Southwest Sets Jan. 27 Switch to Assigned Seating With New Boarding Groups and Paid Seat Categories
The airline is pairing the overhaul with stricter extra-seat requirements and checked-bag fees as American’s recent Basic Economy mileage cutoff underscores a wider shift toward unbundled perks.
Overview
- Assigned seating begins January 27, offering Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom options priced at different levels.
- Southwest’s boarding changes replace the A/B/C system with numbered groups 1 through 8 printed on boarding passes.
- Updated Customer of Size rules will require travelers who encroach on adjacent seats to buy additional seats in advance, with refunds available on request after travel and rebooking offered if adjacent seats are unavailable or flights are sold out.
- Southwest’s universal two free checked bags ended in late 2025; exceptions include two free bags for Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred and Getaways by Southwest customers, one free bag for A-List and Rapid Rewards credit cardmembers, and two free bags for Hawaii inter-island residents.
- American Airlines’ December 17, 2025 AAdvantage change means Basic Economy tickets no longer earn miles or loyalty points.