What's Happening?
Southwest Airlines is implementing significant changes to its boarding and seating policies starting January 27, 2026. The airline will transition from its open seating policy to assigned seats, while introducing a new boarding process. Passengers will receive
a boarding group number, and boarding will follow the WILMA method—window, middle, aisle—starting from the back of the plane. Priority boarding will still be available, and passengers with perks such as frequent-flier status will board earlier. This change aims to improve boarding efficiency, a method already adopted by other airlines like United.
Why It's Important?
Southwest Airlines' shift to assigned seating and a structured boarding process marks a significant departure from its traditional approach, potentially affecting customer experience and operational efficiency. The new system could streamline boarding, reduce delays, and enhance passenger satisfaction. However, it may also impact passengers accustomed to the flexibility of open seating. The introduction of dynamic pricing for priority boarding could influence consumer choices and airline revenue, reflecting broader trends in the airline industry towards monetizing convenience and efficiency.
