Southwest Airlines to launch assigned seats in 2026, will partner with international airlines
- Southwest assigned seats go on sale in late 2025, take flight in early 2026.
- Carrier is pursuing international airline partnerships, starting with Icelandair.
- New Rapid Rewards perks coming, including free extra legroom seats for A-List members.
Southwest Airlines’ new assigned seating model — complete with its first-ever extra-legroom seats — is set for takeoff in early 2026.
Meanwhile, big changes are in the works for Southwest’s Rapid Rewards loyalty program, including new benefits for A-List and A-List Preferred elite status members and opportunities for international redemptions as the Dallas-based carrier prepares to launch partnerships with international airlines.
Together, these changes will mark perhaps the biggest commercial overhaul for Southwest in a half-century, as the carrier faces mounting concerns about its financial performance.
“We are moving urgently and efficiently to evolve and transform,” CEO Bob Jordan told investors in Dallas Thursday as the company held its annual investor day.
This news comes two months after Southwest executives first unveiled plans in late July to add extra-legroom seats and ditch its trademark seating policy, a unique arrangement that’s been a hallmark of the airline for the last half-century.
Both are part of a comprehensive plan by executives to boost revenue, as the airline has far trailed its larger U.S. competitors like Delta Air Lines and United Airlines in profitability since the coronavirus pandemic.
Now, as TPG reported last week, one key Southwest policy will remain in place: The carrier is not ditching its popular two "bags fly free" policy.
But big changes are around the corner across many aspects of Southwest's operation. Here’s what we know about the plans.
Related: Southwest Airlines cuts 15 destinations from Atlanta, adds 6 new Nashville routes
When will Southwest assigned seating begin?
Southwest will begin selling assigned seats in late 2025.
The airline will begin flying with its assigned seating model in the first half of 2026, the carrier said Thursday.
This summer, the carrier cited exhaustive customer research in deciding to shift to a new assigned model. In July, Jordan cited survey data which found that 80% of Southwest flyers would prefer assigned seating, and that a whopping 86% of customers who don’t fly Southwest preferred the model.
“Customers travel different following the pandemic,” Jordan told investors Thursday. “Customer preferences have changed.”
The goal, executives said, is to broaden the airline's appeal to more flyers.
“Southwest flies farther than ever, and seat assignments are a higher priority on long-haul flights,” Southwest added in a broader Thursday statement summing up its overhaul plan.
Will Southwest charge for assigned seats?
Southwest passengers flying on the airline's lowest-level ticket type, Wanna Get Away, will not get complimentary seat selection. Travelers who don't pay to select a seat ahead of time will receive a seat assignment prior to departure.
Customers who select a Wanna Get Away Plus fare type (or higher) will get complimentary seat selection at booking.
The airline will also upcharge passengers on some tickets for "preferred" seats — which are standard seats situated closer to the front of the aircraft.
Southwest extra-legroom seats
Southwest’s “premium” seats will offer up to five additional inches of pitch, the carrier said Thursday — though depending on the row and aircraft, the difference from standard seats may be closer to three inches. (Pitch is the distance from a fixed point on one seat to the same spot on the seat in front of it, often viewed as a proxy measurement for legroom.)
About a third of the seats on board Southwest’s planes will offer the extra legroom, the airline said Thursday while noting it will maintain “a standard economy seat pitch among the best in the industry.”
However, standard economy seat pitch will decrease by about an inch on some Southwest aircraft, the company revealed.
Extra-legroom seats will cost extra, but the airline will offer the seats for free as part of its reworked status perks for A-List and A-List Preferred.
New international partner
To boost interest in its Rapid Rewards loyalty program and offer more global connectivity to its frequent flyers, Southwest is now formalizing partnerships with international airlines, the carrier said Thursday.
Southwest’s first partner will be Icelandair, with an initial launch of the linkup expected in 2025.
The two airlines will use Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) as their initial joint gateway but expand their offerings next year.
The partnership will be more limited from the outset, with Icelandair selling Southwest segments through its booking channels.
However, the longer-term vision calls for a much deeper tie-up once Southwest begins assigned seats. Rapid Rewards members should be able to use Rapid Rewards points to book overseas flights, to Icelandair's home base Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavík and beyond.
"In the not-too-distant future, our customers will be able to earn and [redeem] Rapid Rewards points to go to Rome, and go to London, and go to places in Asia," Ryan Green, Southwest's executive vice president of commercial transformation, said Thursday.
Southwest also expects to add at least one international partner next year.
The carrier is "in discussion," leaders said, with other transatlantic and transpacific airlines.
Rapid Rewards changes expected
Earning and redeeming Rapid Rewards points will remain unchanged — with no blackout dates for redemptions — even as the carrier prepares to make changes to its benefits, including the perks for elite status.
Assigned seats and premium seating will certainly play prominently into those tier benefits, leaders have said — as will the airline’s new partnerships.
A-List and A-List Preferred seating benefits
As part of the changes, A-List elite status members will be able to select standard legroom seats at booking and extra-legroom seats within 48 hours of departure for no additional cost.
A-List Preferred members will be able to select all seats, including extra-legroom seats, at booking for free.
Credit card program updates
The airline also said to expect forthcoming updates to its cobranded credit card program, “including how assigned seating will make being a credit card member with Southwest even more valuable," Green told investors Thursday.
Those details are expected in early 2025.
Current credit card perks, terms and policies will remain in place in the meantime, the company said.
Related: Earn up to 85,000 points with these Southwest welcome offers: Should you apply now?
Bags will still fly free
Last week, Southwest assured TPG that no changes to its lenient policy on baggage were on the horizon and reiterated that stance Thursday.
Unlike U.S. competitors that charge for checked bags, Southwest offers all passengers two free checked bags. The airline also does not charge for a full-size carry-on bag.
Southwest executives acknowledged Thursday that they studied, in great depth, the possibility of adding some sort of paid baggage model — be it one free checked bag instead of two, or some sort of basic economy-esque model that excluded free bags in exchange for a lower price point.
Ultimately, though, leaders concluded any such move would drive customers away.
“Based on Southwest’s research, the company believes that any change in the current policy ... would drive down demand and far outweigh any revenue gains,” Southwest said Thursday.
Bottom line
Perhaps the biggest changes in Southwest Airlines' history are coming to the carrier over the next couple of years.
The airline will start selling assigned seats in late 2025 for flights departing during the first half of 2026. As part of the changes, the carrier will also roll out its first-ever extra legroom seats, featuring rows with three to five inches more space than standard seats.
As part of these changes, the carrier is pursuing partnerships with international carriers, beginning with Icelandair. And once Southwest fully rolls out its assigned seating model, the carrier expects customers will be able to use Rapid Rewards points to book overseas partner flights.
Altogether, Southwest executives hope these moves boost revenue, entice more passengers to fly with the carrier, and to focus their attention on its Rapid Rewards loyalty program and cobranded credit card portfolio.
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Rewards
| 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. |
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| 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. |
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Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
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- 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.
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. |
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Intro Offer
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.