SOUTHWEST Airlines has been busy promoting its new assigned seating policy – despite charging more for family holidays.
Here’s how the changes compare to prices offered by competitors United and American Airlines.
GettySouthwest customers will need to pay to board earlier and will begin sitting in assigned seats[/caption] The airline’s change will cost passengers more moneyGetty Images - GettySouthwest, a low-cost airline based in Dallas, has announced that, for the first time, it will give passengers assigned seats.
But, The U.S. Sun has found that a family of four – two adults, one teen and one child under 13 – could end up paying hundreds of extra dollars for future trips.
For example, a return trip between Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), leaving January 28 2026 and returning January 30, is quoted at costing around $2,000 for “basic” flights.
By comparison, a similar journey with American Airlines would cost about $1,500.
Southwest passengers will be assigned seats from January 27, 2026.
It said, “This includes options to select where you want to sit and upgrade to an extra legroom seat, giving you more choices when you travel with us.
“The goal of this shift is to maintain an efficient and orderly boarding approach that is optimized to assigned seating, prioritizing customers into boarding groups based on seat location, beginning with extra legroom seats in boarding groups 1 and 2.
“Our premium fares and our most loyal customers will have access to better seat types and will board earlier in the process.”
The news has received a mixed response, with some saying it’ll “prevent chaos and stress” as passengers are fed up with seeing “people fighting like dogs to be in the best boarding position.”
But others have criticized SW’s move as being solely aimed at making “more money” – with some saying the would prefer to stick to the current system, as they “love open seating.”
Passengers have been able to choose their preferred seats from July 29 for flights departing in 2026.
Forbes reported that “for many, it will mean fewer gate-side negotiations and less passive-aggressive jockeying for position.”
The tweak will also bring in extra dollars, SW has admitted.
Southwest said last September, while revealing its multi-year plan, that changes to its flight network will add about $1.5 billion in pretax earnings in 2027.
Its bosses said back then that the airline would for the first time give passengers assigned seats, charge them extra for more legroom and offer red-eye flights.
PRICE COMPARISON: LGA-ORD
Southwest AirlinesA trip for four people including 2 kids will cost around $1,800 between LaGuardia Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport in late January 2026[/caption] United AirlinesThis compares to United Airlines’ quote of about $750, flying return from LGA to ORD, also between January 27 and January 30 2026[/caption] American AirlinesAmerican Airlines would charge a family of four a similar price to competitors United Airlines for the round trip from New York to Chicago[/caption]The change ends more than half a century of open seating, reported CNBC.
The broadcaster also noted that holidaymakers will spend more money as a result of its ditching of the “quirky boarding system that led to a mad dash at the airport for a seat.”
It reported, “Southwest’s rivals have made billions on bag and seat fees, raising questions for years from investors and Wall Street analysts about whether the carrier was maximizing revenue.”
PRICE COMPARISON: LGA-LAX
SouthwestFor a family of four flying return between LaGuardia Airport and Los Angeles, Southwest would charge some $1,500[/caption] American AirlinesMeanwhile, the same trip would cost a family about $1,200 flying United Airlines, saving around $300[/caption]Flyers will be able to purchase Priority Boarding up to 24 hours before departure.
The changes follow the airline’s announcement that it would begin charging customers for bags.
Earlier this year, the “bags fly free” policy came to a halt as the airline began charging for checked luggage.
Customers used to be able to take two free checked bags, but now the first bag will cost flyers $35, while the second costs $45.
More on Southwest's assigned seating
Southwest passengers will be assigned seats, starting January 27, 2026.
The new policy will give customers the option to select the type of seats they would like, including extra legroom or preferred seat types.
Prices will vary depending on where you sit on the plane, and demand.
The price you’ll end up paying also depends on the route, and when you’re traveling to.
Hence then, the article about southwest airlines seat policy adds 100s to average family trip we checked how prices compare to united american was published today ( ) and is available on The U.S. Sun ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Southwest Airlines seat policy ‘adds $100s to average family trip’ – we checked how prices compare to United & American )
Also on site :