For loyal Southwest Airlines passengers, it’s the first day of the rest of their lives.
A new era began for the Dallas-based airline on Tuesday: the day it officially said goodbye to its famous first-come, first-served seating policy and one-of-a-kind boarding process.
Starting today, Southwest Airlines will assign seats on every flight—no more searching for the best available seat after boarding.
Passengers will no longer queue along numbered gate posts to board the aircraft. Instead, they will be drafted in groups, like nearly every other U.S. airline.
We’ve been talking about these changes for 18 months, and they’re part of Southwest’s larger transformation — last year, it ended its long-standing “Fly Bags Free” policy and updated its Rapid Rewards credit card lineup.
Oh, and did we mention seats with extra legroom? After a “test run” last year, these extra-wide seats will now be available on every Southwest flight.
All in all, it’s a significant shift for the airline – welcomed by some customers but lamented by others.
My take: I just tried Southwest’s new extended legroom seats. Are they worth it?
Here’s information about the changes implemented on Southwest Airlines planes this week and what flying with the airline will look like in the future.
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From open seating to designated seating
First, Southwest Airlines on Tuesday began implementing its long-planned shift from open to assigned seating.
It’s a big shift for the airline, which for half a century has let passengers choose their seats after boarding.
But by 2024, Southwest executives announced that the airline would abandon its long-standing policy, which is virtually synonymous with the airline but which the company claims most customers are ready to end.
So going forward, when you book a Southwest flight, you’ll also be able to choose your seat – although some travelers may encounter new surcharges depending on the fare they book.
Southwest Airlines seat selection by fare
Here’s how seat selection policies apply to each airline’s adjusted fares they sell:
| fare products | Allow seat selection |
|---|---|
|
Seat assigned at check-in |
|
|
Standard seat selection |
|
|
Standard seating options, including “preferred” seats near the front of the aircraft |
|
|
Extra legroom seat options |
As previously mentioned, passengers who choose Southwest’s cheapest base fare (the “Wanna Get Away” fare that ended last year) won’t be able to select their seats for free.
This policy is basically consistent with other airlines’ basic economy fares.
How to avoid Southwest Airlines seat fees?
However, there are ways to avoid seat fees even if you’re flying Basic.
Quick reward status
Passengers with Rapid Rewards elite status will be entitled to free seat selection regardless of fare product. They’ll also get seat “upgrades” with extra legroom.
- A-List members can transfer to an extra-legroom seat up to 48 hours before departure, subject to availability.
- A-List Preferred passengers can choose a seat with more legroom when booking, if available.
southwest credit card
At the same time, Rapid Rewards members with co-branded credit cards can also receive seat benefits, as follows:
Remember, A-List members and credit card holders get free bags on all bookings — a perk the airline introduced after it first introduced checked bag fees last summer.
*Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card information is collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Read more: Best Southwest Airlines Credit Cards
Southwest Airlines boarding process adjustments
Also launching Tuesday: Southwest Airlines’ new boarding groups.
Last year, the airline announced that the end of assigned seats would also end its unique process of having customers line up at the gate.
From now on, Southwest will use eight boarding groups, with a process very similar to how other airlines handle boarding.
Here’s a complete overview of the board members for each group, but I’ve included some highlights below:
- A-List Preferred members and passengers seated in extra legroom seats will board no later than Group 2.
- A-List members and other credit card holders will board before Group 5.
- Passengers on base fares will be the last to board.
best news
Whether you loved or hated Southwest’s previous boarding setup, this change brings news that nearly all passengers will be happy about.
The habit of frequent Southwest fliers setting their alarms to check in on time 24 hours a day (in order to get a good spot in the boarding order) will now be a thing of the past.
Other Southwest changes to know about
These aren’t the only changes Southwest has made over the past year.
In addition to the above baggage fees effective May 2025:
international partnerships
The airline already has a number of partnerships with international airlines and hopes to start fast-track partner award redemptions on international flights later this year. This could make Southwest points a more valuable currency.
Remember, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Bilt Rewards points to airlines.
Quick rewards become (even more) dynamic
Southwest, on the other hand, moved more toward truly dynamic award pricing last year, rolling out “variable” redemptions to mixed results for members.
That’s after the airline slashed point accrual on its cheapest fares; if you book a base fare, you’ll only earn 2 points per $1 spent instead of 6.
Free Wi-Fi available to all members
The airline joined a larger trend in the airline industry in October by offering free Wi-Fi to all loyalty members, a huge win for passengers.
What happens next?
Assigning seats may not be the end of it.
The airline hasn’t been too coy about the bigger changes coming.
We’ve seen signs that Southwest is considering airport lounges, including in Hawaii.
Chief Executive Bob Jordan has publicly considered true first-class seats and long-haul international flights — two moves that were once unthinkable for the airline.
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