By Eden Thomson | May 4, 2026
I will be honest with you. When Southwest announced they were ditching open seating after 53 years, I was skeptical. The "cattle call" boarding was chaotic, sure, but it was also kind of democratic. You got what you got based on when you checked in.
But here is the thing. The new system is actually better — if you know which fare to book.
Let me walk you through Choice Extra, Southwest's new premium fare. I have dug through the official policies , checked the updated baggage fees , and talked to travelers who have already used the new system. Here is what you are really paying for. Call +1-833-894-5333 for live assistance with Southwest seating.
What Exactly Is "Southwest Choice Extra"?
Southwest completely overhauled their fares in January 2026 . Open seating is gone. Assigned seating is here.
Instead of Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select, they now have four fares: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra .
Choice Extra replaced Business Select. But it is not just a name change. The perks are different. And for the right traveler, it is absolutely worth the extra money.
Let me break down exactly what you get.
What Does Choice Extra Include on Southwest?
Here is the full breakdown of what you are paying for when you book Choice Extra :
Seating (The Big One)
You get to choose an Extra Legroom seat at booking. Period. No waiting. No hoping. No paying extra later. These seats have about five more inches of legroom than standard seats and are located at the front of the cabin and in exit rows . If you are tall, this alone is worth the upgrade.
Two Free Checked Bags
Unlike lower fares where you now pay
45forthefirstbagand55 for the second (on tickets booked after April 9, 2026), Choice Extra includes two free checked bags for you and up to eight additional passengers on your reservation . That is a huge saving for a family trip.
Group 1 Boarding
Old Southwest had A1 through A60. New Southwest has Groups 1 through 8. Choice Extra gets you Group 1 or 2 boarding . This means you are among the first on the plane. Overhead bin space? Yours. Settling in without fighting for space? Absolutely.
Priority and Express Lanes
At airports where they are available, Choice Extra gets you access to Priority Lanes at check-in and Express Lanes at security . This saves you 15-30 minutes at busy airports like Denver, Chicago Midway, or Las Vegas.
Earn 14x Rapid Rewards Points
Choice Extra earns 14 points per dollar spent . Basic earns 2 points per dollar. That difference adds up fast. On a $400 flight, Basic gives you 800 points. Choice Extra gives you 5,600 points. That is almost enough for a short-haul reward flight.
Refundable Ticket (Yes, Real Refund)
Lower fares give you flight credits that expire. Choice Extra is fully refundable to your original payment method if you cancel at least 10 minutes before departure . Not a credit. Not a voucher. Your money back.
Premium Drink on Longer Flights
On flights over 251 miles, you get a complimentary premium drink . Beer, wine, or a cocktail. That is a small touch, but on a 4pm flight after a long work week? It matters.
Free Same-Day Change and Standby
Plans change. With Choice Extra, you can switch to an earlier or later flight on the same day for free (space permitting) .
For You - Delayed at DFW? How to Rebook Southwest Flights
Is Choice Extra Worth It on Southwest?
Here is where I have to be straight with you.
Yes, if these things describe you:
- You are over 5'10" and need legroom. The extra five inches in Extra Legroom seats are not a luxury for tall people. They are a necessity .
- You are checking two bags. With bag fees now at
- 45and
- 45and55 for lower fares, two free round-trip bags saves you $200. That alone covers much of the fare difference .
- You want a cash refund, not a credit that expires. Life is unpredictable. Peace of mind has value.
- You are a Rapid Rewards points collector. 14x vs. 2x points is a massive difference over time .
No, if these describe you:
- You are flying alone on a short domestic hop (like Dallas to Houston). The extra legroom is nice, but do you need it for 90 minutes?
- You are packing light (carry-on only) and your dates are rock solid. You might be fine with a Choice or even Basic fare.
- You are on a very tight budget. The Basic fare is cheaper for a reason. Just know what you are giving up .
How Does Southwest Assigned Seating Work Now?
Let me give you the quick version of how the whole new system works, because the "seating help by phone" calls I have been getting are all asking the same questions .
Groups 1-2: Choice Extra fares + Extra Legroom seat purchases + elite status members + A-List Preferred who upgraded .
Groups 3-5: Choice Preferred fares + A-List members + Rapid Rewards credit card holders .
Groups 6-8: Choice fares + Basic fares + everyone else .
The silver stanchions with letters A, B, C are being phased out. Digital screens at gates now show Groups 1 through 8 .
Changes Guide - Southwest Airlines Refund Policy for Assigned Seating (2026)
Does Choice Extra Include Extra Legroom Seat? Yes.
This is the most common question I get.
Yes. Choice Extra includes an Extra Legroom seat at booking .
Extra Legroom seats have about five inches more pitch than standard seats. They are located at the front of the cabin and in exit rows. When you book Choice Extra, you go into the seat map and pick any available Extra Legroom seat for free .
One note: immediate demand for these seats is high. Book early if you want the best row. Overhead bin space next to these seats will also be signed and reserved for Extra Legroom passengers to ensure you actually get space above your seat .
Does Choice Extra Include Free Checked Bags? Yes.
This is another huge benefit.
Choice Extra includes two free checked bags .
For tickets booked on or after April 9, 2026, here is the baggage fee breakdown for lower fares :
- Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred: First bag
- 45,secondbag
- 45,secondbag55
- Choice Extra: First two bags free
- A-List Preferred members: First two bags free
- A-List members and credit card holders: First bag free, second bag $35
If you are traveling with your family of four and everyone needs a checked bag, you are saving $180-220 each way. That is not nothing.
Does Choice Extra Include Priority Boarding? Yes.
Group 1 or 2 boarding, specifically .
Why does this matter? Overhead bin space. In the first few weeks of the new system, passengers have complained about running out of overhead space because the boarding groups are not strictly enforced yet . Choice Extra gets you on early enough to avoid this hassle.
What Seats Do You Get With Choice Extra? (The Full List)
When you book Choice Extra, here are your seat options :
- Extra Legroom seats (5+ inches more legroom, near front of cabin and exit rows) — included
- Preferred seats (standard legroom, near front of cabin, ahead of exit rows) — included but why pick these when you can get Extra Legroom?
- Standard seats (standard legroom, anywhere else) — included but again, go for the legroom
The Fine Print You Need to Know
Let me give you the stuff Southwest does not put in big bold letters.
Extra Legroom seat availability is not guaranteed. If the flight is full and all Extra Legroom seats are taken by other Choice Extra or elite passengers, you get the best available seat. Book early .
The system is still being "refined." Southwest rolled this out on January 27, 2026 . They have already adjusted the boarding group process once due to feedback. Overhead bin retrofits are happening through 2026, with about 70% of planes done by end of year .
Basic fares cannot choose seats. If you book Basic, you get assigned a seat at check-in. That seat might be a middle seat. That seat might be in the very back. The Points Guy called Basic fares "booking at your own risk" for this reason .
How to Get Seating Help by Phone
If you have already booked a flight and need to change your seat, or if you have questions about which fare you booked:
Call Southwest Airlines customer service for seating help.
You can reach their support team for seat selection, upgrades to Choice Extra, or questions about your existing reservation.
When you call, have your confirmation number ready. Ask specifically: "What fare type did I book? Can I upgrade to Choice Extra to get an Extra Legroom seat?"
In my experience, agents can tell you exactly which seats are available and help you move to a better one if space exists .
The Bottom Line: Who Should Actually Book Choice Extra
Book Choice Extra if:
- You are over 5'10" or have long legs
- You are checking 2+ bags (the fee savings are real)
- You want the ability to get a cash refund, not a credit
- You are a points collector and want 14x earnings
Save your money and book Choice or Basic if:
- You are on a very short flight (under 90 minutes)
- You are packing light and your plans are locked in
- You do not care where you sit as long as you get there
The old Southwest was a great deal for everyone. The new Southwest is still a great deal — but only if you choose the right fare for your body, your luggage, and your flexibility needs .
Do not just click "Basic" because it is the cheapest. Do the math on your checked bags. Think about your legroom. And remember that a refundable ticket has real value when life inevitably changes your plans.
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