Welcome, fellow traveler! Are you planning a trip with Southwest Airlines and wondering about seat reservations? You've come to the perfect place. Unlike most airlines that allow you to pick your seat at the time of booking, Southwest operates on a unique "open seating" policy. This means there are no pre-assigned seats. Instead, it's all about your boarding position! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to snag the best possible seat on your next Southwest flight.
Understanding Southwest's Open Seating Policy
Southwest Airlines uses an open seating policy. What does this mean for you?
When you board the plane, you can choose any available seat.
Your ability to get your preferred seat (window, aisle, front of the plane, etc.) depends entirely on your boarding position.
The earlier you board, the more choices you'll have.
Let's dive into how you can influence that boarding position!
Step 1: Embrace the 24-Hour Check-In Window (Your First & Most Crucial Opportunity!)
Are you ready to play the Southwest seating game? Your first move is the most important!
Southwest Airlines opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is your primary opportunity to get a good boarding position.
How to Check In Exactly 24 Hours Before:
Set a Reminder: This is critical. Whether it's a phone alarm, a calendar notification, or a post-it note on your forehead, make sure you're ready.
Have Your Confirmation Number Ready: You'll need this to quickly access your reservation on the Southwest website or mobile app.
Be Ready to Act: As soon as the 24-hour mark hits, log in and check in for your flight. Every second counts, especially on popular routes.
Why is this so important? Southwest assigns boarding positions based on the time you check in. The earlier you check in, the lower your boarding number (e.g., A1, A2, B10, C25), and thus, the earlier you get to board the plane and pick your seat. Aim for those coveted A or early B group positions!
Step 2: Consider Enhancing Your Boarding Position (Paid & Elite Options)
While checking in exactly 24 hours out is your free strategy, Southwest offers several ways to improve your boarding position for a fee or through elite status.
Sub-heading: EarlyBird Check-In (The Convenient Option)
If the idea of setting an alarm and racing to check in isn't your style, EarlyBird Check-In is a popular paid service.
What it does: Southwest automatically checks you in and assigns you a boarding position 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is 12 hours before general check-in opens.
Benefits: You'll likely get a significantly better boarding position (often in the A or early B group) without having to remember to check in manually. This is great for peace of mind, especially on busy travel days or if you're unable to check in precisely at the 24-hour mark.
Cost: The price varies depending on the flight.
How to purchase: You can add EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or anytime afterward, up to 36 hours before departure, if available.
Sub-heading: Business Select Fares (The Premium Experience)
If you're looking for the absolute best boarding position guaranteed, consider booking a Business Select fare.
What it does: Business Select tickets automatically come with a guaranteed A1-A15 boarding position. This means you'll be among the very first to board.
Benefits: First pick of seats, earliest access to overhead bin space, a complimentary premium drink, and more Rapid Rewards points.
Consideration: Business Select fares are typically the most expensive.
Sub-heading: Upgraded Boarding (Last-Minute Boost)
If you didn't purchase EarlyBird or Business Select, you might still have an opportunity to improve your boarding position.
What it does: You can purchase an Upgraded Boarding position (typically A1-A15) beginning 24 hours before departure, at check-in, or even at the gate, if available.
Benefits: Can significantly improve your boarding position if you're stuck with a late B or C group number.
Cost: Varies, but usually around $30-$80 per segment.
Availability: These are limited and sell out quickly, so act fast if you see the option.
Sub-heading: Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Status (Elite Perks)
Frequent Southwest flyers can earn elite status, which comes with automatic priority boarding.
A-List: You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position. Your boarding positions are automatically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird.
A-List Preferred: Even better priority boarding, typically leading to A group positions. You also receive free in-flight internet.
How to earn: By flying a certain number of qualifying one-way flights or earning a specific amount of "tier qualifying points" in a calendar year.
Step 3: Understanding Boarding Groups and Positions
Once you've checked in (either manually or through one of the enhanced options), you'll receive a boarding pass with a group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60).
Group A (A1-A60): The first group to board. Passengers with Business Select, A-List/A-List Preferred status, and those who checked in earliest will be in this group.
Group B (B1-B60): The second group. You'll likely find good window or aisle seats, possibly a pair of seats together, especially if you're in the earlier B numbers.
Group C (C1-C60): The last group to board. Seating options will be more limited, often meaning middle seats or seats towards the back of the plane.
At the gate, you'll see numbered poles or signs indicating where to line up for your group and position. When your group is called, you'll simply line up in numerical order.
Step 4: Strategizing Your Seat Selection on Board
Once you step onto the plane, the fun begins – choosing your seat! Here are some tips:
Sub-heading: Early Boarders (A-Group Strategy)
Front of the Plane: If you value a quick exit, head towards the front.
Exit Rows: These typically offer more legroom but have restrictions (e.g., must be able to assist in an emergency, no carry-on bags on the floor during takeoff/landing). Flight attendants often sit here during boarding.
Window or Aisle Preference: With an early A number, you'll have your pick.
Hot Tip: Some travelers report specific "coveted" seats on Southwest planes, such as the window seat directly behind the exit row that offers significant legroom due to no seat in front of it (e.g., seat 12A on a Boeing 737-700).
Sub-heading: Middle Boarders (B-Group Strategy)
Scan for Gaps: Look for rows with an open window or aisle seat, or two seats together if you're traveling with a companion.
Mid-to-Rear: Often, the middle or rear of the plane might still have good options as people tend to gravitate towards the front.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask: If you see a middle seat with an open window or aisle, politely ask the person in the aisle or window seat if the middle is available.
Sub-heading: Late Boarders (C-Group Strategy)
Head to the Back: The very back of the plane is often where the last remaining open seats (usually middle seats) are found.
Look for Stragglers: Sometimes people will have left a middle seat open temporarily for a companion who hasn't boarded yet. Flight attendants typically encourage people to fill these in.
Be Flexible: At this point, your priority is simply to find a seat!
Step 5: Special Boarding Circumstances
Southwest also has policies for specific passenger needs.
Sub-heading: Family Boarding (For Families with Young Children)
Who Qualifies: Families traveling with a child age six years old or younger. Up to two accompanying adults can board with the child.
When it Happens: This occurs after the A group has boarded and before the B group is called.
Benefit: Ensures families can sit together without needing an early boarding position. If you have an A group position, it's generally better to board with your assigned group to get an even better choice of seats.
Sub-heading: Preboarding (For Passengers Needing Assistance)
Who Qualifies: Customers with disabilities who need a specific seat to accommodate their disability, need assistance boarding the aircraft, or need to stow an assistive device.
When it Happens: Before any general boarding groups (A, B, or C).
How to Request: Speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate. You will be asked questions to determine if you qualify. One travel companion may preboard with you.
Important Note: If you preboard, you cannot occupy an exit row seat.
Sub-heading: Unaccompanied Minors
Children aged 5-11 traveling alone are considered Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) and have specific procedures.
They are typically escorted onto the aircraft by an Employee before general boarding begins and introduced to the Flight Attendant.
UMs must be on nonstop flights or flights that make a stop but do not require a change of planes.
A service charge applies.
Related FAQ Questions
Here are 10 frequently asked questions about Southwest Airlines seating, starting with "How to":
How to get a window seat on Southwest Airlines?
To get a window seat, your best bet is to secure an early boarding position (A group or early B group) by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or having Business Select or elite status. The earlier you board, the more likely you are to find an available window seat.
How to sit with my family on Southwest Airlines?
If you're traveling with a child aged six or younger, you can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs between the A and B groups. Up to two adults can board with the child. For older children or larger groups, your best strategy is for everyone to check in as early as possible (ideally at the 24-hour mark) to get boarding positions close to each other. Head towards the back of the plane, as there are often more open seats together.
How to get more legroom on Southwest Airlines?
The seats with the most legroom are typically the exit rows and the bulkhead seats (the very first row). To get these, you need to board early (A group). Some specific window seats behind exit rows also offer exceptional legroom.
How to check in early for Southwest Airlines?
You can check in early by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, which automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, or by purchasing a Business Select fare, which guarantees an A1-A15 boarding position. Otherwise, you must check in manually at exactly 24 hours before departure.
How to upgrade my boarding position on Southwest Airlines?
You can upgrade your boarding position by purchasing Upgraded Boarding starting 24 hours before departure, at check-in, or at the gate, subject to availability. This typically moves you into the A1-A15 group.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
To avoid a middle seat, aim for an A or early B boarding position. This gives you the best chance to grab an aisle or window seat before they fill up. If you're in the C group, a middle seat is often unavoidable, especially on full flights.
How to know my boarding group and position on Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be assigned to you when you check in for your flight. This information will be displayed on your boarding pass, whether it's printed, on the mobile app, or on the website.
How to get a better seat if I have a late boarding position (C group)?
If you have a C group boarding position, your options will be limited. Head towards the back of the plane, as these seats are often the last to fill. Be prepared for a middle seat. You can also look for rows where one person has occupied the window or aisle and left the middle open, hoping to find a companion.
How to change my seat once on a Southwest Airlines flight?
Once you are on a Southwest flight, you can choose any open seat available. There is no formal process to "change" your seat as there are no assigned seats to begin with. If you initially sit somewhere and then see a more desirable open seat later in the boarding process, you can move, but it's generally best to pick your desired seat when you first board.
How to preboard on Southwest Airlines?
To preboard on Southwest, you must be a customer with a disability who needs a specific seat to accommodate the disability, requires assistance boarding the aircraft, or needs to stow an assistive device. You must speak with a Customer Service Agent at the ticket counter or departure gate to request preboarding.
