Southwest is now charging passengers to select their seats. This follows on from its recent decision to introduce new baggage fees.

Southwest Airlines has announced a major change to its long-standing policy, giving customers the option to select their seat when booking a flight. The new policy will begin on Jan. 27, 2026, according to the airline’s statement.

Southwest Airlines has undergone a number of changes in the past few months that have rubbed travelers the wrong way. In March 2025, Southwest Airlines announced the controversial decision to ends its decades-old "two bags fly free" policy for checked luggage.