4 New Changes Hit Southwest Airlines Today

It’s official — As of January 27th, 2026, Southwest Airlines is no longer offering open seating and is welcoming assigned seating.

Southwest Planes at Orlando International Airport

Instead of having all seats be the same style and space, they’re also adding two additional seating options. Do you always fly Southwest? You’ll want to read this before booking your next flight.

In addition to the Standard Seat, which has standard legroom and is located in the back of the cabin, Southwest is also adding Preferred Seats with standard legroom near the front of the cabin. There will also be Extra Legroom Seats in the front of the cabin and near the exit rows, offering up to 5 inches of extra legroom. There will also be earlier access to bin space, enhanced snacks, and complimentary premium beverages.

©Southwest

There are also four different fare bundles starting today, including Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra, each with different perks for assigned seats, boarding groups, checked bags, and refundable value.

©Southwest Airlines

Choice Extra still receives two free bags when flying on Southwest, but on May 28th, 2025, the airline stopped offering them to all passengers. The first bag costs $35, and the second piece costs $45, if they are within the standard size and weight limits.

Southwest Airlines at John Wayne International Airport

Another change starting is “the airline will require passengers who ‘encroach upon the neighboring seat’ to proactively purchase an additional ticket, which might not be refunded.” Previously, passengers who needed two seats could pay for the extra seat in advance and later receive a refund, or request an extra seat at the airport for no extra charge. Now, passengers will be required to purchase seats in advance, and they will not be refunded “unless the flight departs with at least one open seat and both seats are purchased within the same fare class.”

What do you think about these new changes? Tell us your thoughts in the comments, and make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more.

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