Southwest Airlines to launch assigned seats in 2026, will partner with international airlines

26.09.2024 - 19:47 / thepointsguy.com / Delta Air Lines / Bob Jordan

Southwest Airlines' new assigned seating model — complete with its first-ever extra-legroom seats — is set for takeoff in early 2026.

Meanwhile, big changes are in the works for Southwest's Rapid Rewards loyalty program, including new benefits for A-List and A-List Preferred elite status members and opportunities for international redemptions as the Dallas-based carrier prepares to launch partnerships with international airlines.

Together, these changes will mark perhaps the biggest commercial overhaul for Southwest in a half-century, as the carrier faces mounting concerns about its financial performance.

This news comes two months after Southwest executives first unveiled plans in late July to add extra-legroom seats and ditch its trademark seating policy, a unique arrangement that's been a hallmark of the airline for the last half-century.

Both are part of a comprehensive plan by executives to boost revenue, as the airline has far trailed its larger U.S. competitors like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in profitability since the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, as TPG reported last week, one key Southwest policy will remain in place: The carrier is not ditching its popular two "bags fly free" policy.

But far more details are expected Thursday about major changes in the works at Southwest as the company prepares to host its annual investor day.

Here's what we know so far.

Related: Southwest Airlines cuts 15 destinations from Atlanta, adds 6 new Nashville routes

Southwest will begin selling assigned seats in late 2025.

The airline will begin flying with its assigned seating model in the first half of 2026, the carrier said Thursday.

This summer, the carrier cited exhaustive customer research in deciding to shift to a new assigned model. CEO Bob Jordan said in July that survey data found that 80% of Southwest flyers would prefer assigned seating and that a whopping 86% of customers who don't fly Southwest preferred the model.

"Customers travel different following the pandemic," Jordan told investors in Dallas on Thursday. "Customer preferences have changed."

"Southwest flies farther than ever, and seat assignments are a higher priority on long-haul flights," the carrier added in a broader Thursday statement summing up its overhaul plan.

Southwest passengers flying on the airline's lowest-level ticket type, Wanna Get Away, will not get complimentary seat selection. Travelers who don't pay to select a seat ahead of time will receive a seat assignment prior to departure.

Customers who select a Wanna Get Away Plus fare type (or higher) will get complimentary seat selection at booking.

The airline will also upcharge passengers on some tickets for "preferred" seats — which are standard seats situated closer