"Is this now the new frontier airlines???" said one Southwest flyer on X.

As of January 27, 2026, Southwest Airlines no longer has an open seating policy. Here's how Southwest now boards its aircraft and why it chose to go this route.

The Dallas, Texas-based carrier transitioned from its longtime open seating system in keeping with competitors like American, ...

The changes Southwest Airlines has been planning for more than a year are now live — including assigned seats, ending the ...

No longer! On Tuesday, Southwest Airlines officially inaugurated its new assigned seating policy, the last in a suite of ...

Southwest will also begin a new group-based boarding system starting on Jan 27. The new boarding process will prioritize ...

Southwest passengers will have assigned seats starting Tuesday. This marks an end to the Texas-based airline's well-known longstanding policy of allowing flyers choose their own seats as they board.

United Airlines will implement a new boarding plan for economy fliers that the airline says will significantly save onboarding time and money. Beginning on Oct. 26, passengers will be subjected to a ...

American Airlines first-class and business-class passengers will now get even more of a head start when boarding. And, beginning in May, passengers on certain flights may need to get to the airport a ...

Having passengers shuffle down the jetway and fumble their way into the cramped seats of a commercial flight is one of the most time-consuming, logistical nightmares that major US airlines execute ...

Passengers will either a window or aisle seat will board first in the new procedure starting on Oct. 26. United Airlines is updating its boarding procedure this month, allowing travelers in window and ...

United tested its revised boarding procedure at one hub airport and four smaller airports, said the airline. Photo Credit: United Airlines United Airlines will implement a revised boarding procedure ...