Overview

• 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.