Top travel expert affirms the primary advantage of purchasing the early boarding upgrade
Southwest Airlines has announced a significant change to its boarding process, moving towards assigned seating for flights starting January 27, 2026. This shift brings the airline closer to other major carriers in terms of boarding and seating.
The new boarding groups on Southwest will be determined mainly by the fare type, elite status, credit card membership, and the option to purchase Priority Boarding.
Fare classes have been renamed as Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra, with higher-priced fares securing earlier boarding groups. Rapid Rewards elite status members, such as A-List and A-List Preferred, will also receive priority boarding. Southwest credit cardholders will also be granted earlier boarding, typically around intermediate groups if no other priority applies.
The boarding groups are roughly divided as follows:
- Groups 1–2: Extra Legroom seats and premium fares.
- Groups 3–5: Choice Preferred fares, elite status, and credit cardholders.
- Groups 6–8: Choice and Basic fare customers without elite or card status.
Customers can also purchase Priority Boarding 24 hours before departure to secure better boarding positions.
While the move to assigned seating means that boarding order will no longer be based solely on check-in time and fare class, early boarders will still have more seat choice, especially for preferred seats like windows or aisles.
Paying for a seat reservation can help secure a better boarding group but is not necessary. Premium economy seats offer priority services for check-in and boarding. Other groups like active military members and families with young children may also be offered early boarding, depending on the airline's policy.
Airline travel credit cards typically include other perks like free or heavily discounted checked baggage fees. Using an airline's travel credit card can help individuals move closer to elite status.
It's essential to read and understand the card's terms and conditions before applying, as some charge high annual fees. United Airlines, for example, charges a flat rate of $24 per person for its priority boarding add-on.
Remember, passengers without seat reservations are among the last to board. Passengers with disabilities who require special assistance must be allowed to board flights first by law.
In summary, the new boarding groups on Southwest with assigned seats depend on the fare bundle purchased, Rapid Rewards elite tier status, ownership of a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, and the option to purchase Priority Boarding. This structure prioritizes premium fare customers and loyal frequent flyers for earlier boarding and better seat selection.
[1] Southwest Airlines Press Release, 2025. [2] CNN Travel, 2025. [3] The Points Guy, 2025. [4] USA Today, 2025. [5] Boarding Area, 2025.
- Individuals can secure earlier boarding positions on Southwest Airlines by purchasing Priority Boarding, owning a Southwest Rapid Rewards credit card, or achieving Rapid Rewards elite status.
- The assignment of boarding groups on Southwest Airlines takes into account factors like fare type, elite status, credit card membership, and the option to purchase Priority Boarding.
- Focusing on managing finances, using an airline travel credit card can help individuals move closer to elite status, offering perks such as free checked baggage fees.
- For passengers traveling with Southwest Airlines, it's crucial to understand that boarding priority and better seat selection are allocated to premium fare customers and frequent flyers who prioritize their travel lifestyle.
