Southwest Airlines has made massive strides in reliability by 2026, but it continues to navigate a period of significant internal transformation. Following the high-profile operational meltdowns of previous years, the airline has invested over $1 billion in technology and winter infrastructure upgrades. However, in early 2026, Southwest made headlines for a different reason: its shift away from its historic "open seating" model. The airline has officially begun operating with assigned and premium seating as of early 2026, a move that has received mixed reactions from long-time loyalists. Operationally, the airline is currently focused on its "Bulking Season," expanding flight frequencies in key hubs like Nashville, Las Vegas, and Austin. While minor disruptions occur—such as the impact of "Winter Storm Fern" in January 2026—the airline's on-time performance has returned to industry averages. The primary "issue" for 2026 passengers is adjusting to the new boarding and seating logic, which marks the end of an era for the low-cost carrier's unique brand identity.