Southwest Airlines Ends Open Seating, Moves to Reservation-Based System

A plane takes off from Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Va., on Jan. 30, 2025. Al Drago/Getty ImagesSouthwest Airlines’ era of offering passengers open seating is officially ending, as the passenger carrier transitions its seating policy to a reservation-based system common with other airlines starting on Jan. 27.Southwest announced last summer that it would end its open seating policy to offer customers a wider range of seating options. The airline’s new booking model includes three seating options: standard seating at the back of the aircraft; preferred seating near the front; and extra legroom seats in the front of the cabin and at the exit rows.