NEW Rules Hit Southwest Airlines This Month

Southwest Airlines has officially decided to become just like everyone else.

©Southwest Airlines

Flying Southwest used to mean something different (open seating, boarding by number, and the freedom to snag whatever seat you wanted once you got on the plane). But starting January 27th, all of that is changing in a big way, and if you’re a frequent Southwest flyer, you need to know what’s coming.

Say Goodbye to Your Boarding Number

Here’s the deal: Southwest is ditching its iconic open seating system on January 27th. Instead of getting a boarding number and racing to grab your favorite seat, you’ll now be assigned a specific seat when you book your flight. So yes, just like Delta, United, American, and literally every other airline out there.

Goodbye boarding numbers

For decades, Southwest’s boarding process was simple. You’d check in, get your boarding number, line up in numerical order, and then pick whatever open seat you wanted when you boarded. That system is now officially extinct.

The New Seating Categories

Southwest has divided its airplane into three seating categories, and where you sit depends on how much you’re willing to pay.

Extra Legroom is the premium option. These seats have additional legroom (think exit rows and forward cabin seats), and passengers in this category board first in Groups 1 and 2. Naturally, these are the priciest seats on the plane.
Preferred Seats are your middle-tier option. You’ll get standard legroom in the forward and middle sections of the cabin. This group boards in Groups 3 through 5, so you’re not first, but you’re not last either. These seats cost less than Extra Legroom but more than Standard.
Standard Seats are the most affordable option, but they come with a catch. You’ll be sitting in whatever’s left after the Extra Legroom and Preferred passengers have taken their picks. That usually means middle and rear cabin seats, and yes, a lot of middle seats. This group boards last in Groups 6 through 8.

©Southwest

How Boarding Works Now

Instead of lining up in precise numerical order like we used to, Southwest will now call boarding groups just like other airlines do. Your boarding pass will show your assigned boarding group, and you’ll board when your group is called.

MCO airport

The good news? Boarding might actually be a bit more chill since you don’t have to stress about finding your exact spot in a numbered line. The bad news? If you’re in a later boarding group, you’re stuck with whatever seat you were assigned, no swapping allowed.

Elite Status and Credit Card Perks

If you have status with Southwest or one of their credit cards, there are some benefits worth knowing about.

A-List Preferred members can snag free Extra Legroom seats, while A-List members get free Preferred Seat selection. Not bad if you fly Southwest regularly and have racked up that status.
Southwest credit card holders get one free checked bag, which is a nice perk since Southwest eliminated free checked bags for everyone else. Credit card holders are also guaranteed to be in boarding group 5, so you won’t end up in the back of the boarding pack.

Changes for Passengers Needing Extra Space

Southwest has also updated its policy for passengers who need more than one seat. In the past, these passengers didn’t have to buy a second seat in advance. Southwest would provide additional seats when available, and passengers could request refunds after their flight.

Southwest Airlines at John Wayne International Airport

Starting January 27th, passengers requiring extra space must purchase an additional seat and pay any applicable seat fees before boarding. Refunds are still possible after travel, but only if both seats are in the same fare class, the request is made within 90 days, and the plane had at least one open seat. There’s a small exception if the flight was full but had seats reserved for off-duty employees.

The Bottom Line

Look, if you’ve flown with other airlines recently, none of this will surprise you. Southwest is basically adopting the same policies that United, Delta, and American have had for years. The days of Southwest being the quirky airline with the different boarding system are over.

Southwest at MCO

Is it the end of an era? Absolutely. Will it make flying Southwest feel less special? Probably. But at least now you know exactly what to expect when you book your next flight after January 27th.

In the meantime, stay tuned to DFB for more travel updates and tips!

“Hate the New Changes.” Fans Are NOT Ready for This HUGE Southwest Airlines Change

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What do you think about these Southwest changes? Let us know in the comments!