Southwest Airlines has already made several high-profile changes for its customers over the past several months, ending its beloved "bags fly free" policy and scrapping its longstanding open-seating policy.

Starting Jan. 27, Southwest Airlines passengers will get assigned seats for the first time, marking a major shift in the carrier’s business model.

Good or bad, the low-cost carrier has always stood out as the most unique U.S. airline, offering affordable fares, open seating and two free checked bags. As it looks to become more competitive, Southwest is beginning to look more like every other airline.

Southwest passengers will soon buy assigned seat tickets as the carrier ends decades of open seating and other perks in the company's bid to save revenue.

Just two months after ending its long-standing “Bags Fly Free” policy, the airline has announced when it will roll out assigned seating — a significant shift from its traditional boarding process. For decades, Southwest used a first-come, first-served system, along with free checked bags, that set it apart from its competitors.

Southwest Airlines, Milwaukee's largest carrier, is rolling back another one of its popular policies come January.

Southwest Airlines will switch to assigned seats on Jan. 27, 2026, the airline announced. Seat assignments will go on sale July 29, 2025.

Southwest Airlines instituted its new bag policy, which was previously announced in March. "For reservations booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28, 2025, checked baggage fees will apply. We will offer two free checked bags to our Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred Members