Southwest Airlines' signature boarding style is being replaced with zoned groups and customizable seating perks.

It’s the final boarding call for open seating. Southwest Airlines announced Monday that flights with assigned seats will begin Jan. 27. The current model, long a differentiator for the airline ...

After more than 50 years of free-for-all seat selections, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines will begin assigning seats to travelers in January 2026.

The airline is ending to its open-seating policy, describing the move as "an important step in our evolution." ...

Starting July 29, Southwest customers can select their seat when booking flights beginning on January 27, 2026.

Southwest Airlines' new boarding process will swap open for 'group' seating. Here's when it'll start, what it'll look like at LaGuardia Airport.

On Monday, Southwest Airlines announced that assigned seating will become active on Jan. 27, 2026, ending a 50-year tradition. Customers will have the option to choose between extra legroom seats ...

Southwest Airlines will introduce assigned seating starting Jan. 27, 2026, ending its long-standing open seating policy.

Beginning July 29, 2025, Southwest Airlines customers will have the option to select their seat at the time of booking for flights scheduled on or after Jan. 27, 2026. | Customers will be able to ...

The airline’s iconic open seating policy is coming to a close, along with its offer of two free checked bags, after more than half a century.

(CNN) — The end of an era is official for Southwest Airlines passengers. On Monday, the airline announced a start date for its new assigned seating, which will bring the airline’s longstanding ...