For nearly 60 years, Southwest Airlines has been the cost-saving airline of choice for millions of American travelers. However, some things are changing.
If you haven’t flown Southwest in a proverbial minute, there are things you need to know about everything from seating and boarding to baggage and even rules related to passenger size.
Open Seating is a Thing of the Past
After not using assigned seats for the entirety of their existence, Southwest changed its traditional policy as of January 27th, 2026. Fares include new seat options to choose from:
- Extra Legroom Seats, which provide a “roomier experience with more legroom to stretch out, at the front of the cabin and near the exit rows, with up to five additional inches* of extra legroom compared to Standard and Preferred seats. Plus, earlier access to bin space, enhanced snacks, and complimentary premium beverages.”
- Preferred Seats, which offer “standard legroom seats near the front of the cabin.”
- Standard Seats, which offer “standard legroom seats located in the back of the cabin.”
At the time of the announcement, Southwest said of the changes, “For your comfort, we’re introducing seat options that allow you to choose the experience you prefer. This includes options to select where you want to sit and upgrade to an Extra Legroom seat, giving you more choices when you travel with us. Learn more about all the new options ahead, including our new cabin design, new fare bundles, plus Tier and Cardmember perks to match.
The Boarding Process Changed Too
The airline also altered its boarding process with the introduction of assigned seating. The previous A/B/C groups with numbered positions were transitioned to a new boarding structure using numbered groups ranging from 1 through 8.
No More Free Bags
In 2025, Southwest ended its longtime “Bags Fly for Free Policy”, and the airline is now charging for checked bags on Basic, Choice, and Choice Preferred fares.
However, there are some exceptions:
- Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members and Getaways by Southwest customers will receive two free checked bags.
- A-List Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive only their first checked bag for free.
- Hawaii residents traveling between the islands will continue to receive two free checked bags.
Of note, these checked bag benefits will not apply on flights booked with a partner carrier (like Icelandair or China Airlines).
The “Customer of Size” Policy Has Been Altered
In conjunction with the new seating rules, Southwest also adjusted its “Customer of Size” policy. Previously, the airline allowed customers to buy a single seat and discuss their seating needs with a gate agent ahead of departure. If it was determined that a second or third seat was needed, the airline would accommodate them with a complimentary additional seat the day of travel.
However, as of January 27th, 2026, Southwest altered the policy to say that, “Customers who encroach upon the neighboring seat(s) should proactively purchase the needed number of seats prior to travel to ensure the additional seat is available,” adding that it will refund the extra seat purchase if requested when travel is complete. According to the airline, if the flight is sold out or adjacent seats aren’t available, they will rebook you on an alternate flight. They also suggest buying a second seat when you make your reservation so you don’t have to take a different flight.
All of these changes have led to pricing issues. While Southwest’s lowest possible tiers are still a cheaper option on most routes, upgrading to seating and baggage levels that used to be “free” (AKA included) perks can sometimes lead to Southwest costing more than established long-term airline players, including American and United.
If you’re planning to fly Southwest for the first time in a while, be sure to keep these rule changes in mind when selecting your flights. Stay tuned to AllEars for more on the travel industry.
The WEIRDEST Disney Souvenirs Fans Have ACTUALLY Brought Through TSA at the Orlando Airport
Have you flown Southwest lately? Let us know in the comments below.
Southwest has simply decided they no longer want to do anything to set themselves apart from the other airlines. They don’t want to make their customers feel like they are being treated better than the other airlines do. Southwest decided they are willing to be like every other airline. All for a buck.
Remind you of any other industry? Like maybe theme park operators?
My mobility challenged wife and I requested aisle seats for a return flight after the January changeover. I like to sit across from her so I can provide assistance when necessary. They put us in B&C seats not C&D seats. Then I ended up paying $240 for two bags that used to fly free.