Southwest Airlines Announces Elite Perks for Assigned Seating in 2026

Southwest Elite Perks for Assigned Seating

Southwest Airlines announced in September that it plans to make significant changes to its business model in order to boost profitability. The airline has now revealed additional details about assigned seating, which will be available for booking in the second half of 2025, for travel beginning in early 2026.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan says that the boarding process will remain familiar to current passengers. Travelers will board according to position numbers and line up at designated areas marked with signage at the gate, just like they do currently.

For Southwest A-List elite members, there will be a few advantages when it comes to seat selection. A-List members will gain early access to reserve their spot in line, 36 hours before departure. Everyone else will have to wait until 12 hours later.

Basic A-List members will be able to select standard front seats at the time of booking, which is something that will come with an extra fee to non-elites. They will also have the option to select an extra legroom seat within 48 hours of departure at no additional cost, subject to availability.

Top-tier A-List Preferred members will enjoy even greater flexibility, with the ability to select any available seat, including extra legroom seats, at no extra charge.

Additionally, Companion Pass holders will benefit from the ability to choose a seat for their designated companion, with the same elite seating privileges extended to them. That makes the Companion Pass even more valuable going forward.

Despite these changes, Southwest assures its customers once again that two free checked bags will remain available for everyone, regardless of the ticket type they purchase. Furthermore, all Rapid Rewards members will continue to earn and redeem points at the same rate as before.

Check out the benefits for each tier below.