No More Seat Scramble: Southwest to Launch New Boarding System

As of July 29, 2025, Southwest Airlines customers can now choose their seats when booking flights scheduled for January 27, 2026 or later. This is a big change for Southwest, which has let people choose any open seat for many years. The move is part of Southwest’s broader strategy to modernize the travel experience and respond to growing passenger demand for convenience and control.

The updated system organizes boarding so passengers get on the plane in order, depending on their ticket type and where their seat is located. Extra Legroom and other premium seats will be boarded first, followed by remaining groups. Travelers flying on basic fares will still have the option to select seats, depending on their loyalty tier or cardholder status, while all passengers can purchase priority boarding beginning 24 hours before departure.

With this change, passengers no longer need to rush to check in early just to get a good seat. It makes travel plans more certain, which is especially helpful for families, people with limited mobility, or those catching tight connecting flights. However, your ability to pick a seat depends on the kind of ticket you buy, and getting a better spot may cost extra or only be available to people who fly often with the airline.

This change shifts air travel, in which passengers plan trips well in advance plus adjust each detail so it will suit needs best. Picking a seat is just one small part of the process. Today, many people use travel apps to handle everything: ordering a ride to the airport, checking for gate changes, and making sure they can use a reliable internet for travel after they land.

International mobile connectivity is becoming a core part of that experience. Services like GigSky offer travelers the ability to install global eSIM data plans without needing a physical SIM card. GigSky also offers special perks for travelers with U.S.-issued Visa cards, such as free data packages and discounted plans through an ongoing partnership. These perks are especially handy for short international trips, letting travelers stay online without needing to buy local SIM cards or depend on unreliable airport Wi-Fi.

Southwest’s move to assigned seating is part of a larger change in air travel, where using apps and planning ahead have become common for most airlines. Now travelers have more things to think about, like picking a seat before the flight or choosing a mobile plan that helps them stay online during their trip. As flying becomes more personalized, staying informed and connected will make the difference between a stressful and seamless trip.