If you are a frequent Southwest Airlines flyer, then read this important update. Southwest Airlines is preparing to make one of the most significant changes in its half-century history: rolling out Assigned Seating starting January 27, 2026. You can already pre-book your tickets for next year using the new system on the official Southwest Airlines website. This change in policy marks the end of its iconic open seating system and aligns the airline with industry norms. In our guide, you will discover exactly how the new policy will work, what seat types will be offered, how the boarding process changes, and how different fare types and customer status affect your experience.

The shift responds to customer demand for more control and certainty, and sets the stage for Southwest’s broader transformation under its “Southwest. Even Better.” strategy. If you’re a frequent flyer, traveling with family, or booking the cheapest fare, this article will walk you through every stage, from booking to boarding, and will help you understand the implications.

The End Of Open Seating: What’s Changing

Photo: ZikG | Shutterstock

Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest will officially end its long-standing open seating model, under which passengers board in A, B, or C order and choose any available seat once onboard. Instead, every ticket for flights on or after that date will come with an assigned seat, determined either at booking or at check-in as described on the website.

This change is part of a sweeping customer-experience overhaul that includes new fare bundles, seat classes, and boarding protocols, collectively designed to modernize Southwest while maintaining its core hospitality ethos. Departing passengers in early 2026 will no longer fight to secure seats; they’ll know exactly where they’re seated ahead of departure.

The move follows customer research showing that 80% of current Southwest flyers and 86% of potential customers prefer being able to choose their seats, as described in the Southwest Investor Relations release. Southwest leadership has also mentioned that the change is driven by demand, modernization, and business strategy, aiming to enhance comfort, convenience, and ancillary revenue opportunities.

Photo: Around the World Photos | Shutterstock.

To fully appreciate this change, let’s take a look at the current open seating system. Southwest does not assign seats when customers book. Instead, passengers are assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a position (1–60) when they check in, usually 24 hours before departure. Boarding order is strictly followed, with A1 boarding first and C60 last. Once onboard, customers can sit in any unoccupied seat.

Southwest’s current ticketing process is also unique in that customers can improve their boarding position by checking in early, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, holding elite status, or upgrading to Business Select. These options are valued for allowing better seat choices, particularly for those wanting aisle or window seats, traveling in groups, or needing extra legroom. However, for families or less frequent travelers, the uncertainty around seat availability and group separation has long been a concern.

With the assigned seating model, Southwest aims to eliminate this uncertainty and simplify the experience. Rather than racing the clock at the 24-hour check-in mark or purchasing upgrades to improve seat selection odds, travelers will know their exact seat ahead of time, enhancing peace of mind and aligning the experience with most other airlines.

Fare Bundles & Seat-Type Options

Photo: V_E | Shutterstock

Southwest is introducing four new fare bundles – Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra. Each of the bundles offers different seating options and boarding privileges, described in the Assigned Seating section in detail.

Choice Extra (formerly Business Select) includes an Extra Legroom seat in the first five rows or exit rows, with up to five inches more pitch, priority boarding (Groups 1–2), premium snacks, and in-flight internet where available.

(formerly Business Select) includes an in the first five rows or exit rows, with up to five inches more pitch, priority boarding (Groups 1–2), premium snacks, and in-flight internet where available. Choice Preferred offers standard legroom Preferred seats near the front, with earlier boarding than basic fares.

offers standard legroom near the front, with earlier boarding than basic fares. Choice and Basic allow the selection of Standard seats, though Basic tickets come with more restrictions.

A clear comparison of four fare bundles, seat types, and benefits provides actionable insight for booking decisions:

Fare Bundle Seat Type Seat Location Boarding Group Seat Selection Timing Key Perks Basic Standard Assigned randomly Groups 6–8 At check-in Lowest fare, minimal flexibility Choice Standard Mid to rear of aircraft Groups 6–7 At booking Allows seat selection Choice Preferred Preferred Front of aircraft Groups 3–5 At booking Earlier boarding, better seat positioning Choice Extra Extra Legroom First 5 rows or exit rows Groups 1–2 At booking Extra pitch, snacks, priority internet access

For those purchasing the Basic fare, seats will be assigned automatically at check-in, unless the customer has A-List or A-List Preferred status, or holds a Rapid Rewards credit card that permits seat selection within 48 hours of departure. This ensures flexibility even on low-cost tickets for eligible members.

Seat Selection: Booking & Check-In Mechanics

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

Seat selection becomes available for bookings made on or after July 29, 2025, for travel starting January 27, 2026. When booking online or via the mobile app, customers will see a real-time seat map showing available seats and pricing tiers, similar to the method used by other airlines, such as Ryanair, another major all-Boeing 737 low-cost carrier from the other side of the Pond.

At booking, customers can choose Extra Legroom, Preferred, or Standard seats depending on fare and availability. A-List and A-List Preferred members, along with eligible credit cardholders, can select seats even on Basic fares, sometimes up to 48 hours before travel if seats aren’t available at booking.

If not selected at booking, Basic fare passengers receive a seat assignment during check-in, generally 24 hours prior to departure. Customers of size are advised to purchase adjacent seats if needed to comply with seat-width requirements and policies. Seat assignments are printed on boarding passes or accessible via QR code through the app or kiosk at the airport lobby, as described in the boarding process.

The New Boarding Process: Simpler, Smarter, Smoother

Photo: Elliott Cowand Jr | Shutterstock

The only thing that may confuse travelers is the eight-group system. Let’s break it down. Basically, with assigned seats replacing the old “choose-your-own” model, Southwest is also introducing a new boarding system to match, one that’s more intuitive and better reflects where you’ll actually sit on the plane, similar to those on legacy carriers.

Instead of the familiar A, B, and C boarding groups, there will now be eight numbered groups: Groups 1 through 8. Your group depends on your seat type, fare, and status, but the overall goal is to get everyone seated faster and with less crowding in the aisle.

Here’s how it works:

Groups 1–2 : Passengers with Extra Legroom seats (typically the front rows or exit rows) and A-List Preferred members get to board first.

: Passengers with (typically the front rows or exit rows) and members get to board first. Groups 3–5 : Those with Preferred seats near the front of the plane, A-List members, and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders come next.

: Those with near the front of the plane, members, and come next. Groups 6–8: Passengers with Standard seats and Basic fares board last.

By boarding the plane roughly from front to back and keeping seat types grouped, Southwest expects to reduce aisle traffic and avoid awkward bottlenecks. It is done to make boarding smoother for everyone.

If you’re someone who likes boarding early or sitting up front, you’ll now have a clearer path to getting those perks through fare upgrades, loyalty status, or a Rapid Rewards credit card. And even if you’re flying on a Basic fare, you’ll know exactly when you’ll board and where you’ll sit, long before you get to the gate.

Southwest says they’ve tested this new process in live airports and simulations, and the result is just what they were hoping for: more predictable, more relaxed boarding, without slowing down departure times. And for those who really want to board early, Upgraded Boarding (A1–A15) is still available for purchase on the day of travel, regardless of fare type.

Status & Credit-Cardholder Benefits

Photo: Andrew Angelov | Shutterstock

Southwest’s elite travelers retain and even enhance their privileges under the new system. A-List Preferred members can select any seat at booking, including Extra Legroom seats, and board in Groups 1–2.

A-List members can select Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours of departure (when available), or choose Preferred and Standard seats at booking. Rapid Rewards credit cardholders also benefit. Premium cardholders, including Priority and Performance Business cardholders, can access Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours or select Preferred/Standard seats at the time of booking. Holders of Plus or Premier cards can select Preferred or Standard seats up to 48 hours before departure. All credit cardholders board no later than Group 5, even when traveling on Basic fares, as explained here.

Here is a comparison table of status-based boarding privileges and seat-selection windows that helps readers assess the value of elite status vs. fare level:

Status or Cardholder Type Seat Selection Access Boarding Group A-List Preferred Any seat at booking, including Extra Legroom Groups 1–2 A-List Preferred/Standard at booking; Extra Legroom 48h Groups 3–5 Rapid Rewards Priority/Performance Preferred at booking; Extra Legroom 48h Group 5 or earlier Rapid Rewards Plus/Premier Preferred/Standard seats 48h before departure Group 5 or earlier No Status (Basic Fare) Seat auto-assigned at check-in Groups 6–8

These benefits preserve the value proposition for frequent flyers and reward-card users, reinforcing loyalty while giving flexibility and influence over seat assignment. They help mitigate the loss of open seating for business travelers who prioritize consistency and convenience.

What Travelers Should Expect

Photo: Vlad Teodor | Shutterstock

Southwest’s transition to Assigned Seating on January 27, 2026, is the single most transformative change in its operational model since its founding. The end of open seating may usher in fare stratification, reduce passenger stress levels, and offer seat-type choices, all within a structured boarding system that resembles legacy carriers.

Passengers will benefit from more predictability, defined seat expectations, and the ability to book premium space ahead of time. Elite status holders and credit card users retain privileged access, while the airline gains revenue flexibility through fare bundles and seat-selection fees.

To make the most of the new system: book after July 29, 2025, to select your seat, consider upgrading to Choice Preferred or Extra if you value location or space, leverage status or credit-card perks, and if all else fails, or you prefer saving every cent, you can enjoy automated assignments at check-in. As Southwest blends tradition with modern expectations, savvy travelers can harness these changes to make the Southwest experience even better.

Southwest Airlines announced changes to its customer of size policy that it’ll implement starting in 2026. The change is important to note for Southwest travelers who need more than one reserved plane seat, such as some plus-sized travelers or those with disabilities. Also, the carrier could determine that a traveler may need an additional seat for safety reasons. However, under its new customer of size policy, Southwest will only refund passengers for the extra seat (or seats) purchased under three conditions.

Under the updated policy, to get one’s money back for an additional seat purchased, travelers will need to make their refund request within 90 days of travel. Also, flyers will need to buy all their seats “in the same fare class.” Another condition is that at least one of the seats purchased by the traveler must remain open on the flight.

The new customer of size policy will go into effect on January 27. Until then, Southwest travelers will abide by the carrier’s open seating and current customer of size protocol. On January 26, 2026, the airline will switch to operating by an assigned seating model.

What Else Is There to Know About Southwest Airlines’ Customer Of Size Policy?

Under Southwest’s current policy, the airline encourages travelers to purchase the number of seats they need. That way, they can take proactive action to ensure the carrier reserves enough space for them. Then, those travelers are given a “seat reserved” sign that they put on their additional seat(s). After the flight, the traveler can request a refund on the purchase of their extra seat(s) if they desire to.

Flyers traveling with any of Southwest’s carrier partners will still need to organize their seating arrangements with that other airline. Southwest won’t refund extra seats purchased to accommodate additional space a traveler will need on a partner carrier’s flight.

“Any customer traveling on an itinerary that includes a partner carrier and who cannot be safely accommodated in a single seat will be required to purchase an additional, non-refundable seat. You must contact the partner carrier to complete the purchase,” says Southwest.

Hear this story

AI-assisted summary Southwest Airlines is changing its refund policy for plus-size passengers who purchase two seats.

The new policy requires open seats on the flight, same-fare-class tickets, and a refund request within 90 days.

This change coincides with Southwest’s switch to assigned seating on all flights starting January 27.

Plus-size passengers on Southwest Airlines may soon find it harder to get reimbursed for their extra space.

The airline long had a policy encouraging “customers of size” to purchase two seats when they book a ticket, and then apply for a refund for the second fare after they travel.

Southwest will still allow customers to apply for the refund, but is restricting the conditions under which it will actually provide the reimbursements.

In a statement, the airline said the following three conditions must be met for plus-size passengers to be eligible for a refund:

The flight(s) must depart with at least one open seat (or with Passengers traveling on space available passes).

Both seats should be purchased in the same fare class (i.e., Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra, or Basic).

The refund request must be made within 90 days of your date of travel.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The updated policy goes into effect on Jan. 27, the same day the airline switches to assigned seating on all of its flights.

Plus-size travelers worry that the new policy is going to make their travel more complicated, without really providing any benefit to Southwest in the long-run.

“It seems like a sneaky add on from a policy that had been around for 20+ years without much hitting the bottom line. I just hope that consumers are aware of this change and I wonder if plus size people will skip out on flying with them at all because of them not knowing if the flight is sold out or not.” Jeff Jenkins, founder of Chubby Diaries, told USA TODAY in a written statement. He said it now falls to travelers to know whether or not their flight is sold out to know if they’ll be eligible for a refund.

“It’s just more anxiety to an already high anxiety experience,” he said.

Southwest’s previous policy still encouraged plus-size passengers to purchase two seats, but placed fewer restrictions on when refunds would be provided.

Starting Jan. 27, Southwest will require any customer who cannot be safely accommodated in a single seat, which the airline defines as between two lowered armrests, to purchase an additional ticket. The airline recommends passengers buy the second seat in advance to avoid having to pay a higher fare at the airport. Previously, the purchase of a second seat was recommended but not required on Southwest-operated flights.

Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.

Southwest Airlines Customer of Size Policy Overhauled – What You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines, known for being a budget-friendly option to air travelers, is about to undergo a major turn of events in the way passengers of size travel commencing with the year 2026. The carrier, known for its consumer friendly policies, announced new updates to their “Customer of Size Policy” that could have implications for larger passengers and possibly the air travel experience as a whole.

Customer of Size Policy

Since day one, Southwest Airlines has offered a special benefit to customers who need a little extra room when they travel. Under its current “Customer of Size” policy, passengers who required more room because of their physical size could book a second seat for no extra charge so that they did not infringe on their seatmate’s space. The airline had determined that a passenger required an additional seat if the individual’s body extended over the armrest of the adjacent seat.

Advertisement

After the passenger arrived, they were provided with a “Seat Reserved” sign to put on the second seat, to let other passengers know the seat was off limits. Passengers had to buy two seats to begin with but could seek a refund on the additional seat if it went unused during the flight.

Key Changes in Customer of Size Policy

The major policy changes will go into effect on January 27, 2026. Passengers will still be required to book two seats in advance if they are eligible for the policy. But the new rules on refunds will add restrictions to the process. Refunds will only be made in the following situations:

–At least one seat on the flight must remain open.

–Both are to be purchased in the same fare class.

–All refund requests must be submitted within 90 days of booking.

This change will coincide with Southwest’s transition from its open seating model to assigned seating. As a part of this change, passengers will also be expected to pay a fee if they decide to upgrade their seats to a preferred location, such as extra legroom or front-of-the-plane seats. It sounds like this will probably price up for everybody, passengers of size and otherwise.

The Impact on Non-Larger Passengers

Non-larger passengers have indirectly benefited from the Customer of Size policy for years as well. The policy spared all involved the awkwardness that comes from sitting awkwardly because of a lack of space. No longer relying on the policy to add some extra personal space might make future flights feel a little more crammed to everyone on board.

What Is Behind These Changes at Southwest Airlines

These policy changes are among a more overarching strategic shift at Southwest Airlines, led by the airline’s new management regime under activist investor Elliott. The company is also shedding several signature perks, like free checked bag service and becoming more like a traditional U.S. carrier. That includes new fare types and cuts to benefits for the loyalty program.

Most of Southwest’s longtime passengers have been lamenting some of these changes as contributing to the watering down of the airline’s brand in order to conform to industry standards. But Southwest Airlines says the changes are needed to remain competitive in the dynamic airline market.

Conclusion, What It Means for Travelers

The updated Southwest Airlines’ changes to customer of size policy reflect an overall change in approach for the airline. And while the airline’s new rules will no doubt save Southwest money, the changes could have implications for travelers. Bigger travelers, in particular, may find it more costly to book flights and they may no longer have the same level of comfort and flexibility they previously did.

The new rules they created around refunds and cashing in the second seat will probably discourage some passengers from buying extra seats, possibly leading to a less comfortable experience for large and non-larger travelers alike. As Southwest manages through its evolution, these changes will be there to shape its devoted customer community for years to come.

Advertisement

Southwest Airlines announced changes to its customer of size policy that it’ll implement starting in 2026. The change is important to note for Southwest travelers who need more than one reserved plane seat, such as some plus-sized travelers or those with disabilities. Also, the carrier could determine that a traveler may need an additional seat for safety reasons. However, under its new customer of size policy, Southwest will only refund passengers for the extra seat (or seats) purchased under three conditions.

Under the updated policy, to get one’s money back for an additional seat purchased, travelers will need to make their refund request within 90 days of travel. Also, flyers will need to buy all their seats “in the same fare class.” Another condition is that at least one of the seats purchased by the traveler must remain open on the flight.

The new customer of size policy will go into effect on January 27. Until then, Southwest travelers will abide by the carrier’s open seating and current customer of size protocol. On January 26, 2026, the airline will switch to operating by an assigned seating model.

What Else Is There to Know About Southwest Airlines’ Customer Of Size Policy?

Under Southwest’s current policy, the airline encourages travelers to purchase the number of seats they need. That way, they can take proactive action to ensure the carrier reserves enough space for them. Then, those travelers are given a “seat reserved” sign that they put on their additional seat(s). After the flight, the traveler can request a refund on the purchase of their extra seat(s) if they desire to.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement Advertisement

Flyers traveling with any of Southwest’s carrier partners will still need to organize their seating arrangements with that other airline. Southwest won’t refund extra seats purchased to accommodate additional space a traveler will need on a partner carrier’s flight.

“Any customer traveling on an itinerary that includes a partner carrier and who cannot be safely accommodated in a single seat will be required to purchase an additional, non-refundable seat. You must contact the partner carrier to complete the purchase,” says Southwest.

The post What To Know About Southwest Airlines’ Updated ‘Customer Of Size’ Policy appeared first on Travel Noire.