This Lovable Airline Has a Major Change Coming (And Not Everyone Is Happy)

You can tell a lot about a person by where they sit on an airplane. Do you need the freedom (and control) of the aisle seat? Or do you prefer to count the clouds from the window seat? One thing both sides can agree on is that anyone who prefers the middle seat is a source of pure chaos. For most airlines, seat selection is a part of the booking process. Of course, you could leave your fate to the gate agents, but we all know that’s a great way to get a middle seat. 

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its free seating policy. If you’ve ever flown Southwest, you know the pressure to check in on time (or get Early Bird!), so you are given a lower check-in number. This system determines what order you board the plane, and once you’re on the plane, you can pick any seat you like! I once got A17, and I felt like a rockstar. 

You either love or hate this seating system. Generally speaking, frequent fliers love it, and more novice fliers hate it. If you fly with Southwest often, you have your system down and you know exactly what to do, but for new fliers, this “choose your own adventure” can fill travelers with anxiety. Personally, I love it. Minus the people who get on and save seats (you know who you are), the system works great. Sadly, we will bid farewell to this Wild West system, and Southwest will soon fall in line with every other major airline, moving towards assigned seating. 

Beginning on January 27, 2026, Southwest will move away from the current A/B/C groups and move toward a standard numbering system using Groups 1 through 8. 

Southwest New Fare Bundles

As part of the new seating system, Southwest is also redesigning its fares. All of these changes will take effect for flights taking off after January 27, 2026. 

• Basic: Standard seat in the back of the cabin assigned at check-in, boarding last.
• Choice: Standard seat in the back of the cabin selected at booking, boarding general.
• Choice Preferred: Preferred seat selected at booking, Early general boarding.
• Choice Extra: Extra legroom seating selected at booking, Early boarding.

The benefits for each seating class increase with each tier. For the traveler on a budget, the Basic tier would fit most needs. Choice straddles the lines between the Basic and Choice Preferred, making it the most popular tier out of the four. 

Southwest Seat Choices Coming Soon

There will be three seat choices for travelers to choose from:

Extra Legroom Seat: the roomiest option at the front of the cabin and near the exit rows. Though seat pitch varies by aircraft, this option grants up to five inches of additional legroom, plus enhanced snacks and complimentary premium beverages. 

Preferred Seat: The middle ground. These seats offer standard legroom and are near the front of the cabin. 

Standard Seat: A familiar option for most, these seats offer standard legroom and are located in the back of the cabin.  

The bundle you pick (Basic, Choice, etc.) will determine which type of seat comes with your purchase. Travelers can purchase a different seat selection if there is availability.

Things to Know About The New Southwest Seating System

Family Boarding

Families on the same confirmation number will be assigned the same boarding group. Those with Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice extra will have the opportunity to select seats during the booking process. Families traveling on Basic fares will be assigned a seat at check-in or at the gate. Although they try to place families together, it is not a guarantee, so please keep that in mind when booking. 

Bags Don’t Fly Free

Gone are the days of “bags fly free” for folks traveling under the Basic tier (formally known as Wanna Get Away). Bag fees will apply to Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares. Choice Extra will continue to have two free checked bags. 

The new seating system was implemented in July 2025 for flights traveling on or after January 27, 2026, so there’s a chance you’ve already had the option to select your seats. As the date approaches, Southwest will make additional announcements about the new policy to ensure a smooth flight experience. 

Are you looking forward to Southwest’s new assigned seating policy, or did you prefer the old way? I’m certainly sad to see it go. I enjoyed the mad dash to a window seat. Share this article with your fellow traveler, and try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.