Southwest Airlines, a pioneer in the open seating model for over 50 years, is set to transform its boarding and seating process as part of a significant overhaul aimed at improving financial performance. The Dallas-based airline unveiled the details of these upcoming changes during a presentation to investors, revealing that the long-standing tradition of open seating will soon be a thing of the past with the introduction of assigned seating and extra-legroom options.

This monumental shift not only alters how passengers will book flights but also reimagines the boarding experience that Southwest customers have come to know. Starting in late 2025, travelers can expect to see these changes come to life for flights departing in the first half of 2026.

What to Expect When Booking

One of the most prominent changes will be the ability for customers to select their seats during the booking process. Passengers flying on the popular "Wanna Get Away" fare will not be able to select their seats for free and will instead receive an assigned seat. However, executives assure that this fare will still offer superior flexibility compared to basic economy products of other U.S. airlines, which often lack provisions like free checked bags and cancellation options.

For those opting for the "Wanna Get Away Plus" fare and upwards, complimentary seat selection will be available, along with the option to purchase premium seats with additional legroom. Highlights include:

- **Extra-legroom Seats**: Southwest will introduce a new category of seats with 3 to 5 inches of additional legroom, available for an extra fee. A-list elite members can reserve these at no cost within 48 hours of departure, while others will have to pay.

A Familiar Boarding Process with a Twist

Despite altering the seating process, Southwest plans to keep the essence of its boarding experience intact. Passengers will still receive a boarding number and line up next to numbered posts in the boarding area, maintaining the current unique boarding procedures. However, the critical change lies in the end of the frantic race to check in 24 hours before a flight to secure a favourable boarding position.

With the new system, A-list members and those purchasing higher fare classes will benefit from priority boarding, primarily to access overhead bin space first — a key advantage in light of the new seating configurations.

Aircraft and Cabin Revamps

To accommodate these changes, Southwest will embark on an ambitious reconfiguration of its fleet of approximately 800 aircraft. Starting in 2025, passengers will experience a redesigned cabin highlighted by plush new seats, complete with advanced features like USB charging ports, improved lumbar support, and more storage options.

Highlighted advancements include:

- **New Seating Layout**: The Boeing 737 MAX 8 will have a fresh seating arrangement that includes nearly 40% extra-legroom options. Standard economy rows will be more compact, but the airline assures that legroom will remain among the best in the U.S. airline industry.

- **Visual Overhaul**: The updated interior will showcase a refreshed color palette featuring navy and lighter blue tones, designed to modernize the overall travel experience.

Strategic Considerations and What Was Dropped

This shift is part of a larger strategic effort to enhance Southwest's competitive edge as it seeks to boost financial performance. Executives admitted to investigating various strategies, including reducing the number of free checked bags and whether to introduce a traditional first-class section. In the end, they opted against these measures, deciding not to compromise the brand's core offering of "Bags Fly Free", which remains a unique selling point in the highly competitive airline industry.

As preparations unfold for these exciting changes, travelers can anticipate a new Southwest experience that combines some much-anticipated modern amenities while retaining the familiarity and friendliness that frequent flyers have come to love. Get ready for a new era with Southwest Airlines — assigned seating and extra legroom are just the beginning!