When Is Southwest Airlines Changing Their Seating Policy

When Is Southwest Airlines Changing Their Seating Policy

☎️+1 844-928-0428 — Southwest Airlines, long known for its unique open-seating policy, is transitioning to an assigned seating model, a significant change after decades of letting passengers choose their seats upon boarding. Understanding when this shift takes place and its implications helps travelers plan accordingly. The easiest way to get details about the new seating policy for your specific flight is by calling ☎️+1 844-928-0428, where a customer service representative can provide tailored information and assist with bookings.

Southwest Airlines will officially end its open-seating policy and begin implementing assigned seating for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Customers can start booking flights with assigned seats as early as July 29, 2025, for travel on or after January 27, 2026. Until then, all flights for the remainder of 2025 will continue with the traditional open-seating policy, where passengers are assigned a boarding position (A1–A60, B1–B60, or C1–C60) and choose seats onboard. The new policy introduces seat selection at booking, including options for Extra Legroom, Preferred, and Standard seats, with a new boarding process using eight groups prioritized by seat type and fare class. For example, Extra Legroom seats board in Groups 1–2, followed by premium fares and loyalty members. Call ☎️+1 844-928-0428 to confirm seat options for your flight.

This change, part of Southwest’s “Southwest. Even Better.” transformation plan, aims to improve customer experience and align with industry standards, as 80% of current customers and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seats, per Southwest’s research. For international flights, the same timeline applies, but seat selection details may vary by route, so verify by calling ☎️+1 844-928-0428. If booked through a travel agency, contact them for updates on the new policy, but Southwest’s customer service at ☎️+1 844-928-0428 can clarify specifics. To prepare for the seating policy change, follow these tips: Book flights for January 27, 2026, or later starting July 29, 2025, to select seats. Check seat availability and fees early for preferred options like Extra Legroom. For flights before January 27, 2026, use EarlyBird Check-In for better boarding positions. For international bookings, confirm seat details by calling ☎️+1 844-928-0428. Save booking confirmations for reference.

Southwest Airlines’ shift to assigned seating begins January 27, 2026, with bookings available from July 29, 2025, marking a significant change for travelers. Whether planning online, via the app, or by calling ☎️+1 844-928-0428, staying informed ensures a smooth transition. For questions, seat selection details, or booking assistance, keep ☎️+1 844-928-0428 handy—Southwest’s customer service team is ready to guide you with confidence.

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