Southwest Airlines is currently undergoing some major changes, as the airline tries to improve its financial performance. Among these developments is that Southwest is going from an open seating concept to assigning seats, in hopes of generating more ancillary revenue, plus capturing a wider customer base (for those who don’t like Southwest’s current boarding process). Part of this also includes introducing a section with extra legroom.
Many have wondered what this would mean for those with elite status, as well as those with a co-branded credit card. We’re now starting to learn some of those details.
In this post:
A-List & Companion Pass assigned seating policy
Southwest has started to provide some details about what Rapid Rewards members can expect when it comes to assigning seats, which will kick in at some point in 2025. As a reminder:
- A-List is Southwest’s entry level elite status, requiring 20 one-way flights or 35,000 elite qualifying points
- A-List Preferred is Southwest’s higher tier elite status, requiring 40 one-way flights or 70,000 elite qualifying points
- Companion Pass allows you to take a companion with you on all trips while paying just taxes and fees, and requires 100 one-way flights or 135,000 elite qualifying points
Historically, A-List and A-List Preferred have offered high boarding priority as a perk. For that matter, the “A” in “A-List” is intended to reflect how you’ll be in boarding group “A” if you have that status. So, what can we expect from elite perks when the system changes?
- A-List members will be able to select the up front standard seats at the time of booking at no extra cost; these are the seats toward the front of the plane, but without extra legroom
- A-List members will be able to select extra legroom seats within 48 hours of departure
- A-List Preferred members will be able to select from all available seats at the time of booking at no extra cost, including extra legroom seats
Note that this policy will apply both for the member, and for any companions traveling on the same reservation. Southwest is also hinting at how A-List and A-List Preferred members will get same-day changes with “even better seat options,” though there’s not much information yet about what that entails.
What about those with Rapid Rewards credit cards?
Southwest hasn’t yet revealed what benefits those with a Rapid Rewards credit card can expect when it comes to seating, though that’s expected to be revealed in the spring of 2025.
I would expect that there will be substantial seating perks associated with Southwest’s co-branded credit cards, especially the more premium ones. For one, the cards currently offer perks that help with getting a good boarding assignment. On top of that, with moving to assigned seating, I imagine the goal is to generate even more revenue from the loyalty program, and credit cards are the best way to do that.
Bottom line
Southwest has revealed what seating perks A-List and A-List Preferred members can expect when the airline switches to assigned seating at some point in 2025.
A-List members will be able to assign standard seats toward the front of the cabin at the time of booking, and extra legroom seats 48 hours out. Meanwhile A-List Preferred members will be able to assign extra legroom seats at the time of booking. All these perks also apply for companions on the same reservation.
What do you make of Southwest’s planned elite perks for assigned seating?
I'm so annoyed with passengers
boarding with those in wheelchair. One companion maybe but more than 3 like 5 of them who purchase 'wanna get away' the cheapest fare. Wanting to board with.
I have encountered the "reserved seat" syndrome on my last two WN flights even thought I was in the back of Group "A" or front of Group "B". Also, the "Jesus Jetway" crowd and their disciples were growing with each trip. Got so irritated, passed on WN on the last few trips.
Hope this brings some structure to the boarding process. Will take a chance on the new product if it fits into my itinerary and report back.
I fly only Delta because of the premium experience. It's similar to the pleasure i get when mom bathes me.
What can we expect?
Mass reassignment of airport wheelchair attendants.
So now airlines that people chose because of their non conventional aspects will be just like all others with a domestic first and assigned seating etc
It's as if they think preferences change in time, because Sears, Wards, and Penneys are going strong. I need to end now, Dad needs me to get off the dial up modem so he can make a call.
Best comment! Hahaha!
I dont like the new seats......
That is so stupid the new seats are the best in the world. They have better padding then most first class seats and you get 45" of legroom!!!
I feel like Southwest’s biggest issue is the route network then also the fleet only being 737
With the ability to reserve seats, I now would consider them. But, for the places I'd most likely want, they seem, with rare exception, to make me choose a pre-7am or a post-7pm departure with similar departure choices on the return. It's as if they want me tired and either waiting around for check in or figuring out what to do after check out.