As of Jan 27, 2026, the new Southwest Airlines Seat Selection policy has been introduced, where you can experience the assigned seating option that has replaced the open seating system. The newly addressed seating option allows you to select the experience you prefer during or after your booking up to 24 hours before the flight departure is scheduled. But fare rules still matter to determine your eligibility to select from or upgrade to various seat categories like extra-legroom, and preferred for free or fee. To uncover the fares offering free seat selection, it is important to read the further sections thoroughly.
Will I Be Able to Make Southwest Seat Selection for Free?
Have you already booked with one without reserving your seat? Now, are you wondering if your fare allows free seat selection on a Southwest flight? To check if you can choose the seat based on your preference for free or if a fee applies, simply glance at the highlights below, explained by fare type, Rapid Rewards tier status, and Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember status:
Southwest Seat Selection Rule By Fare Type
Basic Fare: No other than standard seats on the flight are free for basic fare holders. As per the seat selection policy, passengers are eligible to select Extra Legroom and Preferred seats for free, while Standard seat assignment by airline personnel at check-in does not involve any additional charges.
Choice: Passengers holding a choice fare are allowed to select a standard seat for free during flight ticket purchase. However, they even have the potential to purchase Extra Legroom and Preferred seats in advance of their flight departure, depending on availability.
Choice Preferred: Southwest Airlines allows passengers to choose Preferred seats (or any Standard seat) for free as long as their booking includes Choice Preferred. However, charge for Extra Legroom seat selection during flight reservations as
Choice Extra: As it bundles all the best benefits together, including free seat selection airline regard it as their most premium fare. You might be at your luck, if your book is based on a choice extra fare as it allows the fliers to choose any of the seat types (extra legroom, standard seat, and preferred seat at zero cost during or via manage reservations up to 24 hours of departure.
Rule for Seat Selection on Southwest Airlines by Rapid Rewards tier status
A-List Preferred: Since Southwest Seat Selection has come up with assigned seating as a new policy, A-List members can choose any available seat type, such as extra Legroom seats, if available, while booking the flight, at no extra cost.
A-List: As per the policy, passengers with A-List status of Rapid Rewards are entitled to choose any preferred seat, such as aisle, window, or front‑row seating, depending on availability. And you don’t have to pay a single penny to choose any of those seating options since your Rapid Reward tier status ensures early access to the cabin.
Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Rule By Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmember status
Plus Card: The airline allows its users to complementary standard seat selection. It means passengers using a Plus Card are only allowed to select any one of the available standard seats within 24 hours before their flight departure..
Premier Card: It allows the travelers to select the preferred seat within 48 hours before the flight is scheduled to depart, if available.
Priority Card: It offers a complimentary preferred seat selection to passengers when available. You can choose any available preferred seat during the flight ticket purchase.
Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Procedure: How to Choose the Desired Seat?
You can choose your desired seat while booking or within 48 hours before your flight departure. However, need to follow the directions specifically based on the time of seat selection you consider.
During Flight Reservation
Step 1: Access any of the official channels of Southwest Airlines.
Step 2: Complete the booking details.
Step 3: Choose the flight based on your preference from the search results.
Step 4: Now, complete the passenger and contact details.
Step 5: Next, look for the seat map option so that you can access and choose any available seats.
Step 6: Lastly, complete the payment process and receive the confirmation notification.
To avoid any last-minute hassle at the airport, always consider downloading or keep printing of the boarding pass.
48 Hours Before Flight Departure
- Open the mobile app or the official website of the airline.
- Navigate to the Manage Trip option.
- To retrieve your reservation efficiently, ensure to provide the booking details like the first name and last name of the ticket holder and the flight confirmation number wisely.
- Then, simply hit the tab, “Lookup Reservations.”
- Now, look for the modify option so that your booking can be adjusted for seat selection.
- Further, find the seat map to access the available seats.
- Choose any available seat.
- Pay the amount if requested.
- Finally, seek the confirmation message regarding seat selection.
Southwest Airlines Seat Selection Fee: How Much Do I Pay?
Fare type, rapid rewards tier status, seat category, route & demand, time of selection, and lastly, the add-ons, are the various factors that significantly affect the seat selection fees. So, it's a bit challenging for us to clarify the exact fee you may require to pay while selecting any available preferred seat. To get the most up-to-date information related to seat selection, please contact the airline via email or phone.
Conclusion
To enhance the travel experience, replacing the open seating system, Southwest Airlines Seat Selection policy has introduced assigned seating as of January 27th in recent years. According to the policy, eligible fares allow passengers to choose their desired seat in advance, either for free or at some cost, depending on availability. Lower fares, like basic fare, do not include seat selection. In that case, the basic fliers are allocated the seats by the airline personnel at the airport boarding gate.
Read Also: Turkish Airlines Seat Selection: What You Should Know!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Southwest Seat Selection policy allow seat upgrades?
Yes, if you look forward to enhancing your travel experience, feel free to upgrade your seat to any available upgraded seat type by paying the difference.
How long before the flight will I be able to select a seat?
You can select your desired seat if available, up to 48 hours before the departure time.
Can I use reward points or miles to cover the seat selection fees?
Of course, you can redeem your earned reward miles and points to avoid the full cash payment for purchasing seats.
Can a basic flier request any available standard seat at check-in?
Unfortunately, basic fares do not offer complimentary seat selection. So, it's clear that you cannot choose any available seat as per your preferences, not even at the check-in.
