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 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 has officially switched to assigned seating, ending open seating as the airline continues to remake its once-distinctive business model.

Southwest Airlines ends its famous open-seating policy and implements new rules requiring plus-size passengers to purchase ...

The airline ends its decades-long open seating model and updates its extra seat refund policy amid broader shifts.

The winner has spent billions improving its operations—while navigating a corporate shake-up and revising its strategy.

Southwest Airlines is shaking up its famously simple no-frills model with a new aircraft design that promises a more "elevated" flying experience, with similar upgrades planned for its existing fleet.

Southwest Airlines gets rave reviews from Wall Street for assigning seats and adding fees, but will the quirky airline ...

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 ...

On Tuesday, Southwest Airlines finally revealed its brand new revamped cabin with extra spacious seating, which it will roll out across its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX 8s starting on October 16. ERIK S ...