Welcome aboard! If you're flying Southwest Airlines, you're in for a unique experience when it comes to seating. Unlike most airlines that assign you a specific seat number when you book or check-in, Southwest operates on an "open seating" policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats. Instead, your boarding position is key, as it determines when you get on the plane and therefore, your choice of available seats.
It's like a strategic game of musical chairs, and with this guide, you'll be well-equipped to play it smart!
The Southwest Seating System: A Step-by-Step Guide
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| How Are Seats Assigned On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Understanding the Southwest Philosophy – Open Seating & Boarding Positions
First things first, let's wrap our heads around Southwest's core concept. Forget seat numbers on your ticket – you won't find them! Southwest prides itself on its open seating policy. This means that once you board the aircraft, you are free to choose any available seat. The catch? The earlier you board, the more options you'll have.
This is where your "boarding position" becomes incredibly important. Your boarding position dictates the order in which you'll enter the aircraft. It's a combination of a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). For example, "A30" means you are in the A group and are the 30th person in that group to board.
Step 2: Securing Your Boarding Position – The Race Against the Clock (or a Strategic Purchase)
Your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in for your flight. The earlier you check in, the better your boarding position will generally be.
Sub-heading: The Standard 24-Hour Check-In Window
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The Golden Rule: For most passengers, the check-in window opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
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Be Prepared: Set a reminder on your phone! As soon as that 24-hour mark hits, log in to the Southwest website or open their mobile app and check in. Even a few minutes can make a difference in your boarding position, especially on a full flight.
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How it Works: Southwest assigns boarding positions on a first-come, first-served basis within the 24-hour window. So, if you check in at T-24:00:01, you'll likely get a much better position than someone who checks in at T-23:00:00.
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
Sub-heading: Boosting Your Boarding Position (Paid Options)
If you prefer to avoid the 24-hour check-in scramble or want to guarantee a better spot, Southwest offers a few paid options:
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EarlyBird Check-In®:
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What it is: This is a popular add-on that automatically checks you in and reserves your boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure – 12 hours before general check-in opens.
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Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an "A" position, it significantly improves your chances of getting an earlier boarding group (A or early B), giving you more seat choices. It also gives you earlier access to overhead bin space.
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Cost: The fee varies but typically starts from around $15 per person, per way.
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Who it's good for: Travelers who prioritize seat choice, don't want to worry about the 24-hour check-in, or are flying on particularly busy routes.
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Upgraded Boarding:
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What it is: If available, you can upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15. This is typically offered at the gate or through the Southwest app within 24 hours of your flight.
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Benefits: Guarantees you one of the very first positions to board, giving you prime choice of seats and overhead bin space.
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Cost: The cost varies based on the popularity and length of the flight segment, starting from around $30.
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Who it's good for: Those who absolutely must have a specific seat (like a window or aisle at the front) or ample overhead space.
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Business Select® Fare:
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What it is: This is Southwest's highest fare class.
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Benefits: Automatically includes a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position, along with other perks like a refundable ticket, extra Rapid Rewards points, and often a complimentary premium drink.
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Who it's good for: Business travelers or those willing to pay a premium for maximum flexibility and the best boarding position.
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Step 3: Special Boarding Circumstances
Southwest also has provisions for certain passengers to board earlier than their assigned group.
Sub-heading: Preboarding (Passengers with Disabilities)
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Who Qualifies: Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, require assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
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Process: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. They will ask questions to determine if you qualify and, if so, issue you a new boarding pass marked "PRBD."
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Important Note: Preboarding passengers cannot occupy exit row seats. One travel companion may preboard with you.
Sub-heading: Extra Time Boarding (Passengers Needing More Time)
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Who Qualifies: Customers with disabilities who do not qualify for preboarding but need a little extra time to board or be seated.
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Process: Similar to preboarding, discuss your needs with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. You'll receive a boarding pass marked "XT."
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When it Happens: This group boards between the "A" and "B" groups, before Family Boarding.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding
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Who Qualifies: Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger.
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When it Happens: Family Boarding occurs after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding.
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Strategy: If you have an "A" boarding pass and qualify for Family Boarding, it's generally better to board with your assigned "A" group to secure the best possible seat choices, rather than waiting for Family Boarding. The primary purpose of Family Boarding is to ensure families with young children can sit together.
Sub-heading: Unaccompanied Minors
QuickTip: Take a pause every few paragraphs.
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Who Qualifies: Children ages 5-11 traveling alone.
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Process: Unaccompanied Minors are typically escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest Employee before general boarding begins and are introduced to the Flight Attendant. They wear a special lanyard throughout their journey.
Step 4: The Boarding Process at the Gate – The A, B, C Shuffle
Once your boarding position is set, here's how the actual boarding process unfolds at the gate:
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Listen for Announcements: Gate agents will announce when it's time for each boarding group to line up.
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Find Your Lane: Southwest gates typically have numbered poles or signs indicating where to line up based on your boarding position (e.g., A1-A15, A16-A30, etc.).
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Board in Order: When your group is called, you'll proceed down the jet bridge in numerical order within your group.
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Be Mindful of Others: While Southwest encourages open seating, it's generally frowned upon (and often discouraged by flight attendants) to save multiple seats for people in later boarding groups. The idea is to quickly find your seat and get settled.
Step 5: Onboard the Aircraft – The Seat Selection Moment
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Look for Available Seats: Once you step onto the plane, it's time to find your desired seat.
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Consider Your Priorities:
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Window vs. Aisle: If you prefer a window for views or an aisle for easy access, look for those first.
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Front vs. Back: Seats closer to the front allow for quicker deplaning, while seats in the back might be quieter or offer more space if the flight isn't full.
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Exit Rows: These typically offer more legroom but have specific requirements (e.g., must be able to assist in an emergency, no carry-on items on the floor during takeoff/landing). Flight attendants will often verify eligibility if you choose an exit row.
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Stow Your Bags: Once you've selected your seat, quickly stow your carry-on luggage in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.
What's Changing? Southwest's Move to Assigned Seating (Planned for Q1 2026)
Hold the presses! While the above details the current Southwest seating assignment process, it's crucial to know that Southwest Airlines is planning a significant shift to assigned seating, with implementation expected in Q1 2026. This is a major change for the airline known for its open seating.
What we know so far about the upcoming changes (as of July 2025):
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New Fare Bundles: Southwest is introducing new fare bundles with updated names and benefits.
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Choice Extra: Will include the ability to select an Extra Legroom seat at booking.
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Choice Preferred: Will include the ability to select a Preferred seat (near the front) at booking.
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Choice: Will include the ability to select a Standard seat at booking.
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Basic: Will have a Standard seat assigned at check-in.
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Premium Seating Options: There will be Extra Legroom seats (at the front and near exit rows) and Preferred seats (near the front).
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Boarding Groups: The airline expects to have nine boarding groups, which will allow for smaller, more ordinal boarding.
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Impact on Family Boarding: The fate of Family Boarding with assigned seating is yet to be fully specified, but the intention to seat families together will likely be addressed through the new assignment process.
This means that for flights booked for travel beginning in Q1 2026 and beyond, the seat assignment process will be very different from the open seating model described above. Be sure to check Southwest's official website for the most up-to-date information on these changes as they are rolled out.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Tip: Break it down — section by section.
How to get a good boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
The best ways to get a good boarding position are to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy a Business Select fare, or pay for Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available).
How to check in for a Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in online at Southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, or in person at the airport ticket counter or a self-service kiosk, starting 24 hours before your flight.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In during the booking process on Southwest.com, or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before your flight's departure time, if available.
How to board with a family on Southwest Airlines?
If traveling with a child age six or younger, up to two adults per child can board during Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group and before the "B" group.
How to get a window or aisle seat on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Return to sections that felt unclear.
To get a window or aisle seat, aim for the earliest possible boarding position (A group or early B group) by checking in early, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying Business Select.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines if you have a disability?
Speak with a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate. They will assess your needs and may issue you a "PRBD" boarding pass if you qualify for preboarding due to a specific seating need, assistance with boarding, or stowing an assistive device.
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can often purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (to A1-A15) at the gate or through the Southwest app, starting 24 hours before your flight, subject to availability.
How to find your boarding group and position for Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and numerical position (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass after you check in for your flight.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
The most effective way to avoid a middle seat is to secure an early boarding position (A group or early B group) through timely check-in or by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In/Business Select.
How will assigned seating work on Southwest Airlines (starting Q1 2026)?
Starting Q1 2026, Southwest will introduce assigned seating. Your fare type (Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, Choice Extra) will determine your ability to select a seat at booking or if a standard seat is assigned at check-in. There will also be premium seating options available for selection or purchase.
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