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Southwest Eliminates Assigned Seating: A Return to 'Find Your Own Spot'

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. gned-seating-a-return-to-find-your-own-spot.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 11:40 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locales: Texas, UNITED STATES

How the New System Works:

Passengers will continue to be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) during check-in, which opens 24 hours prior to departure. Crucially, securing an advantageous boarding position is now more vital than ever. Unlike some airlines where even late-arriving passengers with assigned seats are accommodated, with Southwest, your boarding group is your key to getting your desired seat. Those holding 'A' boarding passes will board first, followed by 'B', and then 'C'. There will be no reserving specific seats. It's a return to the original concept of 'find your own spot'.

For travelers accustomed to selecting their seats online, this change requires a mental shift. Pre-flight seat maps are essentially irrelevant. The focus now lies entirely on achieving an early boarding position. Southwest offers two options to improve your chances: 'EarlyBird Getaway' and 'Business Select' fares. 'EarlyBird Getaway' automatically checks you in 24 hours before departure, potentially securing a better boarding group. 'Business Select' not only guarantees an earlier boarding position but also includes other perks like priority security lanes and a complimentary drink.

Traveler Reaction and Potential Concerns:

The immediate reaction to the announcement has been mixed. While some passengers welcome the simplification, others express anxieties about family members being separated or being stuck with undesirable seats (middle seats, seats near restrooms, etc.). Social media is flooded with discussions about strategies for maximizing boarding group positioning, ranging from setting alarms for exactly 24 hours before departure to actively engaging with the Southwest mobile app.

One significant concern revolves around passengers with disabilities or those requiring specific accommodations. Southwest has stated it will continue to prioritize their needs during boarding, but the lack of pre-assigned seating raises questions about ensuring smooth and comfortable boarding for everyone. The airline has yet to detail exactly how these accommodations will be handled under the new system.

The Bigger Picture: Southwest's Continued Differentiation

Southwest's decision isn't simply about streamlining boarding; it's about reinforcing its brand identity. In an industry increasingly dominated by ancillary fees and complex fare structures, Southwest has traditionally focused on providing a simple, customer-friendly experience. The elimination of assigned seating, coupled with its baggage policy (two checked bags fly free), aims to maintain this distinction. The airline believes the change will ultimately benefit both passengers and operations.

Ultimately, the success of this new policy will depend on its execution and passenger adaptation. Southwest is betting that the efficiency gains and simplified boarding process will outweigh the inconvenience of losing seat selection. Travelers will need to adjust their strategies, prioritize early check-in, and perhaps consider investing in 'EarlyBird Getaway' or 'Business Select' if seat preference is paramount.