It’s a historical day for Southwest Airlines. For the first time in the company’s extended history, the Love Field-headquartered airliner has made the decision to do away with its open seating system. Previously known for its “first come, first served” model, Southwest Airlines will hereby offer exclusively assigned seating for passengers as of Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Seating changes at Southwest Airlines
Under the Customer Enhancements page of its website, Southwest Airlines has detailed its new assigned seating model. The model now operates on a three seat tier system, where its cabin is designated by:
- Extra Legroom seats: located at the front of the cabin near the exit rows, these seats offer “up to five additional inches” of extra legroom
- Preferred seats: standard legroom seats located at the front of the cabin
- Standard seats: standard Southwest legroom seats at the back of the cabin
Boarding Changes at Southwest Airlines
In accordance with its new seating system, Southwest Airlines is changing its boarding process. From now on, the boarding process will be broken down as such:
- Groups 1 and 2: Extra Legroom passengers, A-List Preferred members, and Choice Extra fare holders
- Groups 3 – 5: Preferred seat passengers and select Choice fares
- Groups 6 – 8: Standard seating passengers
Southwest Airlines Fare Bundles
In addition to its new seating system, Southwest Airlines has rebranded its fare classes as Fare Bundles. Broken down in four tiers, fare bundles are now available as of today:
Basic
Formerly called Wanna Get Away.
- Seating: No seat selection at booking. A Standard seat is automatically assigned at check-in.
- Baggage: Checked bags are not included (standard fees apply).
- Boarding: Assigned to Group 8 (last to board).
- Flexibility: Non-refundable (issued as a non-transferable flight credit valid for only 6 months if you cancel). No same-day changes or standby allowed.
- Earnings: 2x Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
Choice
Formerly called Wanna Get Away Plus.
- Seating: Includes choice of Standard seats at the time of booking.
- Baggage: Checked bags are not included (standard fees apply).
- Boarding: Typically assigned to Group 6 or 7.
- Flexibility: Non-refundable (issued as a Transferable Flight Credit valid for 12 months if you cancel). Includes free same-day changes and standby.
- Earnings: 6x Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
Choice Preferred
Previously called Anytime.
- Seating: Includes your choice of Preferred or Standard seats at the time of booking. (You can upgrade to Extra Legroom for a fee).
- Baggage: Checked bags are not included (standard fees apply).
- Boarding: Guaranteed to board no later than Group 5.
- Flexibility: Fully refundable to your original form of payment. Includes free same-day changes and standby.
- Perks: Access to Priority/Express airport lanes.
- Earnings: 10x Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
Choice Extra
Previously called Business Select.
- Seating: Includes your choice of Extra Legroom, Preferred, or Standard seats at the time of booking.
- Baggage: Two free checked bags (the only fare that still includes this as a standard benefit).
- Boarding: Guaranteed Group 1 or 2 (the earliest boarding).
- Flexibility: Fully refundable to your original form of payment.
- Perks: Complimentary premium drink, free in-flight Wi-Fi, and access to Priority/Express airport lanes.
- Earnings: 14x Rapid Rewards points per dollar.
Other previously implemented updates at Southwest Airlines have included changes to its Checked Bags and Plus-Size policies. As of 2025, only Southwest Airlines no longer offers its two bags fly free policy. Additionally, passengers who do not fit in a single seat are now obligated to purchase an addition seat when traveling.