(DALLAS, TX) - Travelers flying with Southwest Airlines will see major changes to seating beginning in 2026, as the airline moves away from its decades-old open-seating model.
Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest will implement assigned seating on all flights departing on or after that date. The airline first announced plans to eliminate open seating in 2024, citing both revenue goals and customer demand for more control over seating options.
"Our Customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience," said Tony Roach, a Southwest executive, in a previous statement.
Under the new system, passengers will choose from three seating categories at booking:
- Standard seats, located toward the back of the cabin
- Preferred seats, located closer to the front
- Extra Legroom seats, typically near exit rows, offering three to five additional inches of space
The seat type purchased will determine boarding order and eligibility for certain perks. Southwest says some pre-boarding procedures -- including those for families with children and active-duty military members -- will also be adjusted.
Flights departing before January 27, 2026, will continue using the airline's open-seating policy.
Southwest is also updating its policy for plus-size passengers who need an extra seat. Currently, those customers are not required to purchase a second seat in advance and may request a refund after travel if space was available.
Beginning in 2026, customers will be required to purchase an extra seat before boarding and pay any applicable seat fees. Refunds will still be possible after the flight, but eligibility will depend on several factors, including whether both seats were in the same fare class, whether the request is made within 90 days, and whether the flight departed with at least one open seat.
Advocacy groups and some travel influencers have criticized the new policy, saying the refund conditions could create uncertainty for plus-size travelers. Others have defended the change, arguing it balances comfort for all passengers.
Despite the update, Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline that offers potential post-flight refunds for eligible plus-size passengers who purchase an extra seat.
Southwest says it has been notifying customers who previously used the extra-seat policy and encouraging them to purchase the additional seat at the time of booking.