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3w ago

Southwest Opens Seat Selection for Flights From January 2026

Passengers can now pay variable fees to choose seats when booking flights departing after January 27, 2026.

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 airplane prepares to takeoff at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on July 10, 2025.
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Overview

  • As of July 29, customers booking flights for January 27, 2026 or later must select a seat at booking or receive an automatic assignment under the new fare structure.
  • Seat selection fees vary by route, travel date and seat type, ranging roughly from $41 for preferred middle seats to up to $96 for extra-legroom aisle or window seats.
  • Southwest ended its Bags Fly Free policy in late May and now charges $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second.
  • Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card holders and A-List members retain complimentary seat choice and early boarding privileges, with premium cardholders eligible for unlimited extra-legroom upgrades.
  • The airline will introduce a numbered boarding group system from 1 to 8 in early 2026 that determines boarding order based on seat type, fare bundle and loyalty status.