Southwest Airlines announced on Monday (July 21) that starting January 27, 2026, passengers will have the option to choose their seats on the airline’s flights. The process of booking tickets for these designated flights is set to begin at the end of this month. The airline also revealed plans to implement a redesigned boarding process.
In a press release issued on Monday, Southwest Airlines announced that beginning July 29, 2025, passengers booking flights for January 27 and beyond will have the choice to select their seats.
Tony Roach, Executive Vice President of Customer and Brand Affairs at Southwest Airlines, stated in the press release, “Our customers have expressed a desire for more choices and greater control over their travel experiences. The option to choose seats provides our customers with new opportunities, including the ability to select seats with extra legroom, and eliminates the uncertainty of where they will be seated in the cabin. This is an important step in our development, and we are excited to combine these improvements with our legendary customer service.”
The press release mentioned that Southwest Airlines customers will have various ticket packages to choose from, some of which offer the option to select seats at the time of booking. Passengers can also choose different seat types, including “Extra Legroom,” “Preferred,” and “Standard.” Customers can also purchase seat upgrade services to enhance their travel experience.
Southwest Airlines’ announcement on Monday signifies the official end of the airline’s long-standing policy of open seating, effective January 27 next year.
The Dallas-based airline also disclosed that they will introduce a redesigned boarding process aimed at providing a smooth and efficient customer experience on every flight. High-tier fare passengers and the most loyal customers of Southwest Airlines, including members of the airline’s frequent flier program “Rapid Rewards” and credit card members, will receive priority boarding during the process.
For passengers holding Southwest Airlines credit cards (Cardmembers), they will also have the option to select seats within 48 hours prior to the flight departure, regardless of the ticket fare purchased.
Southwest Airlines announced the decision to discontinue the open seating policy a year ago but had not confirmed a specific implementation date until now.
These changes are part of a significant overhaul of Southwest Airlines’ business model. Earlier this year in March, the airline also stated that they would begin charging baggage fees for many passengers and introduced new fare types in the spring, with top-tier customers exempt from many of the new restrictions and fees.