Major U.S. Airlines Adopt Assigned Seating

Southwest Airlines transitions from open seating to assigned seating on flights starting January 27, 2026, allowing most customers to choose seats at booking while introducing Groups 1 through 8 for boarding. Premium options like extra legroom seats come with additional fees, and elite Rapid Rewards members gain perks such as early boarding and free seat selection. Amid customer backlash, Southwest refines its policy by adding bin space and adjusting boarding processes.