The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Southwest Airlines' Assigned Seating: How The Biggest Change In Its History Is Playing Out
The carrier recently made a significant change to its operating model.
Southwest Airlines has ended its 54-year open-seating policy, moving to assigned seating across its network. The change marks a major shift in how the carrier manages passenger seating, aligning more closely with the broader US airline industry.
The policy change was implemented on January 27, 2026, when Southwest began assigning seats rather than allowing passengers to choose freely upon boarding. This departure from its long-standing business model represents the most substantial alteration to its seating approach in decades.
Southwest is a Dallas-based airline, and the shift to assigned seating touches its network nationwide. The move alters a defining feature of the carrier’s former operating model and passenger experience.
The announcement notes this change as part of a broader update to Southwest’s operating model, indicating the decision was deliberate and tied to evolving practices within the airline industry. No additional details about specific operational impacts or outcomes are provided.