Southwest Airlines Finally Offers Assigned Seats: But Still Falls Short for the Frequent Flyer

After more than half a century of doing things differently, Southwest Airlines has officially ended its open seating policy. I’ve refused to fly the airline for the last 20 years because of this crazy policy. My one experience was a quick LAX to LAS flight, and it was a nightmare. They’ve never been really an option for those who live in Boston or the Northeast in general, but they’ve been huge in the South. Thought I would share a few key points on this change that were worth

On January 27, 2026, the airline completed its transition to assigned seating, closing the door on a system that had defined its brand for 54 years. I’ve known so many consultants who loved their Southwest, and frankly, I still can’t wrap my head around it. They were the only major U.S. airline without seat assignments. I’ve heard that this supposedly helped speed boarding and keep fares lower than my beloved Delta. But to no surprise, Southwest’s press release stated that in a survey they conducted, 80%+ want assigned seats for predictability and less stress during boarding.

The other thing that I absolutely hated was what I called the “Cattle Call”…the A-B-C boarding groups, and finally, that is also gone. Not unlike other airlines, it will be replaced by a structured process featuring eight boarding groups based on seat location, fare type, and loyalty status. This change also eliminates the need to check in exactly 24 hours before departure just to secure a better boarding position. I mean, who thought that was ever a good idea? Ugh!

Another reason I hated Southwest was the lack of first class seats. If I have to travel every week on flights that are over 5 hours, I want first class. That’s why I avoid JetBlue as well (the few flights with “Mint” do not count). As part of their changes, Southwest is introducing a “Comfort” seating section, offering extra legroom for travelers willing to pay a premium. They finally get that this will not only boost revenue but also attract new customers, including consultants and other business travelers. This still only aligns with JetBlue, so it’s a start, but not enough for me to even consider buying a ticket.

I’m hoping to hear some comments from the few remaining loyalists. Curious if you’ll miss the old system.

Southwest ends open seating after 54 years. We took the last flight

https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-assigned-seats-open-seating-ends-0f131c413349a14072f78288e5c056b2