Southwest Airlines has revealed when assigned seating will start and how it will implement other changes to its flying experience in an effort to improve profitability.
The announcement, unveiled ahead of Southwest's Investor Day on Thursday, Sept. 26, revealed details of the airline's transformation plan − billed as "Southwest. Even Better." − that will be phased in over the next three years.
It included when and how Southwest will get rid of open seating, how assigned and premium seating will work, and the future of its Bags Fly Free policy allowing flyers two free checked bags.
Southwest first disclosed in July that it would start assigned seating but was scant on additional details. That month, it also said it would begin flying red-eye flights in 2025; Phoenix will get some of those red-eyes, including two just-announced routes connecting Hawaii and Phoenix.
When is Southwest changing to assigned seating?
Southwest Airlines will end open seating in early 2026.
It will sell tickets for the first flights with assigned and premium seating in the second half of 2025.
How will Southwest Airlines assigned seating work?
Assigned seating on Southwest will work similarly to other airlines: Passengers who buy the cheapest tickets can select a seat for a fee, or a seat will be assigned to them the day before their flight.
Passengers can also purchase premium seats with extra legroom. Premium seats will offer up to 5 additional inches of seat pitch, or the distance between seats. About a third of Southwest's seats will be premium, and premium passengers will be among the first to board the plane.
Southwest Rapid Rewards members can select seats without paying additional fees depending on their rewards status. A-List members can select standard legroom seats at the time of booking at no additional cost; they'll have the opportunity to upgrade to a premium seat within 48 hours of the flight at no extra cost if any are still available. A-List Preferred members can select any available seat, including extra legroom seats, at no additional cost.
Southwest intends to maintain its current average seat pitch of 31 inches on all its planes. How much legroom is available with extra legroom seats depends on the plane. Southwest estimates the availability of extra legroom seats will look like this:
- Boeing 737-8 and 737-800: 68 seats with 3 additional inches of legroom.
- Boeing 737-7: 48 seats with 3 additional inches of legroom.
- Boeing 737-700: 40 seats with 5 additional inches of legroom.
When Southwest reconfigures its cabins to include new assigned and premium seats, the planes will be outfitted with new seats from RECARO, known for their automotive seating and gaming chairs. The new seats will have six-way headrests, more cushioning and electronic device holders.
When is Southwest ending free checked luggage?
Southwest is not ending free checked luggage − at least for now. Every ticket will continue to include two free checked bags.
While customers love the policy − American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines raised their baggage fees in early 2024 − investors think Southwest is leaving money on the table by not charging for checked luggage.
Elliott Investment Management, the activist investor pushing for sweeping changes at Southwest, hinted in a presentation called Stronger Southwest that charging fees for checked luggage would improve Southwest's profitability.
Southwest Rapid Rewards changes and other news
Southwest Airlines Investor Day also included these announcements:
New global airline partnerships. Southwest announced a partnership with Icelandair to offer international flights out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport; more partnerships and participating airports will be announced.
New vacation packages. In 2024, Southwest will launch Getaways by Southwest, offering customizable vacation packages.
Changes to Rapid Rewards program. Southwest will update benefits for its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, giving A-List and A-List Preferred frequent flyers the highest level of benefits. The airline intends to add opportunities for Rapid Rewards members to earn and redeem points for long-haul destinations as it develops international partnerships and Getaways by Southwest.
All Rapid Rewards members will continue to earn and redeem points at the same rate they do today and the program will continue offering no blackout dates, uncapped reward seat availability and points that don't expire.
(This story was updated to add new information.)
Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached atMichael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:@salerno_phx.
Support local journalism.Subscribe toazcentral.comtoday.