A big change is coming to Southwest Airlines.
Southwest plane
We’ll admit we’ve been a little nervous since Southwest Airlines announced it was ending its open seating policy and start offering assigned seats. Southwest is one of our favorite airlines to fly to Disney World after all, and perhaps we feared that this change would mean other things changing, like free checked bags (because all the other airlines charge for those). However, we’ve got a big update about the new seating policy.
Southwest Airlines recently hosted an Investor Day briefing to talk about its future as an airline and how it plans to make its customer experience even better by offering more choices and comfort. One of the things Southwest mentioned is that it plans to continue with its Bags Fly Free policy, meaning you’ll still be able to check two bags with each flight FOR FREE, setting it apart from other airlines. Whew…
Flying Southwest
However, it also outlined the seating policy changes and they’re coming sooner than you think. Southwest reiterated that 80 percent of its customers and 86 percent of passengers who flew other airlines wanted assigned seats. You’ll be able to buy assigned seats in the second half of 2025, with the first flights operating with the new seating policies in the first half of 2026.
©Southwest
Premium seating will also be coming soon. According to Southwest, market research showed a preference for assigned seats with extra legroom with a variety of travelers. The airline will offer extra legroom options with up to five additional inches of pitch for about a third of its seats, and will also maintain its current standard economy seat pitch.
Southwest Cabin
Other changes include enhancements to its Rapid Rewards program, global airline partnerships, and new vacation packages under its Getaways by Southwest.
Stay tuned to DFB for more.
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It’s about time, the only reason I never flew Southwest was because of the first come first serve free for all seating. Not to mention no premium or first class seating. Maybe now they will be an option.
I always flew Southwest BECAUSE of the first come, first serve seating policy. Not having an assigned seat meant that I could scope out my potential seat mates to eliminate crying babies, stinky carryon food, seat kicking toddlers, etc.