Ever felt that rush of excitement mixed with a tiny bit of anxiety when flying Southwest? You're not alone! Unlike most airlines that give you a seat number when you book, Southwest famously has an open seating policy. This means no pre-assigned seats, giving you the freedom to pick your spot once you board. But how do you maximize your chances of getting that coveted window seat, or ensuring your family sits together? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting the best "seat assignment" on Southwest Airlines.
Understanding the Southwest Boarding Process: The Foundation of Your Seat Strategy
Before we dive into tactics, let's grasp the core of Southwest's system. It's all about boarding groups and positions. Your boarding pass will have a letter (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). This combination dictates when you get to board the plane and, consequently, how many seats are left to choose from.
Boarding Groups Explained:
Group A: These are the first to board, giving them the widest selection of seats. This group typically includes Business Select passengers, A-List/A-List Preferred members, and those who check in earliest or pay for upgraded boarding.
Group B: The second group to board. You'll still have a decent selection of seats, often finding window or aisle seats, though perhaps not in the very front rows.
Group C: The last group to board. If you're in Group C, especially C40+, your options will be more limited, often resulting in middle seats towards the back of the plane.
Step 1: Engage with Your Flight - The Crucial 24-Hour Window!
Ready to get started on your quest for the perfect Southwest seat? The very first, and arguably most important, step happens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
The 24-Hour Check-In Rush:
Southwest's traditional check-in opens precisely 24 hours before your flight. This is where most passengers get their boarding group and position. The earlier you check in within this window, the better your chances of snagging an A or early B boarding position.
Set a Reminder: Put an alarm on your phone for 24 hours before your flight. Seriously, do it! A few minutes can make a huge difference in your boarding position.
Be Prepared: Have your confirmation number handy and access to a stable internet connection (either on your computer or the Southwest mobile app).
Act Fast: As soon as the clock strikes 24 hours, hit that check-in button!
Step 2: Elevate Your Boarding Position (Optional but Recommended)
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is key, Southwest offers several ways to secure an even better boarding position, often guaranteeing you a spot in Group A.
Option 2.1: Purchase EarlyBird Check-In
What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is a paid service that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight. This means you don't have to worry about being online at the 24-hour mark.
Benefits: It gives you a significant advantage in getting an earlier boarding position (often in the A or early B group), increasing your chances of getting your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
Cost: The price varies by route and demand, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight.
When to Buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking or add it to your reservation later, up to 26 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. The earlier you buy it, the better your EarlyBird-assigned position will be relative to other EarlyBird purchasers.
Option 2.2: Opt for Business Select Fare
What it is: Business Select is Southwest's highest fare class. It comes with a premium price tag but offers the most guaranteed perks.
Benefits: This fare guarantees you a boarding position between A1 and A15. This is the absolute best boarding position you can get, ensuring you're among the very first passengers to board and have first pick of seats and overhead bin space. It also includes other benefits like a refundable ticket, extra Rapid Rewards points, and free in-flight internet.
Consideration: Business Select fares are significantly more expensive than other fare types. It's ideal for business travelers or those who absolutely must have a specific seat or want maximum flexibility.
Option 2.3: Earn A-List or A-List Preferred Status
What it is: These are Southwest's elite status tiers within their Rapid Rewards program.
Benefits: A-List members (and A-List Preferred) receive priority boarding, meaning they (and everyone on their reservation) automatically receive an earlier boarding position, typically in the A group. This is a fantastic perk for frequent Southwest flyers.
How to Earn: You earn A-List status by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year. A-List Preferred requires 40 qualifying flights or 70,000 tier qualifying points.
Option 2.4: Purchase Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
What it is: If available, you can purchase an upgraded boarding position at the gate on the day of your flight. These are usually the remaining A1-A15 positions that weren't sold as Business Select.
Benefits: This can bump you up to an A1-A15 position, giving you early access to the plane.
Cost: The price varies but typically starts from $30 per segment.
Availability: This is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-served basis at the gate. It's often only available on flights that aren't completely full with Business Select or A-List passengers.
Step 3: Strategic Boarding at the Gate
You've got your boarding pass, and you know your group and position. Now it's time to execute at the gate!
Sub-heading 3.1: Lining Up Properly
Southwest gates have numbered poles (usually 1-5, 6-10, etc.) that correspond to boarding positions.
Find Your Spot: Locate the poles that match your boarding position (e.g., if you're B27, stand between the B25 and B30 poles).
Be Ready: Pay attention to the gate agent's announcements. They will call groups (Pre-board, then A, then Family Boarding, then B, then C) and instruct you when to line up and when to board.
Don't Cut the Line: Respect the numerical order within your group. This makes the boarding process smoother for everyone.
Sub-heading 3.2: Special Boarding Circumstances
Southwest also has specific allowances for certain passengers:
Pre-boarding: This is for customers who need assistance boarding or have specific seating needs to accommodate a disability. You must speak to a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate to determine eligibility. You can pre-board with one companion.
Family Boarding: If you're traveling with a child aged six (6) or younger, up to two adults can board after the "A" group has boarded and before the "B" group begins boarding. This is a fantastic perk to ensure families can sit together. Even if you have an A-group boarding pass, if you're traveling with a child 6 or under and want to sit with your family, you can wait for Family Boarding.
Active Duty Military: Active-duty military personnel in uniform may also board during Family Boarding, after the A group.
Step 4: Onboard - The Art of Seat Selection
You're finally on the plane! Now for the actual seat "assignment" – choosing your spot.
Sub-heading 4.1: Where to Look First
Front of the Plane: These seats are often taken by A-group boarders who want a quick exit upon arrival. If you're in A1-A15, you'll have a good chance here.
Window vs. Aisle: If you have a strong preference, look for these first. They fill up quickly.
Middle Seats: These are typically the last to be chosen. If you're in Group C, be prepared for a middle seat, especially on a full flight.
Exit Rows: These offer extra legroom but have specific requirements (e.g., must be 15 years or older, able to assist in an emergency). Flight attendants will verify eligibility.
Sub-heading 4.2: Navigating a Full Flight
Don't Be Shy: If you see a row with a single person occupying a window or aisle, it's perfectly acceptable to ask if the middle seat is available.
Utilize Flight Attendants: If you're struggling to find seats together, especially with family, politely ask a flight attendant for assistance. They often have a good sense of available seats and can help facilitate finding a spot.
Be Flexible: On very full flights, you might not get your absolute ideal seat. A positive attitude goes a long way!
Sub-heading 4.3: Seat Saving Etiquette (A Note of Caution)
While Southwest's policy is open seating, some passengers try to "save" seats for companions who are boarding in a later group. This is generally frowned upon and not officially allowed by Southwest. Flight attendants may ask you to remove items from empty seats to make them available. While some passengers do it, be aware that you might be asked to vacate a "saved" seat.
Wrapping Up Your Southwest Seat Assignment Journey
Getting a seat on Southwest Airlines isn't about traditional assignments but about strategic boarding. By understanding the system, checking in promptly, considering premium options, and being smart at the gate, you can significantly improve your chances of getting the seat you desire. Happy travels!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest?
To get an A boarding group, you can purchase a Business Select fare, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, achieve A-List or A-List Preferred status, or purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available). The most common method for general travelers is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines flight?
You can check in for your Southwest Airlines flight online at Southwest.com, through the Southwest mobile app, or at a self-service kiosk or ticket counter at the airport. Check-in opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.
How to get seats together on Southwest with family?
For families with a child aged six (6) or younger, utilize Southwest's Family Boarding which occurs after the A group and before the B group. This allows up to two accompanying adults to board with the child. For older children or larger groups, aim for an early boarding position (A or early B group) by checking in exactly 24 hours prior, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or buying Business Select fares.
How to know your boarding position on Southwest?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be displayed on your boarding pass after you check in for your flight. You can view this on your mobile boarding pass or a printed boarding pass.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In on Southwest?
You purchase EarlyBird Check-In as an add-on during booking or afterward through your reservation on Southwest.com or the mobile app, up to 26 hours before departure. Southwest will then automatically check you in 36 hours before your flight, assigning you an earlier boarding position.
How to upgrade your boarding position on Southwest?
You can upgrade your boarding position by purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the airport gate or ticket counter within 24 hours of your flight's departure, if available. This typically assigns you an A1-A15 boarding position. Business Select fares also automatically grant A1-A15.
How to pre-board on Southwest?
If you require special assistance due to a disability and need extra time or specific seating, you can request pre-boarding from a Southwest Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or gate before boarding begins. They will assess your needs and may allow you to pre-board with one companion.
How to find available seats on Southwest before boarding?
You cannot view a real-time seat map or choose specific seats before boarding on Southwest. The open seating policy means seats are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis as passengers board the aircraft. Your best bet is to secure an early boarding position to have more options.
How to manage seat saving on Southwest?
Southwest's official policy does not permit saving seats. While some passengers attempt it, flight attendants may ask them to make the seats available. Your best strategy is to secure an early boarding position for your entire party to sit together without needing to save seats.
How to ensure a window or aisle seat on Southwest?
To increase your chances of securing a window or aisle seat, aim for an A or early B boarding position. This is achieved by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying with a Business Select fare or A-List status. The earlier you board, the more selection you'll have.
