Many people need to know about Southwest assigned seats options. For a long time, Southwest Airlines was known for its unique boarding system where passengers were assigned boarding positions based on a random lottery. Southwest Airlines will begin selling tickets with assigned seating around 2025 including extra cost. This will end Southwest’s 53-year tradition of open seating, where passengers could choose their seats after boarding.
In this blog post, you will get to explore the insights of their assigned seating system. Know about the different types of assigned seats available, the associated costs, and the benefits and drawbacks of choosing this option. This post will also provide tips on how to get the best value for your money when booking assigned seats on Southwest. This information will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to pay for assigned seating.
What is Southwest’s assigned seating policy?
Southwest Airlines has a unique approach to seating assignments compared to many other airlines. While they used to have a random boarding system, they now offer assigned seating as an optional service. This means you can choose your specific seat in advance, providing a more personalized travel experience.
Southwest Assigned Seats: To Buy or Not to Buy?
This airline offers assigned seating as an optional service, allowing passengers to choose their specific seat in advance. While this can provide added comfort and peace of mind, it also comes with specific concerns. You must explore the benefits and drawbacks of Southwest assigned seats:
Potential Perks of Southwest’s Assigned Seating
While Southwest Airlines’ traditional open seating policy has been a hallmark of their brand, the upcoming change to assigned seats could offer several advantages:
- Guaranteed Seat– By purchasing assigned seating, you can guarantee that you get the exact seat you want, whether it’s a window seat, aisle seat, or a seat near the front of the plane. This can be extremely helpful for travelers who prefer particular seating arrangements or have specific needs.
- More Control– This option gives you greater control over your travel. You can choose your seat based on your preferences and avoid the tension of random boarding.
- Reduced Stress– Knowing your exact seat in advance can help reduce stress and anxiety, especially for travelers who are new to flying or who have concerns about the boarding process.
- Personalized Experience– It allows you to customize your flight experience and make it more enjoyable.
The Potential Downside of Assigned Seats
To make an informed decision about assigned seating on Southwest, check the possible disadvantages below:
- Additional Cost– It comes with an extra fee, which can add to the overall cost of your flight.
- No Guaranteed Boarding Priority– While assigned seating guarantees your specific seat, it doesn’t necessarily provide boarding priority. Boarding order is still determined by factors like your boarding group, which is usually based on when you check in or purchase your ticket.
- Limited Availability– You can only get the assigned seats based on their availability and it may not be available for all flights or seat types, especially during peak travel times.
- Reduced Flexibility– Once you’ve purchased assigned seating, you have less flexibility to change your seat or flight. If you need to make changes, you may incur additional fees.
Tips for Getting Your First Assigned Seat on Southwest
While Southwest Airlines is known for its open-seating model, there are still methods you can use to increase your chances of getting your preferred seat. Here are some tips to help you secure your preferred spot:
- Check-In Early- It allows you to check in 24 hours before your flight. Early check-in often grants you access to better seat selections. Use Southwest’s mobile app to check in as soon as possible.
- Utilize Group Seating- If you’re flying with friends or family, use Southwest’s Group Seating feature to request seats near each other.
- Consider Seat Preferences- While the airline doesn’t guarantee specific seats, you can show your preferences during the check-in process. For example, if you prefer a window seat, select that.
- Rapid Rewards- If you’re a regular flyer, consider joining their Rapid Rewards program. Members often have access to early check-in and other perks that can improve their chances of securing a desired seat.
- Arrive at the Airport Early- While not a guarantee, arriving at the airport early can sometimes give you a slight advantage in the boarding process, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
- Utilize Boarding Upgrades- If you’re willing to pay extra, consider purchasing a boarding upgrade. This can give you priority boarding, which often translates to better seat options.
- Know the Seating Chart- Get familiar with the airline’s seating chart to understand the different seat types and their locations. This knowledge can help you make informed choices.
The Power of Early Bird Check-In on Southwest
Southwest Airlines Early Bird Check-In is a popular feature that allows passengers to check in for their flight 24 hours in advance. This service not only provides ease but also offers a powerful advantage when it comes to seat selection.
How Early Bird Check-In Works
Early Bird Check-In offers an advantage for its passengers. By checking in for your flight a full 24 hours before departure, you gain entry to priority boarding. This means you’ll be among the first to board the plane, giving you a better chance of securing your preferred seat. Whether you’re aiming for a window seat, an aisle seat, or a seat near the front of the aircraft, this option can help you achieve your seating goals.
The Impact on Seating
It allows you to select your seat earlier than other passengers, increasing your chances of securing your preferred seat. Whether you desire a window seat, an aisle seat, or a seat near the front of the plane, Early Bird Check-In gives you a competitive advantage. Also, if you’re traveling with friends, checking in early helps you choose seats together, guaranteeing you’re all seated nearby.
More Benefits of Early Bird Check-In
This feature offers additional benefits beyond priority boarding. By checking in early, you can save time at the gate and reduce stress, especially during busy travel periods. Plus, it often includes a free checked bag, which can help you save money on baggage fees.
How to Use Early Bird Check-In?
To use Early Bird Check-In, download the Southwest app and sign in to your Rapid Rewards account. Alternatively, you can visit the airline’s website and log in. Find your upcoming flight and select the “Check In” option. Once checked in, you’ll be able to choose your preferred seat.
Southwest Airlines is currently changing to a new seating model that will include Southwest assigned seats. This change is scheduled to take effect in around 2025/2026. Until then, Southwest continues to use its traditional open seating policy. The assigned seats could offer several benefits for passengers, such as guaranteed seating, reduced stress, improved boarding processes, and enhanced customer service.
FAQs Section
Southwest is transitioning to assigned seating in 2025/2026.
The exact process will be announced closer to the implementation date, but it might involve checking in early or purchasing early boarding passes.
Southwest hasn’t confirmed if there will be fees.
Yes, once assigned seating is implemented, passengers will likely be able to choose their seats in advance.
Your chances of getting your preferred seat may decrease.
Southwest may offer various seating options, such as standard, premium, or exit-row seats.
Yes, boarding may become more smooth as passengers can proceed directly to their assigned seats.
Yes, Southwest’s open seating policy will remain in effect until assigned seating is started.
Southwest will have procedures to make sure that passengers with special needs or disabilities can board the plane safely.
It will still be there but, its effectiveness in securing a preferred seat may change with assigned seating.
While the introduction of assigned seating may slightly increase costs for some passengers, the airline will maintain its reputation for offering affordable flights.