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.
Bargain hunting: When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
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
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.