Customer Service

Southwest debuting seat selection option in 2026

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July 31, 2025

Southwest Airlines will give customers options to select their seat during booking starting Jan. 27, 2026.

Since beginning operations in 1971 the airline had an open seating policy and no option of seat selection.

"Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience," Tony Roach, executive vice president customer and brand, at Southwest Airlines, said in a press release. "Assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our customers — including the ability to select extra legroom seats — and removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin. This is an important step in our evolution, and we're excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary customer service."

Southwest flyers will be able to choose from various fare bundles, some that offer the opportunity to select a seat during the booking process, as well as access to the different seat types — extra legroom, preferred and standard.

Rapid Rewards Credit card members, depending on which card they hold, can select a seat at booking or within 48 hours of departure, regardless of which fare they purchase, including basic fares. A-List and A-List preferred customers will have access to select a seat at booking regardless of the fare they purchase, including basic fares.

In addition, starting on the same date, Southwest will initiate a new group-based boarding process optimized for assigned seating and will prioritize customers into groups based on seat location, beginning with extra legroom seats in boarding groups one and two. Premium fares and Southwest's members and credit card members will board earlier in the process.

Customers will be able to purchase priority boarding beginning 24 hours prior to departure to be among the first to board.