Southwest Airlines has already made several high-profile changes for its customers over the past several months, ending its beloved "bags fly free" policy and scrapping its longstanding open-seating policy.

As part of the assigned seating plan, Southwest will move from position-based boarding to group-based boarding. According to the airline, there will be up to eight boarding groups on every flight, and passengers will be assigned a group based on the ticket they purchased and their frequent flyer status with the airline.

Today, Chase and Southwest Airlines Co. launch new and enhanced benefits on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards from Chase. The Cards’ benefits and new earn categories now make everyday spending and flying with Southwest Airlines even more rewarding and reflect the airline’s new Customer experience.

Starting Jan. 27, Southwest Airlines passengers will get assigned seats for the first time, marking a major shift in the carrier’s business model.

Southwest Airlines will switch to assigned seats on Jan. 27, 2026, the airline announced. Seat assignments will go on sale July 29, 2025.

Southwest Airlines instituted its new bag policy, which was previously announced in March. "For reservations booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees will apply. We will offer two free checked bags to our Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members

Southwest passengers will soon buy assigned seat tickets as the carrier ends decades of open seating and other perks in the company's bid to save revenue.

Assigned seating is coming to Southwest Airlines in 2026. Here's when, how it will work and how much it will cost to choose a seat.