3 Important Rules You Should Know Before Choosing Your Seat on Southwest Airlines

Over the past several months, Southwest Airlines has implemented some pretty controversial changes — including assigned seating.

©Southwest Airlines

For decades, Southwest Airlines was a go-to airline for so many travelers because you didn’t pick a seat. Instead, if you didn’t have any special perks, you joined a boarding position queue and hoped for a good group. From there, you picked an open seat you like and grabbed overhead space where available. It was a well-liked system among Southwest patrons that OFFICIALLY ENDED on January 27th, 2026, when Southwest rolled out mandatory assigned seating. The new seating policy has now completely changed how we fly with Southwest. If you plan on flying with the popular airline again, there are a few REALLY important things you need to know before you select seats.

Rule #1: Assigned Seating Does NOT Mean You Can Ignore Boarding Order

In the days of yore, Southwest boarding was assigned into groups A, B, and C (with special boarding for groups like families with young children), with a specific number (1 through 30 or 31 through 60). Checking in as soon as possible or purchasing early boarding privileges was critical to securing a great boarding spot. With the new assigned seating rule, you might assume that boarding is much less of a priority. This is the biggest misconception we’re already seeing.

Goodbye boarding numbers

While Southwest now lets you choose a specific seat, your boarding group still matters because overhead bin space is still first-come, first-served. Remember, families, pre-boarders, and elite flyers will still get on earlier, and late boarding could still result in you needing to check your bags at the gate if the flight is already full.

Southwest Airlines at John Wayne International Airport

If you care about keeping your carry-on with you, boarding position still counts. The seat selection certainly helps, but boarding order will still affect your entire experience.

Rule #2: Not All Seats Are Created Equal

Along with the new seating policy, Southwest has modified its planes to create a hierarchy of comfort.

©Southwest

Southwest now offers Preferred Seats (front rows, aisle/window combos), Extra-legroom Seats (especially in exit rows), and premium, upgradable seats in “better” locations on the plane. These seats aren’t free, and look like offerings at other airlines.

Premium Seating on ©Southwest Airlines

If you don’t pay attention while booking, you could easily end up paying more than you expected or being stuck in a middle seat. It’s a good idea to open the seat map before checkout. If the price jump is minimal, grabbing a better seat early can save a LOT of regret. If you don’t care, make sure you’re opting for the cheapest choice.

Rule #3: Get Familiar with the NEW Family Seating

Southwest used to be a favorite airline for families because boarding together gave you a FANTASTIC shot of sitting together. Those days are gone, though, and assigned seating has complicated family seating.

©Southwest Airlines

Seats may sell individually, and not in blocks, so you may have to split up. Additionally, waiting too long to book could scatter your group across rows. If you’re traveling with a group, you’ll want to book a little earlier than normal just so you have your pick of the litter. The “We’ll figure it out on the plane” strategy is no longer a safe plan.

Assigned seating on Southwest sounds simple, but it quietly changed everything — from pricing to boarding strategy to family travel to even how early you need to book. The airline clearly requires a bit of extra planning these days.

We’ll be trying out new tricks and discovering all the latest air travel hacks, so keep it posted right here at DFB to stay in the know!

3 Perks to the Controversial Seating Changes on Southwest Airlines

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Have you flown with Southwest since the seat policy change was enacted? Share your experience in the comments below!