Here is a more recent rant from a COS:

https://www.theroot.com/new-southwes...onc-2000095794

Personally I am good with the current policy, as I prefer not to have my space infringed.

Original poster here, circling back. I've flown Southwest a few times last year and didn't buy a second seat. I actually exploited their policies to ensure that if there is even one empty seat that it would be the one next to me.

So, this was during the open seating phase in 2025, but after they ended the free checked bags. Their fares happened to be lower than other carriers last year (2025) so I flew Southwest quite a bit. At the time, their basic fare pretty much had no restrictions other than earning less points. Their basic fare with the early bird checkin addon would often still be less than the regular (non-basic) fare on another airline. So, I would book a basic ticket (I don't fly Southwest enough to care about the Rapid Rewards points although I do still accrue them in case I accrue enough to eventually redeem them for something) and then pay for early bird check-in. On top of not having to set an alarm 24 hours out to go check in manually, I'd get an A position, and when I boarded, depending on how full the flight was, I would often pick the window seat in the row in front of the exit row. That row is less desirable since it doesn't recline. As other people are boarding, I'd make eye contact with anyone who appeared to be a customer of size traveling alone, and they'd understand to take the aisle seat. So, even if the flight went out with 1 seat empty, I guaranteed that the middle seat next to me was the one that would be empty. On flights that were wide open, I'd sit in one of the first 5 rows since they have an extra inch of legroom.

Now, I haven't flown Southwest since the switch to assigned seating, but if I do, I will definitely book two seats (Yes, I am aware that I'd need to book a Choice fare now to make this work)

The policy suggests that you can still book an extra seat without a seat assignment and you�d have to contact them to get them assigned together (presumably at no extra charge).

The policy mentions "additional seat fees" if requested at the airport, which suggests that even if booked in advance in Basic, it's probably not free, and that the regular seat assignment fees apply.

This is the new Southwest: extracting as much money from you as possible, even if that causes you to shop the competition diligently when you never did before. Anything to goose the numbers for the current quarter.

I suppose someone could try booking Basic and tell us if they charge for the seat assignment under the policy. If one pays with a credit card, there should be a full refund if cancelled within 24 hours.


This line in the policy also makes me think it implies they don�t charge for them: