How Southwest's Assigned Seating Will Work: A Friendly Guide

Hey there, travelers! Southwest Airlines has been making some big changes, and one of the most talked-about is their move to assigned seating. We know you've got questions, so we're here to break it down and make it easy to understand. Let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and how will southwest assigned seating work.

Why the Change, Southwest?

Before we get into how it'll work, let's quickly chat about why Southwest is making this change. The airline has been operating with an open-seating policy for decades, but with the rise of other airlines offering assigned seating, Southwest is hoping to provide a more seamless and comfortable experience for their passengers.

How Will Southwest Assigned Seating Work? A Step-by-Step Guide

1. When Can I Choose My Seat?

Southwest will start rolling out assigned seating in phases, with the first phase expected to begin in late 2021. Once your flight is eligible, you'll be able to select your seat at the time of booking, or up to 24 hours before your flight. EarlyBird Check-In users will have the option to select their seats 36 hours before departure.

2. How Much Will It Cost?

Southwest is keeping it simple and fair. If you want to select your seat in advance, you'll have two options:

- Standard Seat Selection: Free for Business Select and Companion Pass holders, $5 for everyone else. - Premium Seat Selection: $10-$15 for seats with extra legroom or near the front of the plane.

3. What If I Don't Want to Pay?

No worries! If you prefer not to pay for seat selection, Southwest will automatically assign you a seat at check-in, free of charge. You can also change your seat assignment for free at any time before check-in.

4. How Will Families and Groups Be Accommodated?

Southwest knows that families and groups want to sit together, so they're working on a feature that will allow you to select and purchase seats together in a single transaction.

What About A-List and A-List Preferred Members?

Southwest's frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, is getting an upgrade too. A-List and A-List Preferred members will have access to free seat selection at the time of booking, and they'll be able to board in the A1-A15 group.

Will This Affect Southwest's Boarding Process?

Southwest's boarding process, known as the "open boarding" policy, will remain largely the same. Passengers will still board in groups (A, B, and C), but now you'll have a specific seat assignment within your group.

When Will I Need to Reroute My Flight?

If you're not a fan of the new assigned seating policy, Southwest has said that they'll allow customers to change their flight to one that's operated by a different aircraft type (like the Boeing 737) without paying a change fee. This option will be available until the end of 2022.

Stay Tuned for More Updates

Southwest is working hard to make this transition as smooth as possible. We'll keep you updated as more information becomes available, so keep an eye out for the latest news!

So, there you have it, folks! Southwest's assigned seating is on its way, and now you know exactly what to expect. Happy travels!