Southwest's New Assigned Seating: What Travelers Need To Know
Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest passengers will be assigned seats, ending the chaotic scramble of its current open seating plan. The ability to choose your seat opens July 29, 2025, for flights departing in 2026 and beyond.
The changes aren't limited to seat assignments. Boarding groups will move from the familiar A-B-C model to a numbered Group 1 through Group 8 system. For many, that will mean fewer gate-side negotiations and less passive-aggressive jockeying for position. For others, it will mean your seat is locked in at either booking or check-in, whether you like it or not.
What Changes for Those With Southwest Status? Quite a Bit
If you fly Southwest frequently, earning status can significantly enhance your experience.
Both A-List and A-List Preferred members get early boarding (no later than Group 5), same-day standby access, and priority lanes at check-in and security. But A-List Preferred takes things further.
A-List Preferred members can select Extra Legroom seats at booking, enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi, and get two free premium in-flight drinks. They also earn double the points on eligible flights and get both checked bags free. A-List members, by comparison, get one free checked bag and can only move into Extra Legroom seats if space is available 48 hours before departure.
If you value comfort, perks, and points, A-List Preferred may be worth aiming for, especially if you travel with Southwest frequently.
Here's What's Changing for Southwest Cardholders
Starting in 2025, Southwest credit cards come with new travel perks that go beyond earning points.
All cardholders will get one free checked bag, not just for themselves but for up to eight people on the same reservation—just make sure your Rapid Rewards number is added at booking.
Seating perks also get a boost:
Plus cardholders can select a Standard seat within 48 hours of departure on any fare when available
Premier cardholders can choose a Standard or Preferred seat within 48 hours of departure on any fare when available
Priority and Performance Business cardholders can select Standard or Preferred seats at booking on any fare, and even upgrade to Extra Legroom 48 hours of departure on any fare, if it's still available
The top-tier Premier Business, Priority and Performance Business cards also help you earn status faster, with up to 2,000 or 2,500 Tier Qualifying Points per $5,000 spent starting late summer 2025 depending on the product.
In short: your card now helps you board earlier, sit better, and earn more.
Featured Partner Offers
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
Apply Now →
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Welcome Bonus
Earn 50,000 bonus points.
Annual Fee
$149
Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Regular APR
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
Apply Now →
Apply Now
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Welcome Bonus
Earn 50,000 bonus points.
Annual Fee
$69
Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Regular APR
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Thinking About a Southwest Credit Card? Here's What To Know
If you fly Southwest often, one of their co-branded credit cards could help you earn rewards faster and unlock added travel perks. Each card offers different benefits, depending on how much you travel and what you value most.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card has the highest annual fee at $149, but it also comes with the most perks. You'll get a $75 annual travel credit, four upgraded boardings per year when available (expected to be removed for flights after January 27, 2026), and 7,500 anniversary points.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card has the lowest annual fee of $69 and still includes key perks like a free checked bag for you and up to eight companions on the same reservation, 3,000 anniversary points, and two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year (expected to be removed for flights after January 27, 2026). It does charge foreign transaction fees, which may be a drawback for international travelers.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card* sits in the middle with a $99 annual fee. It offers 6,000 anniversary points, no foreign transaction fees, and access to seat selection 48 hours before departure (starting July 29, 2025 for flights taking off January 27, 2026 or later). You'll also earn points toward A-List status and the Companion Pass.
With Southwest's new assigned seating model, understanding how seat selection works has never been more important; especially if you want to avoid being stuck in a middle seat near the lavatory.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
17 minutes ago
- CNN
‘Tesla Takedown' protestors have a new target: Elon Musk's Tesla Diner
For months, protesters have gathered outside Tesla showrooms in response to Elon Musk's role in reducing US government spending as part of the Department of Government Efficiency. This weekend, protesters in Los Angeles found a new destination: Musk's new 24-hour Tesla Diner in the Hollywood area. Musk had touted the concept of an 'old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant' in 2018. Since opening on Monday, the retro-futuristic diner with electric vehicle-charging stations has had long lines of customers who are served burgers in Cybertruck-designed boxes. One customer posted to YouTube that he waited 11 hours for the restaurant to open. But Joel Lava, who has helped organize 'Tesla Takedown' demonstrations and has spearheaded protests at the diner, believes that protests could continue throughout the summer and that the buzz around the new restaurant will soon die down. '(Customers are) waiting 11 hours so they can have Tesla-brand burgers and fries,' Lava told CNN. 'This is the world's most renowned anti-trans advocate who just opened a diner in West Hollywood. The community is not very supportive of Elon.' Lava estimates as many as 75 demonstrators joined the diner protest on Saturday. He said organizers began planning protests for this weekend after the diner abruptly opened on Monday. 'Our main message is Tesla funds fascism. Elon Musk, via DOGE, has destroyed our government agencies and people's jobs, and people are dying around the world because of him,' Lava said. Tesla did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment. Lava said protest attendance for Tesla Takedown events peaked at the end of March, but has 'been going strong.' Protests outside of Tesla showrooms across the United States have remained a weekly staple in many cities, with 40 protests planned on the 'Tesla Takedown' website for the weekend. 'We've already been successful in tarnishing the Tesla brand,' he said. During last week's second-quarter earnings call, Musk highlighted Tesla's future — not its gloomy present-day — by reaffirming ambitious plans for the company's robotaxi service and mass production of its humanoid robot, Optimus, which was serving popcorn at Musk's diner. Tesla's auto revenue fell 16% from April to June and overall revenue was down 12%, according to its earnings report. Sales of its best-selling Model Y and Model 3 fell 12% compared with a year ago, while sales of its more expensive models, including the Cybertruck, plunged 52%. Shares of Tesla (TSLA) were down more than 4% last week, closing at $316.06 on Friday, after falling 9% on Thursday. Since peaking at $479.86 on December 17, Tesla shares have plunged 34%. CNN's Chris Isidore contributed to this report.
CNN
18 minutes ago
- CNN
‘Tesla Takedown' protestors have a new target: Elon Musk's Tesla Diner
Food & drink Corporate newsFacebookTweetLink Follow For months, protesters have gathered outside Tesla showrooms in response to Elon Musk's role in reducing US government spending as part of the Department of Government Efficiency. This weekend, protesters in Los Angeles found a new destination: Musk's new 24-hour Tesla Diner in the Hollywood area. Musk had touted the concept of an 'old school drive-in, roller skates & rock restaurant' in 2018. Since opening on Monday, the retro-futuristic diner with electric vehicle-charging stations has had long lines of customers who are served burgers in Cybertruck-designed boxes. One customer posted to YouTube that he waited 11 hours for the restaurant to open. But Joel Lava, who has helped organize 'Tesla Takedown' demonstrations and has spearheaded protests at the diner, believes that protests could continue throughout the summer and that the buzz around the new restaurant will soon die down. '(Customers are) waiting 11 hours so they can have Tesla-brand burgers and fries,' Lava told CNN. 'This is the world's most renowned anti-trans advocate who just opened a diner in West Hollywood. The community is not very supportive of Elon.' Lava estimates as many as 75 demonstrators joined the diner protest on Saturday. He said organizers began planning protests for this weekend after the diner abruptly opened on Monday. 'Our main message is Tesla funds fascism. Elon Musk, via DOGE, has destroyed our government agencies and people's jobs, and people are dying around the world because of him,' Lava said. Tesla did not immediately respond to CNN's request for comment. Lava said protest attendance for Tesla Takedown events peaked at the end of March, but has 'been going strong.' Protests outside of Tesla showrooms across the United States have remained a weekly staple in many cities, with 40 protests planned on the 'Tesla Takedown' website for the weekend. 'We've already been successful in tarnishing the Tesla brand,' he said. During last week's second-quarter earnings call, Musk highlighted Tesla's future — not its gloomy present-day — by reaffirming ambitious plans for the company's robotaxi service and mass production of its humanoid robot, Optimus, which was serving popcorn at Musk's diner. Tesla's auto revenue fell 16% from April to June and overall revenue was down 12%, according to its earnings report. Sales of its best-selling Model Y and Model 3 fell 12% compared with a year ago, while sales of its more expensive models, including the Cybertruck, plunged 52%. Shares of Tesla (TSLA) were down more than 4% last week, closing at $316.06 on Friday, after falling 9% on Thursday. Since peaking at $479.86 on December 17, Tesla shares have plunged 34%. CNN's Chris Isidore contributed to this report.
CBS News
18 minutes ago
- CBS News
Dozens protest at BWI Airport over Avelo Airlines role in ICE deportations
About 100 people protested at Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport on Sunday over a budget airline's role in immigration deportations, according to our media partner, The Baltimore Banner. Avelo Airlines, a Texas-based air carrier founded in 2021, has only two direct flights from BWI, according to the Banner. According to CBS News, Avelo has partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to operate deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs and Enforcement (ICE). According to the Banner, Sunday's protest at BWI was organized by Doctors for Camp Closure, Ground ICE, and the Greater Baltimore Democratic Socialists of America. Protesters met outside the Maryland Area Rail Commuter station at BWI and walked to a pedestrian bridge over Interstate 195, according to the Banner. The Banner reports that signs were held that read, "Avelo Airlines fuels fascism," "Avelo is disappearing people for Trump," and "Evilo." The protesters told the Banner they were pressuring the airline and discouraging travelers from flying with Avelo. "It's toxic to your brand," Kate Sugarman, an organizer with Doctors for Camp Closure, told the Banner about the deportation flights. "We want to make sure that Avelo and every other airline knows that it is unacceptable to have any kind of cooperation with ICE." Avelo shared this statement with the Banner: "We recognize the right of individuals to peacefully assemble and assert their freedom of speech. Avelo's main priority continues to be maintaining the safety and timeliness of our operation that over 7.3 million Customers across the country continue to enjoy." According to CBS News, Avelo's domestic and international flights flying migrants started in mid-May. Avelo says the aircraft used for the trips will not bear Avelo's logo. Avelo said the agreement with ICE is a "long-term charter program." The airline has been recruiting flight attendants to staff the flights, according to a job posting for what it calls a "charter program for the Department of Homeland Security," CBS News reported. The job pays $28 an hour for the first year of service. "We are seeking energetic, highly motivated Flight Attendants who wish to join a committed group of safety and service professionals at Avelo Airlines," the listing reads. "Flights will be both domestic and international trips to support DHS's deportation efforts," the post adds, although it makes no references to migrants.
