Southwest Airlines is transitioning away from its long‑standing open‑seating system—the familiar “first‑come, first‑served” approach—to implement assigned seating starting January 27, 2026. Travelers will be able to pick from seat types like extra legroom, preferred, or standard, depending on fare bundles and loyalty status, with elite Rapid Rewards members and certain credit‑card holders gaining early access to seat selection. The shift also includes a revamped group boarding process prioritizing passengers based on fare, seat choice, or elite status, aimed at making boarding more efficient and reducing chaos.
0