Southwest Airlines technically doesn't launch assigned seating for another four months. But starting now, if you're flying with the airline to Hawaii, you'll be on a plane that already has its new extra-legroom seats.
And since the airline hasn't ended its open seating policy just yet, that means a prime boarding position could land you one of those spacious seats at no added cost.
As of this week, the Dallas-based carrier has finished installing extra-space rows on all of its Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets — the same aircraft it uses on flights to and from the Aloha State. It's a milestone in Southwest's push to get all of its planes reconfigured with extra-legroom accommodations before late January 2026, when it officially launches open seating and starts charging extra for those roomier rows.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on The Points Guy Articles.
