Southwest Airlines to roll out sweeping overhaul of its boarding process

Southwest Airlines will soon begin an overhaul of its boarding process.

The Texas-based airline, which has used open seating for more than 50 years, will switch to assigned seating starting Jan. 27 and will introduce an entirely new boarding system, according to its website.

This renovation, known internally as “Project USA,” has been in testing for several months in Houston and Cancun, Mexico.

The Wall Street Journal reported that under the new “Wilma” boarding method, passengers with window seats will board first, followed by those in the middle seats and then aisle seats, starting at the back of the plane.

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Southwest is also eliminating the current numbered supports at the gates with nine insets. The gates will have only two lines, one for the group boarding and one for the next group boarding, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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Travelers, including frequent flyers, credit cardholders with boarding benefits, and those who purchase additional legroom, will automatically be assigned to early boarding groups. The airline also offers a last-minute “priority boarding” option with prices that vary depending on the flight.

Travelers use a Southwest Airlines self-check-in kiosk at Boston’s Logan International Airport on July 19, 2019. (Scott Eisen/Bloomberg via Getty Images/Getty Images)

“Our premium fares and our most loyal customers will have access to better seat types and board earlier in the process,” Southwest’s website says.

Basic economy passengers are usually the last to board the plane, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Southwest is also launching redesigned boarding passes that will not only display seat numbers but also whether it is a window seat, middle seat or aisle seat, the Wall Street Journal reported.

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Southwest Airlines recently unveiled the first Boeing 737 MAX 8 with a revamped interior. (Southwest Airlines/Fox Business)

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Earlier this week, Southwest unveiled the first Boeing 737 Max 8 with a revamped interior with an additional leg section, new upscale seats and updated lighting, underscoring the company’s broader push to modernize its fleet and offer new customer perks.

Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to FOX Business’ request for comment.

FOX Business’ Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.