Goodbye, Open Seating: Southwest’s Big Change for 2026 Could Change How You Fly!

Southwest Airlines is making waves by announcing a switch from their famous “open seating” to assigned seats starting in January 2026. Here’s what this big change could mean for all types of travelers—and how it might affect your next trip.

From Seat-Free-For-All to Reserved Comfort

Ready to say farewell to that Southwest boarding hustle? Beginning January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines will start assigning seats, ending decades of “grab any seat you like” tradition. Whether you loved choosing your spot or not, this big move has everyone talking—so let’s break down what it might mean for travelers like you.

Why Some Travelers Might Love It

Stress-free seat selection: No more gate anxiety! Pick your seat ahead of time, which is great for families, groups, and anyone who likes a little certainty.
Faster boarding, fewer headaches: Airlines that assign seats often board more quickly and leave on time more often—hello, smoother travel days!
Extra comfort—if you want to pay for it: Southwest could start offering options for premium seats (think: extra legroom), so you can splurge if you want a comfier ride.

But Not Everyone’s Excited…

Loyalists might feel let down: Fans of the flexible, first-come, first-served vibe might be bummed and see this as the end of Southwest’s fun, equal experience.
Fees could creep in: Reserved seats and premium options probably mean extra charges. Budget travelers who loved Southwest’s simple fares might see higher costs.
Possible growing pains: Changing how you board millions of travelers takes work. Training, tech tweaks, and customer learning curves could mean a few bumps at first.

How Could This Impact Your Travel—and Travel Overall?

More structure could attract new customers, especially business travelers and folks who value certainty.
Families and groups might stick with Southwest more—while true fans of “winging it” might look elsewhere.
If seat fees go up, some budget-conscious travelers may rethink their loyalty and hunt for deals.

All in all, with assigned seats, Southwest is aiming for a smoother, more comfortable flight experience—but it remains to be seen how travelers will really feel when the new system rolls out in 2026.

What’s Next?

Implementation starts January 2026—so you have plenty of time to board the “new Southwest” or take one more whirl with their open seating style. One thing’s certain: no matter which seat you get, there’s always something new when you’re flying!