Southwest Airlines has ended its long-running open-seating system and moved to assigned seats for flights operating from January 27, 2026. The airline’s customer information page says the change applies to its new seating and boarding process.

Under the current system, passengers receive a seat assignment rather than choosing any available seat after boarding. Southwest says Basic fare customers receive their assignment at check-in unless they qualify for a stated credit-card or tier-status exception. Other fare options allow seat choices at booking when available.

The airline also offers different seating categories, including standard seats and Extra Legroom options. Its fare information says boarding groups are organized around seat location, fare type, loyalty status and credit-card benefits. That means the boarding process is now linked to the seat assigned to each passenger.

Associated Press coverage described the January transition as the end of the open-seating practice that had distinguished Southwest from many other airlines. The report said customers would see different seating choices and boarding groups as part of the change. Southwest’s own guidance remains the direct source for the current rules and exceptions.