After decades of making passengers sprint for a spot like it’s an Olympic sport, Southwest Airlines is changing the game. That’s right, no more guessing where you’ll sit when you fly in 2026.
The airline announced it will start selling assigned seats—goodbye to the infamous boarding free-for-all. But will travelers actually want this, or is Southwest leaving behind its loyal open-seating fans? According to Southwest, 80% of current customers and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seating, suggesting this could be a welcome change.
The Chaos-Free Boarding You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s face it—Southwest’s “every person for themselves” boarding process was never for the faint-hearted. You’ve seen it: people anxiously refreshing their app 24 hours before departure to secure their place in the line. Want to sit next to your travel buddy? Good luck with that! But with assigned seats on the horizon, Southwest might actually ease some stress. No more bickering over seat space or wondering if you’ll sit next to a human, a dog, or an empty soda can.
Why Now?
Southwest insists this move isn’t about caving to the pressure of other airlines. They insist that customer feedback played a role in the decision, and in addition to assigned seating, they will offer premium legroom seating options as part of the transition. Well, some customers. For those who love the excitement of open seating, this might feel like a betrayal. But, love it or hate it, the assigned seating era is coming to Southwest—and it’s something travelers have been asking for.
The Details: How Will It Work?
Beginning in 2025, you’ll have the option to book an assigned seat ahead of time—yes, you can guarantee that coveted window or aisle spot. But here’s the kicker: it won’t be free. You’ll have to pay for that peace of mind. Southwest will keep its traditional boarding process for those who want to keep things cheap (and chaotic). So, whether you’re a planner or a last-minute flyer, they’ve got you covered.
What Does This Mean for Your Wallet?
Will this cost you a fortune? Probably not. Southwest is known for being budget-friendly, and they aren’t about to blow that reputation with sky-high fees for seats. But expect to shell out a bit extra if you’re looking to secure that prime exit row.
Why Travelers Should Care
So, why should this change matter to you? Well, imagine flying stress-free, knowing exactly where you’ll sit before you even hit the airport. No more frantic scrambles to board first or sitting in the dreaded middle seat because you got stuck in Group C. This change is about giving people what they’ve been asking for—more certainty, especially for families, business travelers, and anyone who doesn’t like boarding chaos.
Fans of Open Seating, Beware!
Of course, this isn’t great news for everyone. For the hardcore Southwest loyalists who’ve mastered the art of seat strategy, this change could feel like the end of an era. The unpredictable game of who-gets-what seat is part of Southwest’s charm. But, don’t worry—you can still roll the dice if you’re feeling lucky and opt-out of assigned seating.
Families and Groups, Rejoice
Flying with a group? You’ll no longer have to play musical chairs trying to find seats together. This change means families can pre-book seats, ensuring they can sit together. For parents, this might just be the end of that frantic boarding shuffle with kids in tow.
Southwest Is Shaking Things Up
In a crowded airline industry, staying competitive means listening to customers. And let’s face it—Southwest’s seat scramble wasn’t for everyone. They’re betting that by offering more choices (without forcing it on everyone), they’ll attract more passengers, including those who’ve stayed away due to the chaotic boarding process.
What the Future Holds
Will this move win over new customers or alienate the loyal ones? Only time will tell. What’s certain is that 2025 will mark a big shift for the airline. Assigned seating brings Southwest more in line with its competitors, but the question remains: will travelers miss the thrill of the seat scramble or embrace the new, more predictable way to fly?
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Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / lorenzatx.
For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.
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