Southwest Airlines is expanding its bookable flight schedule this summer, allowing travelers to purchase tickets with assigned seats for the first time in its history.
The low-cost airline is expanding its bookable schedule through March 4, 2026.
That's noteworthy as Southwest will make its shift to assigned seating starting January 27, 2026.
Southwest's Executive Vice President of Customer and Brand, Tony Roach, said that "assigned seating unlocks new opportunities for our customers¡ªincluding the ability to select extra legroom seats¡ªand removes the uncertainty of not knowing where they will sit in the cabin."
He called it an "important step in our evolution, and we¡¯re excited to pair these enhancements with our legendary customer service."
The transition from open to assigned seating next year will also result in a dramatic change to the airline's already chaotic boarding process, which has seen many travelers test its boundaries through various hacks.
The A, B and C groups model of boarding will be replaced with an eight-group structure that will see passengers in Southwest's new extra legroom seats as well as elite customers board the plane first.
The final groups will include travelers with "choice" or "basic" tickets, depending on their seat location. Southwest will reward loyalty though as Rapid Rewards credit card members will board no later than Group 5.
Contact your travel advisor or visit Southwest.com to learn more or book.
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