Overview

• Southwest opened seat sales on July 29 for flights beginning Jan. 27, 2026.
• Passengers can now pay to select standard or Extra Legroom seats or receive an assignment at check-in if they opt out.
• The airline will switch to an eight-group boarding system organized by seat location when assignments take effect.
• Rapid Rewards credit card holders can pick seats 48 hours before departure regardless of fare bundle.
• This shift complements new fare tiers and baggage fees introduced after ending the ‘bags fly free’ policy.