Southwest Airlines is making MAJOR changes to its boarding process after years of having a controversial “open seating policy” where seats were not preassigned.
Southwest Airlines
In July 2024, Southwest announced that it would be ending its open seating system and would instead assign seats among other changes. So, what’s being updated and what do you need to know? We’ve got all the details.
Southwest Airlines hosted an Investor Day briefing back on September 26th, 2024, where they revealed some important information about their business plans along with an update on their assigned seating policy — which they’re going to “evolve.”
Southwest
In addition to the new seating policy, Southwest will continue to focus on operational efficiency. In a statement, the company said, “The updated boarding process will maintain Southwest’s unique and popular approach in boarding through position numbers and signage displayed on stanchions within the gate area. The carrier’s most loyal Customers and those who purchase premium seating will continue to be among the first to board.”
Southwest Airlines at the Orlando Airport
But, you won’t have to worry about dealing with this new system — whether you’re excited about it or not — until it begins to roll out in 2026. Southwest has said that passengers can book reserved seating beginning in late 2025, with those seats being available for flights in early 2026.
In addition to the new assigned seating policy, Southwest will soon be offering “premium seating” with up to five inches of additional legroom. As it stands now, all Southwest planes have the same type of seats throughout their planes, meaning the new premium seating will give folks the option to upgrade.
Southwest Airlines
Open seating will be sticking around throughout the rest of 2025, but if you plan on flying Southwest Airlines in 2026, get ready for assigned seats to make their way to your booking screen later this year. As of now, flights can only be booked through October 1st, 2025, and Southwest will open its schedule through November 1st on February 6th, so mark your calendars if you’re waiting for that.
©Southwest Airlines
And, Southwest’s checked bag policy will be sticking around as well — even after the seating policy officially changes. Passengers will still be able to check up to two free bags, which is a HUGE perk when flying these days. Keep an eye on the Southwest Airlines website for these changes as 2026 gets closer!
In the meantime, we’ll be on the lookout for the latest travel news that could impact your trip to Disney World. Make sure you stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog so you don’t miss any updates.
Southwest Airlines Adds NEW Nonstop Flights for February
Travel Updates, Tips, and Tricks
Complete Guide to Booking the CHEAPEST Flight to Disney World
Our Best Tips For Flying Through the Orlando International Airport
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get to Disney World From the Orlando Airport
Join the DFB Newsletter to Get All the Latest Disney News Delivered Right to Your Inbox! Click Here to Subscribe
Do you fly Southwest Airlines? Tell us in the comments.
Our handy (and portable!) ebook guides make sure you get the best deals and can plan a vacation of a lifetime.
I have been flying with Southwest for the last 25 to 30 years I love it I think you are making a big mistake on this assigned seating a lot of people do good to afford the tickets let alone have to pay for a seat too. I have trouble getting through the airport too much walking so I do a wheelchair and people look at me like who the hell are you it’s not my fault I can’t walk a long distance that’s why I like boarding first with the with the families and stuff but I guess they’re going to change that too big mistake