Story perspectives

Southwest Airlines Shifts to Assigned Seating in 2026

12/27/2025

Summary

Story summary

Southwest Airlines will adopt an assigned seating policy on January 27, 2026, ending open seating.
Tony Roach, a Southwest Airlines executive, said the plan gives customers more control, offering Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom.
Plus-size customers must purchase an extra seat in advance, with refunds defined.
Advocates express disappointment, while some social media users support the policy.
Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline offering refunds for eligible plus-size passengers.

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Story summary

Southwest Airlines will adopt an assigned seating policy on January 27, 2026, ending open seating.
Tony Roach, a Southwest Airlines executive, said the plan gives customers more control, offering Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom.
Plus-size customers must purchase an extra seat in advance, with refunds defined.
Advocates express disappointment, while some social media users support the policy.
Southwest remains the only major U.S. airline offering refunds for eligible plus-size passengers.