5 days ago
Southwest's New Assigned Seating: What Travelers Need To Know
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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.
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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.
