Southwest pone fecha a la asignación de asientos y lanza un nuevo proceso de embarque

Key Points

• Southwest Airlines will introduce assigned seating and a new boarding process on January 27, 2026.
• The new boarding system will have eight groups based on fare class and loyalty status, ending the airline's traditional open boarding.
• Recent changes, including baggage fees and premium seating, are expected to significantly boost Southwest's earnings.

Summary

Southwest Airlines is set to implement assigned seating and a new eight-group boarding process starting January 27, 2026, marking a major shift from its signature open boarding policy. These changes, alongside the introduction of baggage fees and premium seating options, are designed to modernize Southwest's business model and are projected to generate substantial additional revenue. The airline anticipates these moves will bring in $800 million this year and $1.7 billion in 2026, though some changes, like baggage fees, have faced customer backlash.