Bags Fly Free policy</b>, meaning you’ll still be able to check two bags with each flight FOR FREE, setting it apart from other airlines. Whew…</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1HmDBg_0vkkY0fr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1HmDBg_0vkkY0fr00" width="800" height="600" ><figcaption>Flying Southwest</figcaption></figure><p>However, it also outlined the seating policy changes and they’re coming sooner than you think. Southwest reiterated that 80 percent of its customers and 86 percent of passengers who flew other airlines wanted assigned seats. <b>You’ll be able to buy assigned seats in the second half of 2025</b>, with the first flights operating with the new seating policies in the first half of 2026.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4Rhn49_0vkkY0fr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4Rhn49_0vkkY0fr00" width="800" height="600" ><figcaption>©Southwest</figcaption></figure><p><b>Premium seating will also be coming soon</b>. According to Southwest, market research showed a preference for assigned seats with extra legroom with a variety of travelers. The airline will offer extra legroom options with up to five additional inches of pitch for about a third of its seats, and will also maintain its current standard economy seat pitch.</p><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=4TBjLF_0vkkY0fr00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=4TBjLF_0vkkY0fr00" width="800" height="600" ><figcaption>Southwest Cabin</figcaption></figure><p>Other changes include enhancements to its Rapid Rewards program, global airline partnerships, and new vacation packages under its Getaways by Southwest.</p><p>Stay tuned to DFB for more.</p><h2>Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport</h2><p>Join the DFB Newsletter <b>to get all the breaking news right in your inbox!</b> <b>Click here to Subscribe!</b></p><h2>WE KNOW DISNEY.</h2><h2>YOU CAN, TOO.</h2><p>Oh boy, planning a Disney trip can be quite the adventure, and we totally get it! But fear not, dear friends, we compiled EVERYTHING you need (and the things to avoid!) to plan the ULTIMATE Disney vacation.</p><p>Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned pro, our insider tips and tricks will have you exploring the parks like never before. So come along with us, and get planning your most magical vacation ever!</p><p><b>What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments!</b></p></div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Southwest Airlines Reveals HUGE Update on Boarding Process and Seating Changes

A big change is coming to Southwest Airlines. We’ll admit we’ve been a little nervous since Southwest Airlines announced it was ending its open seating policy and start offering assigned seats. Southwest is one of our favorite airlines to fly to Disney World after all, and perhaps we feared that this change would mean other things changing, like free checked bags (because all the other airlines charge for those). However, we’ve got a big update about the new seating policy.