The airline announced Monday that its new assigned seating will be available at the time of booking for flights beginning on January 27, 2026.

Southwest Airlines will launch assigned seating in January amidst implementation of extra fees, legroom changes and boarding process changes.

(Reuters) -Southwest Airlines missed Wall Street estimates for second-quarter profit on Wednesday, pressured by weak domestic travel demand that has led to more empty seats and softer fares. Shares of the carrier were down 2% in aftermarket trading.

Southwest Airlines' transition to assigned seating follows recent policy changes including the end of their bags fly free policy, prompting mixed reactions from passengers.

Elliott Management is driving Southwest's transformation with revenue updates, seat selection, and cost changes to boost efficiency. Read more on LUV stock's Buy rating.

Southwest Airlines Implements Major Change to Signature Offering originally appeared on Parade. It’s the end of an era at Southwest Airlines.

Love it or hate it, this iconic policy on Southwest Airlines is coming to an end, and likely for good, as the carrier navigates the modern world of aviation.