Southwest Airlines says it will introduce assigned seats and premium perks in 2026

AP Airlines Writer

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines executives have unveiled their vision for turning the carrier into an airline that gives passengers assigned seats, charges them extra for more legroom and offers red-eye flights but bags still fly free. The airline announced on Thursday that it plans to end the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years and start flights with assigned seats in early 2026 as it responds to shifting consumer tastes and tries to reverse a three-year slump in profits. CEO Robert Jordan and other Southwest executives outlined the future refresh during an investor meeting in Dallas. They tried to convince shareholders that they can increase revenue by winning over younger and more affluent customers.