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Choose your seat on Southwest

Southwest's biggest change in years: open seating is gone, and as of January 27, 2026 the airline assigns seats and sells extra-legroom options. Here's how seat selection works by fare and status — and how we can arrange it for you.

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    How Southwest seats & boarding generally work now

    The essentials under the 2026 assigned-seating model. Availability and price depend on fare, route and timing.

    Assigned seating replaced open seating:

    Since January 27, 2026, Southwest assigns seats rather than letting you pick any open seat on board. You can select or be assigned a specific seat before you fly.

    Seat access depends on fare:

    Higher fares (Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) get better seat selection and access to extra-legroom seats; Basic is the most restricted, with your seat typically assigned at check-in.

    Sitting together isn't automatic:

    If you're travelling as a family or group, book and select seats as early as you can — the best adjacent seats and extra-legroom rows go first on full flights.

    Extra-legroom seats:

    Southwest now sells extra-legroom seating on many aircraft. It's limited and can sell out on popular flights, so choose early if it matters to you.

    A-List status helps:

    Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members get priority boarding and better seat access. Add your Rapid Rewards number so any benefit applies.

    Seat prices vary by route, cabin position and timing and change constantly, so we don't list amounts. Tell us your flight and we'll check what's open and reserve it for you.

    Seat options by fare

    General guidance under 2026 assigned seating — what's included and what's paid depends on your fare.

    Basic
    Seat typically assigned at check-in — most restricted
    Choice
    Advance seat selection, standard seats
    Choice Preferred
    Better seat access and extra-legroom eligibility
    Choice Extra
    Best seat access, extra-legroom seats and priority boarding

    Boarding under the new model

    Assigned seating changed boarding too — who goes first now depends on fare and status.

    Board earlier

    Priority

    • Choice Extra and priority fares
    • A-List and A-List Preferred members
    • Better access to overhead bin space
    • Add your Rapid Rewards number so status applies

    Board later

    Basic

    • Basic is the most restricted fare
    • Seat typically assigned at check-in
    • Less choice of remaining seats
    • Upgrading the fare improves seat and boarding

    Add your Rapid Rewards number before you fly. A-List and A-List Preferred priority boarding and better seat access only apply if your number is on the reservation — easy to forget, easy to add.

    Frequently asked

    Does Southwest still have open seating?+
    No. As of January 27, 2026, Southwest moved to assigned seating — you no longer line up to grab any open seat. Seats are now selected or assigned before you fly, and extra-legroom options are sold. Tell us your flight and we'll help you choose.
    Can I choose my seat for free?+
    It depends on your fare. Higher fares include better seat selection; on Basic, your seat is typically assigned at check-in. Tell us your fare and route and we'll confirm what a specific seat will take.
    How do I make sure my family sits together?+
    Select seats as early as possible — ideally right after booking. If good adjacent seats aren't showing, call us; we can look at the seat map and options across the whole party.
    What do A-List and A-List Preferred get for seating?+
    They get priority boarding and better seat access, which helps when the best seats are limited. Add your Rapid Rewards number to the reservation so the benefit applies — we can add it for you.

    Contact options

    Reach Southwest directly, or let us handle it.

    Contact Southwest Airlines directly

    The airline's own official channels — free.

    Websitesouthwest.com
    Reservations1-800-435-9792
    AppSouthwest app

    Or let a BargainAirTicket agent do it

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    +1 (833) 667-2918
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    More Southwest Airlines help

    Related guides.

    Full Southwest Airlines guide Baggage policy Manage booking Check-in

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