Smart Travel: Upgrade Your Getaways · Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Southwest Airlines eliminated its famous open seating style in favor of assigned seats and got rid of free checked bags. Sally French and Megan Coyle explained that travelers looking for early seat selection or wanting to emulate old benefits will now need to hold a Southwest credit card.
“Southwest has done something similar. Lots of changes with Southwest this year. But one of the biggest ones is that they got rid of their famous open seating style in favor of assigned seats. And one of the best ways now to get early seat selection if you don't want to pay for it is by holding a Southwest credit card.”