As of January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines no longer has an open seating policy. Here's how Southwest now boards its aircraft and why it chose to go this route.

Southwest Airlines passengers are making their final boarding-time scrambles for seats as the carrier prepares to end its ...

While assigned seating grabbed headlines, Southwest Airlines also tightened its plus-size policy. Refunds are now restricted ...

Southwest Airlines has begun assigned seating for passengers, replacing its long-standing open-seating policy and introducing ...

The carrier has claimed that its customers prefer the new policy, despite some pushback.

Southwest Airlines has completed its transition to assigned seating, with travelers experiencing a new boarding process ...

The Dallas, Texas-based carrier transitioned from its longtime open seating system in keeping with competitors like American, ...

No longer! On Tuesday, Southwest Airlines officially inaugurated its new assigned seating policy, the last in a suite of ...

Getting a better seat without spending extra is possible on most airlines when you understand how seat maps change throughout the booking and check-in process. Seats open up due to cancellations, ...

Changes are coming to premium pricing—and passengers could benefit.

Delta Air Lines is preparing a major change to how it sells business- and first-class tickets, which could result in more ...