Southwest Airlines recently announced that it will soon be changing the way it handles boarding for the first time in over 50 years.

Starting in January 2026, passengers will be able sit in selected seats on Southwest flights, according to the airline’s website.

“With most fares, customers will be able to choose their seat at booking,” it reads.

“We are also moving from our current A/B/C groups with numbered positions to a new boarding structure using Groups 1 through 8. Additionally, stanchions will no longer be used in gate areas.”

This is a departure from Southwest’s iconic “open seating” policy, which allowed passengers to select a spot after boarding the plane.

Customers will be able to choose from a standard seat, a preferred seat, or an extra legroom seat in an effort to enhance their flight experience, the site says.

They will also be able to purchase Priority Boarding 24 hours prior to departure to ensure an earlier boarding group.

The airline is also offering fare bundles, which include seat selection, access to the different seat types, and baggage options.

To view bundle options, visit the Southwest website.

Tickets are on sale now for January flights with assigned seating.

All flights for the remainder of 2025 will continue with open seating and the existing boarding process, according to Southwest.