If you fly with Southwest, buckle up because things are about to look very different. The carrier is ditching its famed open-seating system (where you pick any seat when you board) and moving to assigned seats, beginning January 27, 2026.
At the same time, they are rolling out a brand-new boarding process internally called “Project USA.” Let’s dive into all the details to keep you updated.
How does the new “WILMA” boarding system work?
One of the biggest changes to note is the so-called WILMA method, short for Window, Middle, Aisle. Under this system:
- Passengers in window seats board first.
- Then the middle seats board.
- Finally the aisle seats board.
Also importantly, they board starting from the back of the plane toward the front. This is to ensure that there are fewer people blocking the aisle, less shuffling, and more efficient turnarounds.
Who gets to boards first under the new system?
It is not just about your seat alone. A lot of other things will determine your boarding priority. Here’s the break down:
- If you hold premium fares, or you are a top loyalty member, or you grab an extra-legroom seat, you’ll be placed in the early boarding groups.
- The airline will introduce boarding groups numbered 1 to 8 (or more), rather than the old A/B/C positions.
- There will be a paid Priority Boarding option and that is a last-minute upgrade if you want to board even earlier.
- If you book a basic economy fare (or equivalent), you will likely board later.
Why is Southwest making this change now?
You might ask: why mess with something that seemed to work? Here are a few reasons:
- The company says passenger research showed travelers want more choice and control, including knowing their seat in advance.
- The old system of open seating can lead to confusion, crowding at the gate (“gate-lice” as some call it), and slower boarding overall. The WILMA method is designed to reduce aisle congestion.
- It aligns the airline more with what competitors already do, perhaps helping improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
What this means for you when you fly
Here are a few practical take-aways you need to keep in mind moving forward especially when you:
- Check your boarding pass — it will now indicate your seat and whether you’re window/middle/aisle, and your boarding group number.
- If you want carry-on bin space and an easier boarding experience, consider selecting a window seat or paying for one of the extra legroom seats so you get an earlier group.
- If you prefer aisle seats, be aware you may board later, which might mean overhead bin competition.
- Families or groups travelling together: make sure you check how they assign seats so you stay together. The airline says “customers on the same travel reservation will be in the same boarding group.”
- Be ready for a learning curve. Because this is a major shift for Southwest, both staff and passengers will be adapting.
Will this change affect my ticket price or perks?
Yes, in a way. Because there are new categories like extra legroom seats, priority boarding purchases, and boarding group positioning linked to fare and status, you may see:
- A premium cost for seats with higher priority.
- More distinction between fare types (basic vs standard vs extra legroom).
- A potential shift in what you expect from the brand of Southwest (more “traditional airline” steps).
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