Why Southwest Now Uses Assigned Seating and How It Works

As of January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines no longer has an open seating policy. Here's how Southwest now boards its aircraft and why it chose to go this route.

What travelers can expect as Southwest Airlines introduces assigned seats

Southwest Airlines passengers are making their final boarding-time scrambles for seats as the carrier prepares to end its ...
TravelPulse

What Travelers Need to Know as Southwest Airlines Launches Assigned Seating

Southwest Airlines has completed its transition to assigned seating, with travelers experiencing a new boarding process ...

Southwest makes huge change to seating policy — here’s why that’s a bad sign for budget travelers

Southwest’s oft-chaotic open-seating policy is finally coming to an end — and while some anxious flyers may rejoice in the ...

RIP Southwest Airlines open seating. Assigned seating is here

When is Southwest doing assigned seating in Phoenix? The more than half-century-old open seating policy has ended. What to ...