Southwest Airlines' transition to assigned seating follows recent policy changes including the end of their bags fly free policy, prompting mixed reactions from passengers.

Southwest Airlines has announced a major change coming to its current seating system. The Texas-based airline previously had a “pick any seat” policy, allowing customers to purchase tickets in different boarding groups by selecting where they wanted to sit upon boarding the plane.

Southwest will assign seats for the first time ever in 2026. Here’s how group boarding will work — and what it means for your next flight.