Southwest Airlines plans to introduce assigned seating in 2026, collaborating with international carriers.

The airline's new assigned seating system, featuring its inaugural extra-legroom seats, is scheduled to launch in early 2026.

In addition, significant updates are on the horizon for Southwest's Rapid Rewards loyalty program, which will include enhanced benefits for A-List and A-List Preferred elite status members and new options for international redemptions as the airline prepares to partner with global airlines.

These updates will signify one of the most substantial commercial transformations for Southwest in fifty years, addressing growing concerns about its financial health.

"We are committed to evolving and transforming swiftly and effectively," CEO Bob Jordan stated to investors during the company's annual investor day in Dallas on Thursday.

This announcement follows Southwest executives' initial reveal of plans in late July to introduce extra-legroom seats and abandon its distinctive seating policy, a feature that has defined the airline for the past fifty years.

These initiatives are part of a broader strategy by executives aimed at increasing revenue, as the airline has significantly lagged behind larger U.S. rivals like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in profitability since the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, as TPG reported last week, one important Southwest policy will stay intact: the airline will continue to offer its popular two "bags fly free" policy.

Significant changes are on the horizon for various facets of Southwest's operations. Here’s what we know about their plans.

When is Southwest set to introduce assigned seating?

Southwest will start offering assigned seats for purchase in late 2025.

The airline plans to implement its assigned seating model during the first half of 2026, as announced on Thursday.

This summer, the airline pointed to extensive customer research as the basis for moving to a new assigned seating model. In July, Jordan referenced survey results indicating that 80% of Southwest passengers favored assigned seating, while an impressive 86% of those who don't fly with Southwest preferred this approach.

"Customer travel habits have evolved since the pandemic," Jordan shared with investors on Thursday. "Preferences among customers have shifted."

Executives stated that the aim is to expand the airline's attractiveness to a wider range of travelers.

"Southwest is flying farther than ever, and seat assignments are becoming increasingly important on long-haul journeys," the airline mentioned in a comprehensive statement outlining its overhaul plan on Thursday.

Will Southwest impose fees for assigned seating?

Passengers on Southwest's lowest fare tier, Wanna Get Away, will not receive complimentary seat selection. Those who opt not to pay for advance seat selection will be assigned a seat before departure.

Customers who choose a Wanna Get Away Plus fare (or higher) will enjoy complimentary seat selection during booking.

The airline will also charge extra for "preferred" seats on some ticket types, which are standard seats located closer to the front of the aircraft.

Southwest extra-legroom seats

According to the airline, its "premium" seats will provide up to five additional inches of pitch, though the actual difference from standard seats may range closer to three inches depending on the row and aircraft. (Pitch refers to the distance from a fixed point on one seat to the same spot on the seat in front, often used as a measure of legroom.)

Approximately one-third of the seats on Southwest's aircraft will feature extra legroom, the airline announced on Thursday, while emphasizing that it will maintain "a standard economy seat pitch that ranks among the best in the industry."

However, the standard economy seat pitch is set to reduce by about an inch on certain Southwest planes, the company disclosed.

While extra-legroom seats will incur an additional fee, the airline will provide these seats at no charge as part of its revamped benefits for A-List and A-List Preferred members.

New international partner

In an effort to enhance interest in its Rapid Rewards loyalty program and provide more global connectivity for its frequent flyers, Southwest is formalizing partnerships with international airlines, the carrier announced on Thursday.

Southwest's inaugural partner will be Icelandair, with the initial launch of their collaboration anticipated in 2025.

The two airlines will designate Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) as their primary joint gateway, with plans to expand offerings next year.

Initially, the partnership will be somewhat limited, with Icelandair providing access to Southwest segments through its booking channels.

The long-term vision, however, envisions a much closer partnership once Southwest implements assigned seating. Rapid Rewards members should be able to use their points to book international flights, including to Icelandair's main hub, Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavík and beyond.

"In the near future, our customers will have the opportunity to earn and redeem Rapid Rewards points for trips to Rome, London, and various destinations in Asia," said Ryan Green, Southwest's executive vice president of commercial transformation, on Thursday.

Southwest also plans to onboard at least one additional international partner next year.

According to leaders, the airline is currently "in discussion" with various transatlantic and transpacific carriers.

Expected changes to Rapid Rewards

Earning and redeeming Rapid Rewards points will continue as usual — with no blackout dates for redemptions — even as the airline prepares to implement changes to its benefits, including those for elite status members.

Leaders have indicated that assigned seating and premium seating will be significant components of these tier benefits, along with the airline's new partnerships.

A-List and A-List Preferred seating benefits

As part of the updates, A-List elite status members will be allowed to choose standard legroom seats at the time of booking and can select extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of departure at no extra charge.

A-List Preferred members will have the privilege to select any seat, including extra-legroom options, at the time of booking without any additional fees.

Updates to the credit card program

The airline also mentioned that updates to its cobranded credit card program are on the way, "including how assigned seating will enhance the value of being a credit card member with WN," Green informed investors on Thursday.

Details about these changes are anticipated to be released in early 2025.

In the meantime, the current credit card benefits, terms, and policies will remain unchanged, according to the company.

Bags will continue to fly free

Last week, Southwest reassured TPG that its generous baggage policy would remain unchanged and reiterated that commitment on Thursday.

In contrast to U.S. competitors that impose fees for checked bags, Southwest allows all passengers to check two bags for free. The airline also does not charge for a full-size carry-on bag.

On Thursday, Southwest executives acknowledged that they thoroughly examined the possibility of introducing a paid baggage model — whether that be allowing one free checked bag instead of two, or implementing a basic economy-style fare that excluded free bags in favor of a lower price.

Ultimately, however, leaders determined that any such change would likely alienate customers.

"According to Southwest's research, the airline believes that any alteration to the current policy ... would lead to a decrease in demand that would far surpass any potential revenue benefits," Southwest stated on Thursday.

Bottom line

Some of the most significant changes in Southwest Airlines' history are set to take place over the next few years.

The airline will begin offering assigned seats for purchase in late 2025 for flights scheduled in the first half of 2026. Additionally, the carrier will introduce its first-ever extra legroom seats, which will provide three to five inches more space compared to standard seats.

As part of these updates, the airline is actively seeking partnerships with international carriers, starting with Icelandair. Once Southwest fully implements its assigned seating system, it anticipates that customers will be able to use Rapid Rewards points for booking flights with international partners.

Ultimately, Southwest executives aim for these initiatives to increase revenue, attract more travelers to the airline, and shift their focus toward the Rapid Rewards loyalty program and the cobranded credit card offerings.