If you have ever strategically checked in exactly 24 hours before a Southwest flight, this is something you need to know.
Southwest at MCO
Southwest Airlines is about to make a pretty big change, and it matters if you’re already thinking ahead to trips in 2026, including that Disney World vacation you swear you are just “casually” planning. The airline is officially moving away from its famous open seating policy, and that shift starts January 27th, 2026. We’re not here to panic you, just to make sure this does not catch you off guard later.
If you missed the announcement, you’re not alone. Southwest has been rolling out updates left and right, but the end of open seating is the one that is going to affect the most people. Especially the folks who have been loyal to Southwest for years because it felt easy, predictable, and budget-friendly.
Flying with Southwest
I usually love flying with Southwest. The vibes are familiar, the process feels simple once you know the system, and open seating made the whole experience feel low-pressure. You boarded, grabbed a seat, and moved on. For a lot of travelers trying to get to Disney World without overthinking every detail, that was part of the appeal.
Southwest Planes at Orlando International Airport
Starting January 27th, 2026, Southwest is switching to assigned seating. That means the days of scanning the cabin for the best open row are coming to an end. This is a big shift for an airline that built its identity around doing things differently, and it’s something you’ll want to factor in when planning future trips.
©Southwest Airlines
If you fly often, this probably sounds manageable. Assigned seating is nothing new in the airline world. But for people who fly Southwest specifically because it feels different and flexible, this is definitely an adjustment. Boarding will look more familiar, and the overall experience will feel a bit more like what you are used to on other airlines.
Premium Seating on ©Southwest Airlines
Southwest has also mentioned that planes will eventually include more Extra Legroom seats. That could be a nice option if you value the space, but it will come at an additional cost. Again, not shocking, just something to be aware of when comparing prices and planning your budget.
A Southwest airplane’s interior.
Now, as a quick reminder, there have been a few other updates recently, too. Southwest ended its bags fly free policy earlier this year, and there have been some tweaks to how Rapid Rewards points are earned depending on which fare you book. Business Select earns more, while Wanna Get Away options earn a little less. These aren’t deal breakers for everyone, but they do mean you’ll want to double-check the details instead of assuming everything works the way it used to.
Airport
The biggest takeaway here isn’t that Southwest is suddenly a bad airline. It’s just different. And different is totally fine as long as you know what you are walking into. The real stress comes when people show up at the airport expecting the old system and realize things have changed.
Southwest Airplanes
If you’re planning a Disney World trip in 2026 and Southwest is on your list, just keep this in the back of your mind. Assigned seating will be the norm, pricing may look a little different, and planning ahead will matter a bit more than it used to.
Traveling soon?
Think of this as that friendly heads-up from someone who wants your travel day to go smoothly. A little extra awareness now can save you a lot of confusion later.
Make sure to stay tuned to the Disney Food Blog for all the latest travel news and updates.
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If I wanted to fly a different airline other than Southwest I would have done so 20 years ago. Southwest was my go to airline but no anymore. The new
CEO wants to charge more by not saying” we’re charging you more “ out loud but rather saying we’ve listened to what you wanted and are making changes, but it’s going to cost extra. You wanted reserve seats, no more free bags. Sure that’s what we all wanted. I want to pick the seat I want without a crying baby next to me.
I’ve lost that choice with reserved seats. I also lost the bags fly free thing.