Beginning on Jan. 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines is enacting a new assigned seating policy as well as new requirements for plus ...

Southwest's transition from open seating to an assigned seating model is almost here, bringing several changes across its operation. With the major milestone approaching on January 27, the airline has ...

Southwest Airlines is gearing up to introduce assigned seating in just over two months. The low-cost carrier will say goodbye to its polarizing open seating policy on January 27, 2026, when travelers ...

Southwest Airlines will end open seating and switch to assigned seating in 2026. The new "WILMA" method boards window, then middle, then aisle seats, back-to-front. Priority Boarding is available for ...

The famous numbered metal stanchions that for decades defined Southwest Airlines’ unique boarding process are coming down as the Dallas-based carrier laid out the final plans for a new boarding ...

Southwest Airlines passengers wait in a queue to board for Minneapolis/St. Paul from Dallas Love Field, August 18, 2024. Tom Fox / Staff Photographer The famous numbered metal stanchions that for ...