Plan around assigned seating
Southwest’s current Basic fare rule provides a Standard seat assignment at check-in, or at the gate if an immediate assignment is unavailable. Plan your trip around that rule rather than advice written for the former open-seating system.
Separate the location from legroom
Southwest lists Standard, Preferred and Extra Legroom seat purchases when available. Compare the specific description attached to the offered position before choosing; a preferred location should not be assumed to carry extra space unless the airline says so.
Check fare and eligibility exceptions
Tier and eligible card benefits can affect when a seat is selectable. Read the benefits attached to your reservation and inspect the final assigned seats if you are travelling together. The Basic fare rule can differ from the options offered by a higher fare or a separate seat purchase.
Related seat maps and directories
Official sources
- Southwest Airlines official seating or fleet information — Retrieved October 31, 2026
- Southwest current aircraft seat specifications — Retrieved October 25, 2026