Open seating got assigned a funeral.

Passengers received a boarding position and chose any available seat after boarding, a defining feature that distinguished Southwest from other major U.S. airlines.

Flights on and after January 27 use assigned seating. Most fares can select a seat while Basic passengers generally receive an assignment at check-in unless a card or status benefit applies.

Travelers who valued choosing after boarding lost that flexibility, while the new fare structure turns seat location and extra legroom into differentiated benefits.