Starting July 29, customers can begin booking tickets with seat assignments for flights departing January 27, 2026.

Just two months after ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy, the airline has announced when it will roll out assigned seating — a significant shift from its traditional boarding process. For decades, Southwest used a first-come, first-served system, along with free checked bags, that set it apart from its competitors.

Southwest Airlines' transition to assigned seating follows recent policy changes including the end of their bags fly free policy, prompting mixed reactions from passengers.

Southwest Airlines' CEO told investors in a July 24 earnings call that the airline could eventually open its own lounges.

Southwest will assign seats for the first time ever in 2026. Here’s how group boarding will work — and what it means for your next flight.

Southwest Airlines has announced a major change coming to its current seating system. The Texas-based airline previously had a “pick any seat” policy, allowing customers to purchase tickets in different boarding groups by selecting where they wanted to sit upon boarding the plane.

Wall Street investors punished Southwest for chopping its 2025 profit outlook by up to 65%, as the carrier’s executives implement changes driven by its activist investor.

After Southwest made big changes to its baggage and seating policies, the CEO floated a few more ideas. What's on the table for 2025 and beyond.

After Southwest made big changes to its baggage and seating policies, the CEO floated a few more ideas. What's on the table for 2025 and beyond.

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines is on target to reach its financial goals after it reported higher-than-expected revenues from checked bags.