Southwest Airlines is set to implement significant changes to its boarding process, including the introduction of assigned seating and charges for checked luggage. These alterations will take effect on January 27, 2026, marking a departure from the airline’s long-standing open seating policy.
As part of the new system, passengers will receive a boarding pass that designates a boarding group and a number from 1 to 8, unless they have booked priority boarding. The airline will primarily adopt the WILMA boarding method — an acronym for window, middle, and aisle — where passengers in window seats board first, followed by those in middle seats, and finally aisle seat passengers, starting from the back of the aircraft. Lisa Hingson, managing director of innovation, emphasized the importance of efficient queuing for smooth boarding, stating, “If queuing isn’t good, boarding isn’t good.”
This approach is not unprecedented; United Airlines adopted a similar method a few years ago, citing improved efficiency. Under Southwest’s new rules, travelers with perks such as frequent-flyer status, specific ticket types, or certain credit cards will automatically be placed in the earlier boarding groups, often group 1 or 2, regardless of their assigned seat. This change may pose challenges for passengers sitting toward the front of the plane who do not have priority boarding, as they may struggle to find space for carry-on luggage.
In an effort to address potential issues with overhead bin space, Southwest will also offer a last-minute Priority Boarding option for passengers willing to pay an additional fee. Reports suggest that the cost of this option can vary, with a recent example noting a charge of $93 for a one-way flight from Phoenix to Dallas.
Notably, Southwest has ensured that passengers will receive clear information about their seating arrangement on their boarding passes, indicating whether they have a window, middle, or aisle seat, alleviating any confusion for those unfamiliar with the new system. Additionally, passengers with disabilities and active-duty military members will continue to be prioritized for boarding.
These changes reflect Southwest Airlines’ commitment to adapting its services to improve customer experience while aiming to streamline its boarding operations for greater efficiency.