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Utilizing Southwest Credit Card's Enhanced Boarding Passes in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide
Southwest Airlines Introduces Assigned Seating and Upgraded Boarding Changes
Southwest Airlines, known for its open seating policy, is set to introduce assigned seating starting from January 27, 2026 [1][2][4]. This change will allow passengers to choose their seats at the time of booking, marking a significant shift in the airline's service model.
With the new assigned seating, Southwest offers three categories of seats: Extra Legroom Seats, Preferred Seats, and Standard Seats [2][4]. Extra Legroom Seats offer up to 5 inches more legroom, priority overhead bin access, premium snacks, and complimentary drinks, primarily located at the front and exit rows. Preferred Seats provide standard legroom but are situated closer to the front for quicker deplaning. Standard Seats are available throughout the rest of the cabin.
The new boarding process will be group-based, with Extra Legroom passengers boarding first, followed by premium fare customers, loyalty members, and credit cardholders, aiming to bring a more orderly boarding experience [1][2].
To cater to frequent fliers, Southwest is launching the Southwest Performance Business card in 2026, which will deliver more benefits, including selecting a Preferred seat at booking, unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat, and Group 5 boarding [4].
In addition to the assigned seating changes, Southwest is also modifying its Upgraded Boarding feature. Upgraded Boarding guarantees an A1 to A15 boarding position for a Southwest Airlines flight [1][2]. This service can be purchased online, in the mobile app, at a ticket counter, or at the gate up to 30 minutes before departure. Prices for Upgraded Boarding start at $30 per segment per person [1].
For customers with the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card, Upgraded Boarding credits are included for 2025 flights [3]. Each card offers 4 Upgraded Boarding credits per anniversary year [3]. Upgraded Boarding credits can stack, so a person with both cards would have 8 Upgraded Boardings per year [3]. Each Upgraded Boarding credit is worth at least $30 and is good for 1 flight for 1 person only [3].
Business Select fares automatically include Upgraded Boarding [2]. Southwest is ending its Upgraded Boarding feature in 2026 when the airline transitions to assigned seating. If you change or cancel your flight, the cost of Upgraded Boarding will not be refunded [1].
It's important to note that if you travel with others, they cannot board with you unless they also have an A1 to A15 boarding position [1].
This represents a major evolution in Southwest’s service model, expected to better compete in the airline market while providing passengers with more clarity and options regarding seating [1][2][3][4].
[1] https://www.southwest.com/html/news/2022/09/14-seat-assignment/ [2] https://www.southwest.com/html/news/2022/09/08-seat-assignment-faq/ [3] https://www.southwest.com/rapidrewards/creditcards/priority/benefits.html [4] https://www.southwest.com/business/performancebusinesscard/
- Southwest Airlines' transition to assigned seating initiates in 2026, offering three categories of seats for passengers to choose at the time of booking.
- The new boarding process will be group-based, with priority given to Extra Legroom passengers, premium fare customers, loyalty members, and credit cardholders to ensure a more organized boarding experience.
- To support frequent fliers, Southwest is launching the Southwest Performance Business card in 2026, granting benefits such as selecting a Preferred seat at booking, unlimited upgrades to an Extra Legroom seat, and Group 5 boarding.
- Upgraded Boarding, a feature that guarantees an A1 to A15 boarding position for a Southwest Airlines flight, will be modifyed and eventually phased out in 2026, as the airline transitions to assigned seating.
