Another major change is coming to Southwest Airlines. Just two months after ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy, the airline has announced when it will roll out assigned seating ...

Another major change is coming to Southwest Airlines. Just two months after ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy, the airline has announced when it will roll out assigned seating ...

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

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

Southwest Airlines announces a shift from open seating to assigned seats starting July 29 for flights booked from 2026, becoming the last major airline to end a pick-any-seat policy.

The assigned seating era at Southwest Airlines has a date, ending more than 50 years of the pick-your-spot philosophy that defined the Dallas-based air carrier.

Southwest Airlines has set a date for the official end of its open-seating policy and new boarding process. For flights beginning Jan. 27, 2026, customers will have assigned seating, as well as ...

Southwest Airlines customers next Tuesday will have options to select their seat at the time of booking for flights beginning Jan. 27. The switch will end the airline's decades-long open-seating ...

Passengers will fly in assigned seats on Southwest flights for the first time Jan. 27, ending 50-plus years of open seating.

The airline is also reworking numerous seats on its planes to add seating with extra legroom at an additional cost.