Today Southwest Airlines shared details about our new fare bundles, as well as new benefits for A-List and A-List Preferred Members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardholders. As we transition to assigned seats with options for extra legroom, these new enhancements are designed to give our Customers more control of their travel experience. (Image: Southwest Airlines)
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Southwest AirlinesIn a historic move that redefines its long-standing open seating policy, Southwest Airlines has announced it will introduce assigned seating options and a new fare bundle structure starting May 28, 2025, for travel commencing in early 2026. The airline, long known for its egalitarian boarding process and no-change-fee culture, is evolving its approach to meet shifting passenger expectations and enhance the value of its popular Rapid Rewards® loyalty program.
A New Cabin Experience: One Class, Multiple Comfort Levels
Southwest’s new model maintains a single cabin but introduces differentiated seating options:
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Extra Legroom Seats: Located at the front and in exit rows, these seats offer up to five extra inches of space, early bin access, enhanced snacks, and complimentary premium beverages.
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Preferred Seats: Standard legroom seats located near the front for quicker deplaning.
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Standard Seats: Located toward the rear of the aircraft, with two booking types—select-at-booking or assigned-at-check-in depending on fare.
This move creates a more personalized flying experience while preserving Southwest’s signature free checked bag policy (on most fares) and onboard hospitality.
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Image: Southwest Airlines
Four Fare Choices: Choice Basic to Choice Extra
To support the new seating model, Southwest is rolling out a rebranded four-tier fare structure:
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Choice Basic: Entry-level fare with assigned seating at check-in, fewer rewards, and limited flexibility.
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Choice: Includes seat selection, modest Rapid Rewards points earning, and standard change flexibility.
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Choice Preferred: Adds access to Preferred seating and more Rapid Rewards points.
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Choice Extra: The top tier includes Extra Legroom seats, full refundability, early boarding, complimentary drinks, and the highest loyalty earning rate.
Each tier is designed to align with traveler priorities—whether price, perks, or flexibility.
Enhanced Loyalty Benefits for A-List and Companion Pass Holders
The airline’s elite Rapid Rewards® tiers will also benefit from the changes:
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A-List Members can select Preferred or Standard seats at booking and access extra legroom seats 48 hours before departure.
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A-List Preferred Members will receive even more perks, including free inflight internet, premium drink vouchers, and seat selection flexibility for themselves and up to eight companions.
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Companion Pass holders will soon be able to reserve seats for their designated travel partners, a first for the airline.
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Image: Southwest AirlinesWhy Now?
Southwest says the update is part of its ongoing commitment to customer experience and competitiveness in a changing market. “This isn’t just about seats—it’s about giving our customers more control and comfort while staying true to our core values,” said a company spokesperson.
The change also opens new opportunities for the business travel segment, with more predictable seating options for corporate customers and improved alignment with global airline standards—without sacrificing Southwest’s hallmark simplicity and value.
Source: Southwest Airlines
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