Southwest Airlines Adds Tier and Cardmember Perks to Assigned Seating Experience

Assigned Seating Arrives Winter 2026

Southwest now sells fares with assigned seating for flights unveiling on or after January 27, 2026. Passengers can now pay extra to choose standard, preferred, or extra-legroom seats during booking.

Those who do not select a seat will receive an assigned standard seat during check‑in. This shift ends Southwest’s iconic open seating system, reflecting a strategic move toward greater personalisation.

Southwest also started charging for checked baggage since May 2025, after phasing out its “bags fly free” policy.

Introducing Tier and Cardmember Benefits

Southwest enhanced benefits for Rapid Rewards tiers and eligible Credit Cardmembers around assigned seating and upgrades.

A‑List Preferred Members

A‑List Preferred travellers select any seat, including Extra Legroom for free at booking on eligible flights. They board no later than Group 2 and enjoy two free checked bags.

A‑List Members

A‑List Members choose Preferred or Standard seats at booking for free and can upgrade to Extra Legroom within 48 hours if available. They receive one free checked bag and board no later than Group 5.

Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers

Credit card holders board in Group 5 unless earlier eligibility arises from fare type, seat choice, or tier status. Some card tiers can select seats at booking or upgrade to Extra Legroom within 48 hours without charge.

New Fare Bundles Power Choice and Flexibility

Southwest offers new fare bundles – Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra – to match traveller preferences.

• Choice Extra fares include built-in Extra Legroom seating and priority boarding in Groups 1–2.
• Choice Preferred includes Preferred seats and ranks higher in boarding group than Choice or Basic fares.
• Basic fares include a standard seat assigned at check-in and board later in Groups 6–8.

The fare structure aligns seat choice, checked bag policy, and boarding perks clearly for customers.

Enhanced Boarding Experience Improves Efficiency

Southwest replaced its A-B-C boarding order with Groups 1–8 tied to seating location and fare benefits.

• Extra legroom or Choice Extra customers board in Groups 1 and 2 for early bin access and smoother boarding.
• Preferred and loyal tier members board no later than Group 5, giving them priority without extra fees.
• Basic fare passengers are assigned seats and board in later groups to streamline cabin operations.

These structured boarding improvements aim to make departures more predictable and efficient for travelers.

What This Means for Travelers

Assigned seating marks a major cultural shift, offering more choice but adding costs for families on Basic fares. Frequent flyers and cardholders gain perks and predictable status-based access to better seats and earlier boarding.

Families and groups should consider booking Choice or Choice Preferred fares to ensure they sit together. Passengers should plan ahead: seat selection opened July 29, 2025, and assigned seating applies from January 27, 2026.

Though some longtime Southwest fans resist the changes, the airline positions this upgrade as a modernisation toward enhanced traveller experiences.

Still, the loss of open seating and free bags means cost-conscious travellers may re-evaluate their fare choices.

Southwest aims to deliver better clarity, reliability, and customer flexibility through these enhancements in 2026 and beyond.