"Is this now the new frontier airlines???" said one Southwest flyer on X.

As of January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines no longer has an open seating policy. Here's how Southwest now boards its aircraft and why it chose to go this route.

The changes Southwest Airlines has been planning for more than a year are now live — including assigned seats, ending the ...

The Dallas, Texas-based carrier transitioned from its longtime open seating system in keeping with competitors like American, ...

Some customers have dubbed the Southwest Airlines policy "garbage," while others were more impressed with the shift.

Southwest will also begin a new group-based boarding system starting on Jan 27. The new boarding process will prioritize ...

No longer! On Tuesday, Southwest Airlines officially inaugurated its new assigned seating policy, the last in a suite of ...

Southwest’s new seating rules shake up open boarding, sparking frustration and debate among travelers over fairness, choice, ...

Southwest Airlines passengers are making their final boarding-time scrambles for seats as the carrier prepares to end its ...

Southwest passengers will have assigned seats starting Tuesday. This marks an end to the Texas-based airline's well-known longstanding policy of allowing flyers choose their own seats as they board.

The famous numbered metal stanchions that for decades defined Southwest Airlines’ unique boarding process are coming down as the Dallas-based carrier laid out the final plans for a new boarding ...