Southwest quietly unveils A-List perks for new assigned-seating setup
When Southwest Airlines shifts to assigned seating about a year from now, its elite members will be able to select an extra-legroom seat for free. And those members won't be subject to some of the tightest seating restrictions set to be imposed on its Wanna Get Away fares in the future.
The Dallas-based carrier quietly updated its website that lays out extensive changes planned at the airline — and in the process offered a sneak peek at what 2026 will bring for its Rapid Rewards A-List and A-List Preferred members.
As a reminder, Southwest earlier this year announced it would begin selling assigned and extra-legroom seats in late 2025, for flights departing in early 2026. The move will be a dramatic departure from the carrier’s signature open-seating policy that’s been around for half a century.
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Executives at the airline offered a big-picture overview of its commercial overhaul in September but held off on sharing too many details about how the shift to assigned and extra-legroom seating would affect its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, elite status or the Companion Pass.
Now, we’re getting a (slightly) better sense — as View from the Wing was first to spot.
Seating perks for A-List members
Once assigned seating goes live, members who hold entry-level Southwest A-List elite status will be granted a few perks related to seating.
Free preferred seats at booking
For starters, A-Listers will be able to select standard “up front” seats for free.
A little context: Southwest in September shared that it plans to eventually charge extra for some seats on its planes — not just extra-legroom seats, but also standard ones situated closer to the front of the aircraft; think the “preferred” seats for which many of the largest U.S. carriers currently charge a premium.
This benefit will apply even to A-List members flying on Southwest's lowest-level Wanna Get Away fares. In September, Southwest said that Wanna Get Away fares will not include complimentary seat selection in the future — but we now know all elite members will be able to skirt this restriction.
Extra-legroom seats closer to departure
Perhaps more significantly, A-List members will also be allowed to select extra-legroom seats at no added cost within 48 hours of departure — pending availability, of course.
Seating perks for A-List Preferred members
Meanwhile, higher-level A-List Preferred members will be able to select any seat on Southwest flights for free at booking. That includes extra-legroom seats.
Plus, Companion Pass members will be allowed to select a seat for their designated traveling companion — and their elite status seating benefits will extend to that passenger, as well.
Changes abound at southwest
These seating benefits aren't entirely surprising. Southwest executives in September hinted its commercial overhaul could unlock new potential seating benefits for certain Rapid Rewards members, from A-List elite members to its credit card holders.
To that end, the carrier has not yet shared what's in store for its cardmembers; its website notes that those customers “can look forward to information in Spring 2025 regarding upcoming card travel benefits."
With respect to seating, how Southwest is handling its new extra-legroom seats for elite members is reminiscent of several other U.S. carriers' policies.
For instance, American Airlines AAdvantage Gold members can select Main Cabin Extra seats for free within 24 hours of departure; higher-level elite members can select those extra-legroom rows at booking. Other airlines have similar, laddered policies in place.
What about boarding?
Southwest's website that lays out its forthcoming changes still describes its hallmark numbered boarding process, with elite status members earning the right to have their spot in line reserved 36 hours before departure.
It's not clear what additional changes, if any, might be on the horizon for Southwest's boarding process. This fall, executives said the airline expected to keep the essence of its unique boarding procedures intact even as it shifts to assigned seating, with customers lining up, single-file, alongside its signature boarding area posts.
However, it seems a likely bet some tweaks to the process could come amid an assigned seating and extra-legroom landscape.
"We look forward to sharing more in Spring 2025," a Southwest spokesperson told TPG on Monday when asked about the changes shared on the carrier's website.
What’s not changing?
Southwest says all Rapid Rewards members will continue to earn and redeem points at the same rate as today. The airline also made clear, in September, that its policy allowing two free checked bags for every passenger will continue.
Related reading:
- Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards
- The best Southwest Airlines credit cards
- How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass
- Southwest A-List status: What it is and how to earn it
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
- How to change or cancel a Southwest Airlines flight
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.