Southwest Airlines Introduces Extra-Legroom Seats: What You Need to Know

Southwest Airlines is making waves in the travel industry with the introduction of extra-legroom seats on approximately 25% of its aircraft. While a full rollout is not scheduled until January 2026, the airline has already begun a soft launch, allowing travelers to experience enhanced comfort on select flights.

Currently, about 200 of Southwest’s 800 Boeing 737s have been retrofitted with these new, spacious rows. This means that if you’re flying with Southwest, you have a one in four chance of enjoying the extra legroom on your next trip. Notably, the airline’s open seating policy remains in effect, meaning you don’t have to pay extra to potentially snag one of these premium seats.

The official sale of extra-legroom seats will commence on July 29, 2026, coinciding with the airline’s transition to assigned seating. This change will apply to flights booked for departure starting January 27, 2026. To prepare for this shift, Southwest began retrofitting its fleet in early May, working diligently to reconfigure cabins while keeping planes in service.

As of now, passengers booking flights may not know if they will be on a newly updated aircraft. This uncertainty is due to the frequent swapping of planes by airlines, including Southwest, which operates an all-737 fleet. However, closer to departure, Southwest plans to notify passengers if their flight will feature extra-legroom seats, encouraging them to consider the Upgraded Boarding option. This optional add-on guarantees priority boarding, allowing travelers a better chance at securing one of the coveted seats.

The Upgraded Boarding option, which can be purchased within 24 hours of departure, starts at $30 but may vary based on demand and flight specifics. For those who have experienced the frustration of a less-than-ideal boarding position, this option can be a lifesaver. For instance, I opted for Upgraded Boarding during a recent red-eye flight from Las Vegas to Baltimore, ensuring I wouldn’t be stuck in a middle seat for the long journey.

However, travelers should note that Upgraded Boarding will be phased out in January 2026 when Southwest implements its new assigned seating and traditional boarding process. If you’re a Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card or Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card holder, you currently receive four Upgraded Boardings per year as a card benefit. While this perk will soon be discontinued, you can still utilize these upgrades until the end of the year.

As we approach 2025, your chances of enjoying an extra-legroom seat with Southwest are likely to increase. The airline aims to complete the retrofitting of its entire fleet before the assigned seating system is fully operational. This means that if you’re planning to travel with Southwest in the near future, keep an eye out for updates regarding the availability of these new seats.

In summary, Southwest Airlines is evolving its seating options to enhance the travel experience for its passengers. With the introduction of extra-legroom seats and the upcoming transition to assigned seating, travelers can look forward to a more comfortable journey. Stay tuned for further updates as the airline rolls out these exciting changes in the coming months.