Is there seat selection on Southwest Airlines?

If you’ve ever flown with Southwest before, you know how things worked there in the past: no assigned seats, a free-for-all boarding pass, and chaos for the best spot. However, recently this has changed when Southwest Airlines announced a major update to their system: introducing assigned seats, seat-type choices, and a new boarding process. For travelers trying to understand the change, this guide explains the new updated Southwest Airlines seat selection policy, how the seat selection process will work. The fares and statuses allowed for seat booking, and practical tips for navigating the new system. 

Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy Explained

On July 21, 2025, Southwest issued a press release titled “The Choice is Yours! Satisfaction is coming to Southwest Airlines”, announcing that starting July 29, 2025, customers will have the option to choose their seat at booking — but only for flights departing January 27, 2026, and beyond.  Under the new Southwest Airlines seat selection policy, every traveler will have an assigned seat on eligible flights. The way you choose the seat depends on your fare type or member perks. Instead of a first-come, first-served boarding race, Southwest will now allow seat selection during booking for many fare bundles. The airline has added three distinct seating categories — Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom — each positioned differently throughout the aircraft. Travelers who hold certain loyalty statuses or credit-card benefits may be able to choose seats earlier or access higher-value seat types. Overall, this is a structured shift from Southwest’s long-standing open seating tradition, bringing it closer to what most major airlines already follow.

How does the Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Process work?

Once the new system is fully active, the Southwest Airlines seat selection process becomes straightforward:

1. Seat selection begins at booking for eligible fare types.

2. Travelers see a seat map showing Standard, Preferred, or Extra Legroom seats available on their flight.

3. Fares that include seat selection allow you to choose immediately.

4. Travelers with special status or credit-card benefits may get early access or upgrades.

5. If your fare doesn’t include seat selection, the airline will assign a seat at check-in.

6. Boarding will follow a group-based system rather than the former A/B/C open-seating process.  
   
   

This new method offers more predictability and eliminates stress at the gate. Instead of racing to board early for the best seats, travelers will know exactly where they are sitting before stepping onto the plane.

Are There Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Fees?

After their recent announcement on the seat selection, travelers are often asking one big question:  Does Southwest Airlines have a seat selection fee? Well, the answer is yes. They have fees and better seat selection options for flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. The southwest airlines seat selection fee allows you to pay for your assigned seats, including preferred or extra-legroom seats, at their new bundled fares. The fees can range from $4 to $250 per segment for specific seats. Here’s the simple breakdown:

• If your fare type allows seat selection, you won’t pay an additional fee to choose your seat during booking.

• If your fare places you into a seating category like Preferred or Extra Legroom, the price of the fare itself reflects that value.

• Lower-cost fare bundles that do not include seat choice will simply assign a seat later, without extra charges.
  
  

So while seat selection is not “free” in every scenario, it is built into the fare structure rather than appearing as an add-on fee. This allows you to have predictable, upfront costs without surprises during checkout.

Seat Selection on Southwest Airlines Basic Fare

Southwest’s new entry-level fare — Basic offers the lowest price but the least flexibility. Under the Southwest Airlines basic fare seat selection rules, travelers with a Basic fare will not choose their seats at booking.

Instead:

• Seats are assigned automatically at check-in.

• Basic fares typically assign seats in Standard (usually rear) areas of the cabin.

• Families or groups may be separated unless they upgrade or use status benefits.

• Travelers in this fare class board later than other groups.
  
  

Basic fare works well for travelers who prioritise budget over seat preference. But if you're someone who values a window, an aisle, or sitting with your travel companion, upgrading to a fare with seat selection may be the smarter move.

Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Changes and What You Can Modify

Southwest Airlines is ending its open seating system for flights on/ after January 27, 2026, by introducing assigned seats across different fare types with Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom options. These Southwest Airlines seat selection changes reshape how you book and how you plan your flight. Travelers can modify their seat by upgrading fares or using their credit card benefits. 

Major changes include:

• The end of open seating on flights departing January 27,  2026, and beyond.

• A completely new boarding system aligned with assigned seats.

• Fare bundles are structured to show which seating options you qualify for.

• New seat categories offering more comfort and clearer cabin choices.

• End of open seating, and new boarding groups with extra legroom seats. 
  
  

What travelers can actually modify:

• If your fare includes the option, you can choose a seat at booking. 

• Purchase higher fares, such as buying Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra for upfront seat selection. 

• Upgrade your seats using certain Southwest credit cards, like Priority or Premier offer benefits like selecting extra legroom or upgrading within 48 hours of departure. 

• You may be able to upgrade to a higher fare bundle to gain seat selection privileges. 
  
  

These modifications give passengers more control over their right seat selection, making them more responsible for choosing the right fare for their travel needs. 

How to Pick a Seat Under the Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Policy?

With the new options in place, here’s how to navigate the Southwest Airlines seat selection policy pick seat process efficiently:

1. Choose a fare bundle that includes seat selection so you can pick your seat immediately.
   
   

2. Log in with your Rapid Rewards account to unlock any seat-selection benefits tied to your status.
   
   

3. Review the seat map carefully, checking for legroom, cabin placement, and proximity to exits or restrooms.

   
   

4. Traveling with family? Choose seats early to ensure everyone stays together.
   
   

5. Prefer extra comfort? Select Extra Legroom or Preferred seats when available.
   
   

6. Flying Basic? Know that seat assignments at check-in are automatic and cannot be chosen beforehand.
   
   

Approaching your seat choice with this step-by-step flow ensures you get the seat that suits your comfort level and travel style.

Practical Seat Selection Tips for Southwest Airlines Travelers

To make the most of the new system, here are tried-and-true Southwest Airlines seat selection tips:

• Book early — more seats on the map means more options.
  
  

• Choose fares wisely — if seat selection is important, avoid Basic.
  
  

• Use status benefits — even lower fares may unlock better seat choice when tied to loyalty perks.
  
  

• Check the cabin layout — some aircraft offer better legroom zones that may not be obvious at first glance.
  
  

• Families should select seats together immediately when allowed, especially during peak seasons.
  
  

• Frequent flyers may benefit from upgrading, as the comfort-to-cost value becomes clearer on longer flights.

These strategies help you get the best seat without unwanted surprises on travel day.

Conclusion

Southwest’s move toward assigned seating marks one of the most significant updates in its history. The new seat selection Southwest Airlines system offers travelers more control, clearer seating expectations, and better comfort choices. Whether this works for you depends on what you value most.

If you want flexibility, the ability to choose your exact seat, or the guarantee of sitting with friends or family, selecting a fare that includes seat selection makes perfect sense. If you simply want the lowest price and don’t mind receiving your seat at check-in, and Basic fare will still serve you well.

Planning your next trip? Let Affluence Travels help you find the perfect Southwest fare, secure the best seat options, and unlock a smoother, more personalized travel experience. 

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