Southwest Sets Date for Assigned Seating, Launches New Boarding Process

The moves come as Southwest has been making massive changes to its business model that include baggage fees and premium seats.

Southwest Airlines announced Monday assigned seating will go into effect on January 27, 2026.

With the new changes, Southwest also plans to use a new boarding process, bringing an end to its decades-long open boarding process, which had widely differentiated the airline from its competitors.

Southwest said the new boarding pro