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This is the end of an era Southwest Airlines Passengers will be able to enjoy assigned seats on Tuesday, replacing the free boarding system that has been in place since the airline was founded more than 50 years ago.
Four new fare combinations will be launched at the same time, with fewer choices extra large passengerwhich can make travel more expensive.
Previously, they could request free extra seats upon arrival at their destination AIRPORT Or book a room first and then request a refund.
Now, only the latter path is open to them.
this dallas based airlineThe airline serving more than 100 destinations has been refurbishing its entire 737 fleet since May 2025 in preparation for a new cabin experience, which now includes seats with extra legroom.
Fare classes – Basic, Select, Preferred and Extra Select – also include changes to baggage allowance and Wi-Fi. While route, demand, travel dates and booking dates all affect price, the most expensive fare option can often be twice as much as the cheapest fare.
Here’s how they break down.
Choice Extra is the most expensive fare option and includes seats with extra legroom in the first five rows of the cabin and up to an additional 5 inches of seat pitch, depending on the type of Boeing 737 used on the route. Choice Extra also offers two free checked bags, priority lane boarding, “premium beverages” on select flights of 251 miles or more, and free inflight internet.
Choice Preferred tickets come with standard legroom seating. However, they are located further forward in the cabin, and passengers who select preferred options also enjoy priority lane boarding.
Choice ticket holders can choose a standard seat in the back of the plane during the booking process, and if the passenger has to cancel their flight, they can receive another credit valid for 12 months.
The cheapest fare is the base fare. Passengers choosing this flight will be assigned a standard seat upon check-in and will receive a flight credit valid for six months if the flight is cancelled.
Choice Preferred, Choice and Basic ticket holders are subject to fees for checked baggage, premium beverages and internet access.
Southwest Airlines Acknowledging that it has been losing customers to rival airlines due to its open-seating policy.
The airline said in a statement: “The airline has been known for its unique open seating format for more than 50 years, but preferences have changed as more passengers choose long-haul flights with seat assignments.
“[Our] Research clearly shows that 80% of Southwest Airlines customers and 86% of potential customers prefer assigned seating.
“When customers choose to stop flying Southwest and choose a competitor, open seating is cited as the top reason for making the change. By moving to an assigned seat model, Southwest hopes to broaden its appeal and attract more flights from current and future customers.”