Southwest's Longtime Seating Policy Officially Ends Tuesday

In 2025, Southwest Airlines announced several major changes to its operating procedures, perhaps none bigger than the end of open seating. For decades, part of Southwest's popularity stemmed from allowing passengers to pick their own seats on a first-come, first-served basis.

Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 27, Southwest will debut assigned seating, a change that might have employees excited but has upset some longtime customers.

Southwest's assigned seating process, explained

Instead...