Why People Will Be Confused on Your Next Southwest Airlines Flight

A once-established airline boarding process is about to get a major shakeup.

Southwest Airlines is in the midst of some MAJOR changes that buck decades-long traditions. The popular airline is no longer offering two free checked bags and is switching to a tiered assigned seating system — erasing two key features that separated Southwest from the rest of the industry. The seating change will also affect the boarding process, which could confuse Southwest loyalists.

 

For years, Southwest operated with an open-seat, first-come, first-served seating policy. Offering A, B, and C boarding groups (with 1-30 and 31-60 lineups) that were based on when you checked in, your priority status, family party status, and/or other factors, Southwest allowed passengers to bypass those pesky seat fees that made flying so expensive.

However, beginning January 27th, 2026, Southwest is moving towards an assigned seating structure with several tiers that allow guests to choose where they sit and how much legroom they have (the best seats and seats with legroom cost more than the standard seat).

The new assigned seating model means the end of those A, B, and C boarding groups. Instead, starting January 27th, passengers will be assigned a boarding group between 1 and 8.

All customers on the same reservation will be assigned the same boarding group. The exception lies with Group Travel reservations, for which these customers will be assigned a boarding group based on their seat assignment.

Southwest notes that your boarding group will be displayed on your boarding pass, and digital screens in the boarding area will show your boarding group number when it is time to line up and board. It’s not that different from the previous format, but if you’re waiting for a letter to be called, you’ll be waiting forever.

Boarding groups will be assigned by fare and will consist of the following:

• Choice Extra Group: 1-2
• Choice Preferred: Group 3-5
• Choice Group 5-8
• Basic: Last to board

Choice and Basic passengers may still board earlier in certain circumstances.

Boarding groups by Rapid Rewards tier status and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers are as follows:

• A-List Preferred: Group 1-2
• A-List: Group 1-5
• Basic and Choice fares: Group 5

Additionally, Priority Boarding allows passengers to upgrade their boarding group ahead of Group 1. Per Southwest, “this upgrade is available for purchase starting 24 hours before original scheduled departure and can be bought up to 60 minutes prior to original scheduled departure, if available.” This option is priced per flight, per customer, and a credit card must be used for purchase.

Priority Boarding is priced per flight, per Customer. A credit card must be used for the purchase of Priority Boarding.

To learn more about the new boarding process, check out the official Southwest video below or inquire with a Southwest employee/representative before your flight.

How are you feeling about the new Southwest boarding process? Let us know in the comments, and continue to follow us here at AllEars for all the latest travel tips and updates!

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