Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Guide (2026)
Southwest switched to assigned seating for all flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares include seat selection at booking — Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats respectively. Basic fares receive a seat assignment at check-in, unless you hold A-List status or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
Page updated: August 2026
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Talk to an ExpertSeat Selection Fees
| Seat Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard | Included with all fares (assigned at check-in for Basic) |
| Preferred | Included with Choice Preferred and Choice Extra; available as a paid upgrade on other fares (price varies by flight) |
| Extra Legroom | Included with Choice Extra; available as a paid upgrade on other fares (price varies by flight). A-List members and eligible Rapid Rewards Cardmembers can upgrade free within 48 hours of departure, subject to availability |
| Exit Row | Exit rows are Extra Legroom seats — included with Choice Extra or via paid upgrade |
Free Seat Selection
Yes — Southwest switched to assigned seating for all flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares include seat selection at booking — Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats respectively. Basic fares receive a seat assignment at check-in, unless you hold A-List status or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
When Can You Select a Seat?
Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra all include seat selection at the time of booking. Basic fares are assigned a seat at check-in.
How to Select Your Seat
- Choice fares: select a Standard seat when you book
- Choice Preferred fares: select a Preferred seat (closer to the front) when you book
- Choice Extra fares: select an Extra Legroom seat when you book, with Group 1–2 boarding
- Basic fares: your seat is assigned at check-in — A-List members and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers may select a seat earlier, subject to availability
Tips for the Best Seats
- Check in online starting 24 hours before departure to view or change your assigned seat
- Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares all include seat selection at booking — Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats respectively
- Families on the same reservation are assigned to the same boarding group, and Southwest works to seat children under 13 with an adult
- Priority Boarding can be purchased from 24 hours before departure if you want to board ahead of Group 1
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is seat selection free on Southwest Airlines?
- Southwest switched to assigned seating for all flights departing on or after January 27, 2026. Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra fares include seat selection at booking — Standard, Preferred, and Extra Legroom seats respectively. Basic fares receive a seat assignment at check-in, unless you hold A-List status or a Rapid Rewards Credit Card.
- How much does Southwest Airlines charge for seat selection?
- Standard: Included with all fares (assigned at check-in for Basic). Preferred: Included with Choice Preferred and Choice Extra; available as a paid upgrade on other fares (price varies by flight). Extra Legroom: Included with Choice Extra; available as a paid upgrade on other fares (price varies by flight). A-List members and eligible Rapid Rewards Cardmembers can upgrade free within 48 hours of departure, subject to availability.
- When can I select a seat on Southwest Airlines?
- Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra all include seat selection at the time of booking. Basic fares are assigned a seat at check-in.
- What happens if I don't select a seat on Southwest Airlines?
- You'll be randomly assigned a seat at check-in.