By Natalie Weger

Southwest Airlines customers next Tuesday will have options to select their seat at the time of booking for flights beginning Jan. 27.

The switch will end the airline's decades-long open-seating policy, which along with its free two-bag policy differentiated Southwest from its competitors. The airline previously launched an advertising campaign to promote the change, which is part of the company's broader hunt for new revenue.

The airline said Monday that customers will be able to choose from different fare bundles, including some that let customers select a seat during the booking process, as well as access to different seat types.

As Southwest begins to operate with assigned seating on Jan. 27, the airline said it will also begin a new group-based boarding process.

"Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience," said Tony Roach, Executive Vice President of Customer and Brand at Southwest Airlines.

Write to Natalie Weger at natalie.weger@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

July 21, 2025 11:07 ET (15:07 GMT)

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