Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines seat selection will officially be part of the booking process. This is a big shift for Southwest, famous for its open seating and friendly service. As a travel planner who stays current on airline updates to better guide my clients, I’m breaking down what this change means for you, especially if you’ve built your travel style around Southwest’s previous boarding process.

Assigned Seats at Booking—A First for Southwest

For the first time, travelers flying Southwest will have the option to select their seat when booking. You can choose from:

  • Extra Legroom seats for added comfort.
  • Preferred seats for prime cabin location.
  • Standard seats for classic travel value.

These options come bundled with different fare levels, giving you more control over your flight experience.

If you’ve ever worried about sitting apart from your travel companions or scrambling for an aisle seat, this update will offer more peace of mind.

Southwest’s Loyalty Program Just Got Better

If you’re a Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember, A-List, or A-List Preferred flyer, you’ll enjoy even more perks:

  • Select your seat at booking or up to 48 hours before departure, even on Basic fares.
  • Continue earning rewards and tier benefits while securing your preferred seating.

This is a win for my frequent-traveling couples and groups who value flexibility without giving up loyalty perks.

New Group-Based Boarding Process

With the rollout of Southwest Airlines seat selection, Southwest is also revamping its boarding process:

  • Boarding groups will now be based on seat location, fare type, and loyalty status.
  • Groups 1 and 2 will prioritize Extra Legroom seats.
  • Premium fares and loyal customers will board earlier for a more streamlined process.

So yes… the classic “cattle call” is officially being retired.

Why This Matters for Travelers Like You

As a destination travel planner, here’s my takeaway:

  • Couples and groups can book with peace of mind knowing they’ll sit together.
  • Comfort seekers have options like Extra Legroom without switching airlines.
  • Loyalty perks stay intact, making Southwest even more competitive without losing its friendliness.

This change helps Southwest stay relevant in a market where seat selection is a basic expectation, but it also preserves their unique hospitality.

Should You Still Fly Southwest?

Some travelers loved the old system. Others dreaded the boarding rush. Southwest Airlines seat selection offers more choice while still honoring loyal flyers and families who want a smooth, affordable travel experience.

If you’re wondering which fare bundle or seat option makes the most sense for your next trip, I’m happy to guide you through it. Especially for wedding groups or family vacations, these updates can make coordinating travel smoother.

More Details:

You can read Southwest’s official announcement and boarding breakdown at southwest.com.

Planning a celebration trip? I’d love to help you streamline travel options—including the latest updates like Southwest Airlines seat selection—so your trip feels effortless from start to finish. Let’s chat!