Southwest Airlines to Introduce Assigned Seating by 2026

The airline will also offer premium seating and maintain its free checked-bag policy amid a major transformation plan.

Southwest Airlines will start selling assigned seats in late 2025, with implementation on flights beginning in early 2026.
The new seating policy comes after research showed 80% of Southwest customers and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seating.
The airline will introduce premium seating with extra legroom, while also redesigning the interiors of its 800 aircraft.
Southwest plans to maintain its 'Bags Fly Free' policy, allowing passengers to check up to two bags at no additional cost.
The changes are part of a broader strategy to enhance customer experience and improve financial performance, despite pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.