Update on Southwest Ending 54-Year Open Seating Policy (simpleflying.com)

Southwest Airlines ended its 54-year open-seating policy on January 27, 2026, assigning seats across its network and introducing eight boarding groups. The carrier expects its 2025-2026 initiatives, including assigned seating, extra-legroom seats and new Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred and Choice Extra fares, to produce $1.8 billion in additional earnings before interest and taxes. The American Customer Satisfaction Index gave Southwest a score of 77 in 2026, down from 80 in 2025, as Delta took the top spot with 79.