A major airline change might not fix a lingering boarding problem.
©Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is ending its longtime open seating policy OFFICIALLY on January 27th, 2026, requiring passengers to acquire assigned seats. Additionally, the airline has ended its free checked bag policy while also requiring passengers who “encroach upon the neighboring seat’ to proactively purchase an additional ticket, which might not be refunded.” Of course, Southwest patrons aren’t thrilled with these changes, and they won’t be too happy with a boarding issue that could continue despite all these changes.
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