Southwest Airlines Co. LUV will remove its longstanding policy of offering complimentary extra seats for guests who can not fit in a single seat, efficient January 27, 2026, when the provider shifts to designated seating.
Policy Modification Marks End of Open Seating Period
The Dallas-based provider’s brand-new policy represents a considerable departure from its present “Consumer of Size” lodging. Under existing guidelines through January 26, 2026, guests who need additional area can get complimentary extra seats if offered after reaching the airport.
Starting January 27, 2026, guests needing extra seats need to acquire them at the airport at dominating day-of-travel fares, plus suitable seat costs. This modification accompanies Southwest’s historical shift from open seating to designated seats.
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Existing vs. Future Policy Structure
Under the present open-seating design, Southwest specifies area requirements by armrest borders and uses post-travel refunds for proactively bought additional seats if flights leave with offered area.
The brand-new assigned-seating policy removes complimentary lodgings. Travelers who get here without buying needed extra seats deal with obligatory airport purchases or rebooking to flights with nearby seat accessibility.
Monetary Influence On Passengers and Profits
Southwest keeps its 90-day refund policy for additional seats bought beforehand, supplied flights leave with open seats and both seats remain in matching fare classes. The provider continues restricting seat purchases exclusively for individual area choices.
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