Southwest Assigned Seating Explained
Southwest abandoned its open seating model in 2025 — the change that millions of loyal travelers had questions about. Here's how the new system actually works, what happened to EarlyBird and A-List status, and how to get the best seat under the new rules.
Last updated: March 2026
The one-paragraph version
Southwest now works like most other airlines: you pick a seat when you book. Standard seats are at the back. Preferred seats (front section) cost more. Exit rows cost more and come with 34" of legroom but no recline. A-List members get early boarding and free Extra Legroom. EarlyBird Check-In has been updated to fit the new system. Open seating is gone.
Seat types under the new system
| Seat type | Legroom | Recline | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Select Front rows | 31" | ✓ Yes | Premium fare |
| Preferred Rows 1–7 approx. | 31" | ✓ Yes | Upgrade fee or status |
| Extra Legroom Exit rows (14–15) | 34" | ✗ No | Upgrade fee or A-List Preferred |
| Standard Rest of cabin | 31" | ✓ Yes* | Included in base fare |
*Except last rows and rows immediately in front of exit rows, which also don't recline.
Frequently asked questions
When did Southwest switch to assigned seating?
Southwest Airlines began transitioning to assigned seating in early 2025 after announcing the change in 2024. The shift ended the airline's decades-long open seating model. New bookings made after the cutover date now include an assigned seat at purchase.
Did Southwest get rid of open seating completely?
Yes. Southwest's iconic "pick any seat" open boarding policy has ended. Under the new system, every ticket comes with a specific seat assignment — just like United, Delta, and American. You pick your seat at the time of booking or during check-in.
What happened to EarlyBird Check-In?
EarlyBird Check-In, which used to automatically check you in 36 hours before departure to secure a better boarding position, no longer functions the same way under assigned seating. With a seat assigned at booking, your boarding position is now separate from your seat. Southwest replaced the EarlyBird product for assigned seating flights — check Southwest's current booking flow for the latest premium boarding options.
What happened to A-List and A-List Preferred status?
Rapid Rewards status (A-List and A-List Preferred) still exists. Elite members receive benefits including complimentary seat upgrades to Extra Legroom seats where available, priority boarding, and bonus points. The status itself wasn't eliminated — but the perks are now mapped to the new seat class system rather than boarding position numbers.
What are "Extra Legroom" seats on Southwest?
Extra Legroom seats are the exit row seats on each aircraft. On the Boeing 737 MAX 8, that's rows 14–15. On the Boeing 737-700, that's rows 15. On the Boeing 737-800, that's rows 14–15. These seats have 34 inches of legroom (3 inches more than Standard's 31 inches). They are free for A-List Preferred members and available for purchase for other passengers. The catch: none of the exit row seats recline.
What are "Preferred" seats?
Preferred seats are usually the first several rows of the cabin — they don't have extra legroom, but they're closer to the front of the plane, which means you board earlier and deplane faster. Preferred seats cost more than Standard seats.
Can I still sit anywhere for free?
No. Under the new system, Standard seats (rear of the cabin, window, middle, and aisle in non-exit rows) are included in the base fare. To get a front-section seat or exit row, you'll pay an upgrade fee or need status.
How do families get seated together?
With assigned seating, families can select adjacent seats at booking just like any other airline. Southwest has committed to a family seating policy ensuring children under a certain age can sit with an accompanying adult at no extra charge, though the specifics depend on availability at booking.
How does boarding work now?
Southwest still uses a zone-based boarding system, but boarding position (A, B, C groups and position numbers within those groups) is now determined by your ticket type and status — not by who checks in first. Business Select passengers board first, followed by Preferred and A-List members, then Standard passengers.
What happens if I don't pick a seat?
If you don't select a seat during booking, Southwest will assign one automatically. You can usually change your seat selection before boarding via the app or website. Available seats may be limited if you wait.
Can I upgrade my seat after booking?
Yes. You can purchase seat upgrades (from Standard to Preferred or Extra Legroom) after initial booking, subject to availability. You can do this in the Southwest app, website, or at check-in.
Are the seats on Southwest good?
Southwest's seats are comparable to other domestic carriers — 17 inches wide, 31 inches of legroom in Standard rows. They don't have seatback screens (Southwest uses a streaming entertainment model via your own device and their app). The exit row seats are the standouts, with 34 inches of legroom.
Which Southwest seats are best under the new system?
The best standard strategy: if you can afford it, pick a Preferred seat in rows 1–7 for fast deplaning. If you want legroom and don't care about recline, pick an exit row seat. Avoid the last two rows on any aircraft — they don't recline and they're near the lavatory.
Which rows don't recline on Southwest?
On the Boeing 737 MAX 8: rows 13, 14, 15. On the Boeing 737-700: rows 14, 27. On the Boeing 737-800: rows 12, 13, 14, 30. In each case, the exit rows themselves and the rows in front of them do not recline.
Pick your seat with confidence
Every Southwest seat is rated 1-10 with notes on legroom, recline, windows, and what makes each row different.