Southwest Airlines’ 2025 Overhaul: What You Need to Know About Seat Assignments, Premium Upgrades, and the Future of Family Travel

If you’re like me, you’ve had your share of chaotic boarding experiences with Southwest Airlines. You know, that mad dash to secure a decent seat, praying you’ll get a window or aisle spot before every middle seat gets snapped up. But, Southwest is about to roll out some major changes that could shift your entire travel experience. Dubbed Southwest 2.0, these updates are expected to be in full swing by Q2 of 2026, and trust me, the changes will have passengers buzzing.

In this post, we’ll dive into the upcoming seat assignment system, premium upgrades, and how the ever-favorite free baggage policy fits into this future. I’ll also share some must-know tips, hacks, and hidden gems to help you navigate Southwest’s new world with ease. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with a business crew, these changes will impact you in different ways. So buckle up — there’s a lot to unpack.

Southwest’s Unique Boarding Process (A Love-Hate Relationship)

If you’ve ever flown Southwest, you know the drill. Boarding is based on the order in which you check in, and passengers are divided into groups (A, B, C). There’s no seat assignment ahead of time, and you’re essentially in a “cattle call” — a free-for-all to grab whatever seat you can as soon as you step on the plane.

Some people love it. The system favors early birds who don’t mind setting alarms for the 24-hour check-in window. Others? Not so much. I personally get a little anxious every time I’m in the B or (heaven forbid) the C group. And when you’re traveling with kids, the stakes are even higher. No one wants to be scattered across the cabin with toddlers in tow.

Enter Southwest 2.0 — a move to introduce seat assignments, beginning in late 2025 and fully integrated by Q2 2026. Gone are the days of rushing to check in just to avoid the dreaded middle seat. Passengers will now be able to choose their seats ahead of time. Sounds more organized, right? But how will it affect the core of what makes Southwest unique?

Seat Assignments Are Coming — Here’s How It’ll Work

So how will this seat assignment system actually work? Let’s break it down.

Starting in late 2025, Southwest will introduce seat selection during booking. This feature is meant to appeal to families, business travelers, and basically anyone who hates the unpredictability of open seating. If you book early enough, you’ll be able to reserve seats, though not all fares will have this perk.

Breaking Down the Fare Classes:

1. Wanna Get Away: The cheapest fare option (which we all love) won’t include free seat selection. You’ll need to pay extra to pick your seat or risk the uncertainty of choosing one at check-in.
2. Wanna Get Away Plus: This mid-tier fare will allow for seat assignments, but at a slightly higher cost.
3. Business Select and Anytime fares will naturally include seat selection as part of their pricing, so business travelers can rest easy knowing they won’t be stuck in a middle seat.
4. A-List Premium Members: This top-tier group will get free upgrades to premium seats, adding another reason to strive for that A-List status.

Key takeaway: The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing seats that fit your family’s needs or personal preferences. Just be prepared to pay a little extra if you’re opting for a budget fare.

Premium Seating: More Legroom, but at What Cost?

Alongside seat assignments, Southwest 2.0 will roll out premium seating options — something that’s been requested by frequent flyers for years. Roughly 30% of each aircraft will feature these premium seats, which boast up to 5 more inches of legroom. On planes like the Boeing 737–700, that could mean up to 36 inches of legroom, perfect for stretching out, especially on long-haul flights.

But here’s the kicker: while premium seating might sound like a luxury you’d want to splurge on, it comes with a trade-off. The rest of the seats on the plane will lose an inch of legroom, shrinking down to about 31 inches from the current 32. So, while some passengers will enjoy the added space, those who don’t upgrade might feel the squeeze.

And yes, A-List Preferred members and co-branded credit card holders will get complimentary access to these premium seats, making that loyalty program more valuable than ever.

Free Checked Bags Are Staying — for Now

Now, one of the biggest questions lingering around these changes: Will Southwest keep their free checked baggage policy?

Yes, for now, they’re sticking to their guns. The two free checked bags policy, which differentiates Southwest from nearly every other airline, will remain. Southwest executives are aware that this is a key selling point for many travelers, especially families. In fact, surveys show that 66% of travelers see this as a crucial reason they fly with Southwest, and removing it could actually cost the airline $1.8 billion in lost revenue due to customers switching to competitors. So, breathe easy — for now, you won’t be hit with extra fees for that second suitcase full of beach gear or souvenirs.

A-List Premium Members: Big Perks on the Horizon

If you’re one of the lucky few with A-List or A-List Preferred status, you’re in for a treat. As part of Southwest 2.0, A-List Premium members will receive automatic upgrades to premium seats at no extra cost. Plus, there’s buzz about additional perks coming, possibly including priority boarding and access to exclusive check-in lanes.

Southwest co-branded credit card holders will also get some seat assignment perks — details are still under wraps, but it’s likely these members will have access to premium seating without paying the full fare.

Pro Tip:

If you’re considering loyalty programs, now might be the perfect time to climb the ranks of Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program. With premium seating and free upgrades becoming more valuable, earning A-List status could offer serious bang for your buck in 2026.

So, What’s Staying the Same?

Despite all these changes, some Southwest staples will remain. The airline isn’t getting rid of its famous boarding process entirely. Passengers will still receive boarding numbers, ensuring the line remains orderly as passengers file onto the plane. EarlyBird check-in, however, may be phased out to make room for the new premium seating structure.

Additionally, Southwest will continue offering free flight changes and cancellations — something that other airlines only recently started adopting. And for those who loved Southwest’s unique perks, such as no fees for flight modifications, you can still count on these perks staying intact.

The Family-Friendly Angle: How Southwest 2.0 Affects Families with Kids

Families with young children or even teens will find some of these changes helpful — especially seat assignments. No more worrying about whether you’ll be separated from your kids, especially on busy flights. That said, you’ll need to be strategic about how you book.

Here’s the scoop for family travelers:

1. Book early: The earlier you book, the better your seat selection, especially if you want to sit together without paying extra.
2. Consider paying for upgrades: If you have a long-haul flight and need more room for a toddler or teen, paying for those premium seats might be worth it for a more comfortable ride.
3. A-List Premium benefits for families: If you or your partner have A-List Premium status, those free upgrades to premium seats can make a huge difference, offering extra comfort without added cost.

Hidden Travel Hacks for Navigating Southwest 2.0

Now for the juicy part — how can you make the most of these changes? Here are my top travel hacks:

1. Use Skyscanner to Track Fare Deals: With the new seat assignment system, early booking is key. Use Skyscanner to set up alerts for price drops and snag those seats before they’re gone.
2. Leverage Family Perks: If you’ve got kids, consider upgrading to Wanna Get Away Plus fares, which will include seat assignments. It’s worth the extra few bucks to guarantee you’ll all sit together without stress.
3. Sign Up for Rapid Rewards Credit Cards: Southwest’s co-branded credit cards are rumored to offer seating benefits starting in 2025, making them a valuable tool for frequent travelers. Plus, they can earn you bonus points for free flights.
4. Utilize the A-List Premium Freebies: If you travel often enough, aim for A-List Premium status for those free premium seat upgrades. It’ll save you money and make flying that much more comfortable.

The Verdict: A Love-Hate Relationship with Southwest 2.0

There’s no denying that Southwest 2.0 is a big shift. Some travelers, especially families and those who love more structure, will likely appreciate the new seat assignment system. The introduction of premium seating gives people more choice, and A-List members will love the free upgrades. However, it’s hard to ignore the fact that this makes Southwest less unique# Southwest Airlines’ Big Changes in 2025: What You Need to Know About Assigned Seats, Premium Upgrades, and the Future of Family Travel

Southwest Airlines has long been known for its unique no-frills approach to air travel — no assigned seating, no baggage fees, no worries. But by 2026, things will look a little different. Enter Southwest 2.0, a major overhaul that promises to introduce seat assignments, premium legroom options, and changes to how you’ll navigate booking, boarding, and sitting down for your flight.

Southwest’s Classic Boarding Process: Love It or Hate It?

We all know the current Southwest system — it’s a bit of a love-hate relationship, especially if you’ve got kids. No assigned seats, just a race against time as passengers are grouped into A, B, and C zones, with your boarding spot determined by how quickly you check in. For some, this is the thrill of the trip; for others, it’s chaos. And when you’re trying to get your family of four seated together, you might find yourself desperately clinging to the hope that you’ll snag a decent spot.

Personally, I’ve always found it a bit stressful. Sure, I like being in control of my boarding group, but it’s hard to deny that the whole “cattle call” experience can be frustrating. But that’s about to change.

Seat Assignments Are Coming in 2025: What You Need to Know

Starting in late 2025, Southwest will roll out assigned seating for the first time in its history. Passengers will be able to choose seats in advance — like many other airlines — during the booking process. While this brings more certainty, it also comes with some new rules:

1. Wanna Get Away: The cheapest fare won’t come with seat selection. If you book this fare, you’ll still face a first-come, first-served seating process, although it won’t be quite as chaotic as the current system. You can, however, pay extra to choose your seat if you want more control.
2. Wanna Get Away Plus: This mid-tier option will allow you to select seats during booking. It’s a bit pricier than the basic fare, but guarantees you can sit with your family or friends.
3. Business Select and Anytime: As premium fare classes, these will include seat selection at no extra charge.

If you want the peace of mind of knowing exactly where you’ll sit on the plane, you’ll likely want to opt for one of the more flexible fares. Wanna Get Away Plus strikes a great balance between affordability and convenience, especially for families traveling together.

Premium Seating: Stretch Out in Comfort

Here’s where things get interesting. By 2026, Southwest will be offering premium seating options, giving passengers the chance to enjoy extra legroom. About 30% of the seats on each plane will be converted into these premium options, featuring up to 36 inches of legroom on their Boeing 737–700 aircraft.

Who Gets the Upgrades?

• A-List and A-List Preferred members will receive automatic upgrades to premium seats — no extra fee necessary. This is huge if you fly frequently with Southwest or if you’re part of their Rapid Rewards loyalty program.
• There’s also word that Southwest’s co-branded credit cardholders will get access to these premium seats, though the specifics haven’t been fully released yet.

But there’s a catch. To make room for the premium seats, standard economy seats will lose about an inch of legroom. So, if you’re not paying for premium or using status perks, you might feel the difference, especially on longer flights.

Free Checked Bags? Yes, Please!

While many travelers were concerned that Southwest might follow other airlines and start charging for checked bags, the airline confirmed that their two free checked bags policy will remain. This is great news for families or anyone traveling with bulky gear — think strollers, car seats, or that second suitcase full of souvenirs from your vacation.

According to Southwest, the free checked bags policy is a major reason travelers choose their airline. In fact, 66% of customers said it was the #1 factor in their booking decision. So, while other airlines are raking in billions from bag fees, Southwest is standing firm on their commitment to no baggage fees.

Family Travel Just Got Easier

Let’s face it — traveling with kids isn’t always easy. Between nap schedules, snacks, and the need for bathroom breaks, anything that makes flying simpler is a win. With the new seat assignment system, you won’t have to worry about sitting apart from your family anymore. This is especially great for large families or those traveling with young children who need to sit together. No more hoping that strangers will trade seats with you at the last minute!

To make the most of this system, though, I recommend booking as early as possible. This ensures that you get the seats you want without having to pay extra for upgrades.

What’s Staying the Same at Southwest?

Despite these changes, Southwest isn’t ditching its identity altogether. Here’s what’s sticking around:

1. Free Checked Bags: As mentioned earlier, the two-bags-free policy is staying for now.
2. No Change Fees: Southwest will continue to allow free flight changes and cancellations — a lifesaver for families with unpredictable schedules.
3. Boarding Groups Remain: While you’ll now have assigned seats, Southwest will still organize passengers into boarding groups (A, B, and C). So, you’ll still line up by number before stepping onto the plane. The difference? You won’t have to elbow anyone out of the way to grab a decent seat.

A-List and Premium Travelers: More Perks Ahead

For those who have A-List or A-List Preferred status, Southwest is giving you even more reasons to love flying with them. As part of Southwest 2.0, free upgrades to premium seating will be a huge perk for loyal customers. These seats, with up to 5 extra inches of legroom, are ideal for frequent flyers who want a little more comfort on their travels.

The Rapid Rewards loyalty program will likely see even more value with these changes, so if you’ve been on the fence about working toward status, now’s the time to consider it. Even better, Southwest’s co-branded credit cardholders will also get in on some of these perks, making it easier to score upgrades and enjoy premium seating.

So, What Will Change in 2026?

Let’s recap what you can expect when Southwest 2.0 is fully in place by mid-2026:

• Seat assignments: No more cattle call boarding chaos. You can pick your seat ahead of time, though budget fares may require an extra charge for this convenience.
• Premium seating: Roughly 30% of seats will have extra legroom, but other seats will be a bit tighter.
• Free checked bags remain: No need to worry about paying for your luggage — Southwest will keep their two free bags policy intact.
• A-List Premium benefits: Free upgrades to premium seats for loyal customers and possibly for co-branded credit cardholders.

Final Thoughts: Will Passengers Love It or Hate It?

Here’s where the opinions will start to diverge. For travelers like me, who appreciate more certainty when flying, seat assignments are a welcome change. I love knowing that I can book a specific seat for my family or snag extra legroom for longer flights. And for business travelers or those who fly often, the perks of A-List Premium will make Southwest an even better option.

But not everyone will love this shift. Southwest’s quirky identity — the open seating policy, the cattle call boarding — has always set it apart from other airlines. By moving to an assigned seating model, Southwest risks losing part of what made it special. They’re stepping closer to becoming “just another airline”.

That said, I’m optimistic that these changes will add value to Southwest’s offerings, especially for families and premium travelers. It’s hard to say whether longtime loyalists will embrace Southwest 2.0, but one thing’s for sure — we’ll all be watching closely to see how it unfolds.

Until next time here’s to smooth skies, good company, a journey full of happy memories. I’m your Travel Hack Guide to affordable luxury tips. Catch you later. Peace

Travel Hack Guy

ZachusTravel.com & YouTube.com/zachustravel