How does Southwest Seat Selection and Assignment Work?

Starting January 27, 2026, Southwest offers assigned seating with Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seat options based on fare bundle.

Right after booking your Southwest flight, there's a moment of quiet confusion. You start wondering, will I get to pick a seat? What if I'm traveling with kids? Things used to feel simpler. Now, with recent updates, Southwest seat selection works a little differently, and it's easy to miss what matters. This guide clears up those small but important questions, so you can board feeling sure of where you'll sit and who you'll be sitting next to.

Can you select seats on Southwest?

Yes, starting January 27, 2026, Southwest is switching from open seating to assigned seats on most flights. You'll now be able to choose your seat in advance based on your fare type, Rapid Rewards® status, or credit card perks. Southwest seat selection will finally give you control over where you sit, whether it's extra legroom, front-row ease, or budget-friendly options in the back.

Fond Tip: Unlock better seating by using your Companion Pass; both you and your companion get seat selection and tier perks like free bags and earlier boarding on flights from Jan 27, 2026.

How does Southwest seat selection work?

Southwest Airlines seat selection works by letting passengers choose seats based on the fare type, status, or card benefits, ending its open seating model starting January 27, 2026. Assigned seats now offer comfort, choice, and a smoother boarding experience.

🔰 Here's how it works:

◆ Choose a seat at flight booking if you book Choice, Choice Preferred, or Choice Extra fares directly online.

◆ Basic fare seats are auto-assigned at check-in unless you qualify for early selection through status or a credit card.

◆ Standard seats sit at the back and come included with all fare types, but Choice fares let you select them earlier.

◆ Preferred seats are near the front and offer faster exiting; available with Choice Preferred or higher fare bundles.

◆ Extra Legroom seats offer more space, located at the front and exit rows; included with Choice Extra or via upgrade. Check the Southwest seating chart during booking to choose the best available seats based on legroom, location, and fare benefits.

◆ Southwest flight seat selection benefits also depend on Rapid Rewards tier status or cardmember level. Choose your comfort, choose your seat! Dial +1 (571) 389 6426 and book your preferred seat hassle-free.

◆ A-List and A-List Preferred members can pick seats at booking or upgrade 48 hours before departure at no cost.

◆ Rapid Rewards Cardmembers may select seats 48 hours before departure, depending on card type and availability.

◆ Southwest seat maps during flight booking help you visualize and choose the right seat for your comfort and convenience.

Understanding Southwest boarding groups and positions

Southwest Airlines assigns you a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a boarding position number when you check in. This combination, like A25, shows your exact spot in the boarding line. When the airline calls your group, you line up at the gate's marked position and board in order. The current Southwest seating policy offers open seating, so once onboard, you pick any available seat you like. Here's what you need to know:

➤ Check-in and Boarding Group Assignment 
When you check in (usually 24 hours before your flight), Southwest gives you a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number that tells you your place in line. For example, if your boarding pass says "B42," you are in Group B, position 42.

➤ Waiting at the Gate 
At the gate, you'll see posts numbered 1 through 60+ indicating where each passenger should line up based on their boarding position. This helps keep boarding organized and smooth.

➤ Boarding the Plane 
Southwest calls boarding groups in order: A first, then B, then C. When the airline calls your group, find your number in line and board accordingly. Unlike many airlines, Southwest doesn't assign seats. Instead, you choose any open seat once on board.

➤ Family Boarding 
If you travel with kids six years or younger, you can board during Family Boarding, which happens after Group A but before Group B. This lets families sit together. Southwest tries its best to seat children next to an adult at no extra cost.

➤ Special Boarding (Preboarding) 
Passengers needing assistance or with disabilities can preboard before general boarding. You can ask a gate agent for help and receive a preboarding pass if you qualify. Want deals that actually save you money? Reach out to us now at +1 (571) 389 6426 for our airlines tickets best price.

➤ Upgrading Your Boarding Position 
You can improve your boarding spot by purchasing Upgraded Boarding (which lets you board early in positions A1-A15) or by using EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in earlier for better boarding placement.

Fond Tip: Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers get complimentary seating and boarding benefits, plus earlier seat selection and free first checked bag, depending on their card type.

When and how do you receive your boarding position?

Your boarding position tells you when to line up and board the plane. You receive it during check-in, so you know exactly when and where to board for a smooth travel experience.

⏰ Here's when you'll receive your boarding group:You get your boarding group and position when you check in for your flight, either online, via the airline app, or at the airport. This usually happens 24 hours before departure.

👉 Follow these steps to get and use your boarding position:

1. Check in online or at the airport: When you check in, the airline assigns your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position number (like A35).
2. Find your boarding info: This combination appears on your boarding pass or mobile ticket.
3. Go to the gate: Numbered posts show where to line up for your boarding group.
4. Wait for your group: Listen carefully as groups board in order (A first, then B, then C).
5. Board in order: When the gate calls your group, find your spot in line by your boarding number and board the plane.

What are the best seats on Southwest?

Want the best seat on Southwest? It all comes down to your comfort, convenience, and boarding group. With the new seat selection on Southwest Airlines, you can now choose your seat in advance, whether you're after extra legroom, quicker exits, or a smooth boarding experience. Here's a breakdown of the top choices and why they matter:

1. Extra Legroom Seats
   – Located at the front of the cabin and in exit rows.
   – Enjoy up to five extra inches of legroom compared to standard seats. 
   – Comes with earlier boarding (Group 1–2), premium drinks, and better bin access. 
   – Ideal for tall travelers or anyone wanting a spacious, premium feel.
2. Preferred Seats
   – Standard legroom but placed near the front.
   – Easier and faster exit after landing. 
   – Great if you want a quick deplaning without paying for more space. 
   – Usually boards in Groups 3–5.

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3. Exit Row Seats
   – Often fall under the Extra Legroom category.
   – No seat in front (in some cases), offering unbeatable leg stretch. 
   – Must meet safety requirements to sit here. 
   – Perfect mix of comfort and quiet.
4. Window Seats in the Front Rows
   – Quieter, with a view and a wall to lean on.
   – Good for solo travelers or those who want to nap or work. 
   – Combine with Preferred or Extra Legroom rows for an upgraded experience.
5. Aisle Seats Close to the Front
   – Easy access to restrooms and a fast exit.
   – Helpful for frequent flyers and business travelers. 
   – Choose from Extra Legroom or Preferred rows for added perks.
6. Group 1–2 Boarding Seats
   – These fill up fast, especially for those who purchase Choice Extra or are A-List Preferred.
   – Guarantees best seat selection (including front rows and more legroom).

When will Southwest start assigning seats?

Southwest Airlines will officially begin assigning seats on January 27, 2026. This marks a major shift from their traditional open seating policy. Starting July 29, 2025, customers can choose their seats at the time of booking for flights scheduled after the January rollout. With this update, Southwest assigned seats will be based on the fare type, status, or card benefits, giving you more control and comfort when you fly. Whether you want more legroom, a quicker exit, or to sit with family, the new seating options offer flexibility for all kinds of travelers. Standard or extra legroom seat? Let us customize your trip with our top airlines deals. Call Fond Travels at +1 (571) 389 6426.

Top tips for getting the best seats on Southwest flights

Want the best seats on your next Southwest flight? It's all about timing, smart upgrades, and knowing the new options rolling out in 2026, like Extra Legroom and Preferred seating that boost comfort and boarding priority.

Here are the top tips to get the best seats on Southwest flights:

✅ 1. Book a fare that lets you choose your seat early

Starting January 27, 2026, fares like Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra let you select a seat during flight booking. Want that front-row seat? Go for these bundles.

✅ 2. Upgrade to Extra Legroom seats

For more space and perks like premium drinks and early bin access, choose Extra Legroom seats in the front or exit rows. These also get you into Groups 1–2 for faster boarding.

✅ 3. Be a Rapid Rewards Tier Member

A-List and A-List Preferred members can select seats earlier, sometimes even upgrade to Extra Legroom seats within 48 hours at no extra cost. It pays to be loyal.

✅ 4. Use a Rapid Rewards Credit Card

Depending on your card, you may unlock Standard or Preferred seating before check-in, sometimes even Extra Legroom upgrades. It's another way to take advantage of the Southwest choose seat experience ahead of others.

✅ 5. Use EarlyBird Check-In

This option automatically checks you in before the 24-hour window. It improves your boarding group, increasing your chances to grab a seat up front, even under the current open seating model.

✅ 6. Check in exactly 24 hours in advance (if flying Basic)

Basic fare passengers can't choose seats in advance. So set an alarm and check in right at the 24-hour mark to get a better boarding position.

Fond Tip: Primary Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers can select Preferred or Standard seats for themselves and up to 8 passengers at booking or up to 30 minutes before departure.

Key Takeaways

From understanding how Southwest seat selection works to knowing the best seats, booking tips, fare benefits, and key changes coming in 2026, you now have everything you need to make smarter choices when flying Southwest. Whether comfort, speed, or convenience matters most, your next seat can be your best one yet. Need help booking? Contact Fond Travels at +1 (571) 389 6426 for expert airline reservations. Smarter travel starts with the right seat, and now, you're ready.