You're about to embark on a Southwest Airlines adventure, and while their open seating policy is legendary, it can also be a source of anxiety for those who crave a specific spot! Fear not, fellow traveler, because I'm here to guide you through the ins and outs of securing a good seat on Southwest. Get ready to master the art of the Southwest boarding dance!
The Ever-Evolving Landscape of Southwest Seating
Before we dive in, it's crucial to note a significant change on the horizon for Southwest. Historically known for its "open seating" policy, where passengers picked any available seat upon boarding, Southwest is transitioning to assigned seating for flights starting in Q1 2026. This means that while some of the strategies below will remain relevant for securing early boarding, the actual "picking your seat on the plane" aspect will change to pre-selection with certain fare types.
For flights before Q1 2026 (and potentially for some time as they roll out the change), the open seating policy still applies. This guide will focus primarily on strategies for the current open seating system, but I'll also touch upon how the new system will impact your seat selection.
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| How Do You Get A Good Seat On Southwest Airlines |
Mastering the Southwest Boarding Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
The key to a good seat on Southwest with their current open seating is simple: get an early boarding position. The earlier you board, the more choices you'll have. Southwest uses a "boarding group" system (A, B, C) and a number within that group (1-60). A1 is the holy grail, while C60 means you'll be among the last to board.
Step 1: Are You Ready to Play the Game? Understanding Your Starting Position
This is where the journey to your ideal seat begins! Are you a casual flyer, or do you have a strategy in mind?
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The Basics: Every Southwest passenger gets a boarding position assigned when they check in. The earlier you check in, the better your position will generally be.
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The Game Changer: However, there are ways to leapfrog ahead. Do you want to pay for a better position, or are you a loyal Southwest flyer? Your answer here will determine your path.
Let's explore your options to get that coveted early boarding spot!
QuickTip: Slow scrolling helps comprehension.
Step 2: Strategizing for an Early Boarding Position
This is where you make moves to secure your spot.
Sub-heading: Option A: The "Free" Method – Be a Check-In Ninja!
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The simplest, and cheapest, way to improve your boarding position is to check in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
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How to do it: Set an alarm! The check-in window opens precisely 24 hours before your flight. Be on the Southwest website or app the moment it opens. Have your confirmation number and last name ready.
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Why it works: Southwest assigns boarding positions on a first-come, first-served basis for general check-ins. If you're among the very first to check in, you'll likely snag a higher "A" group number or a low "B" group number.
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Pro Tip: If you have multiple people on your reservation, checking in simultaneously for everyone often helps keep your group together for boarding, but their individual boarding positions will still be determined by the check-in time.
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Sub-heading: Option B: The "Paid" Methods – Invest in Your Comfort
Sometimes, peace of mind and a guaranteed better seat are worth a few extra dollars.
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1. Purchase EarlyBird Check-In®:
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What it is: EarlyBird Check-In is an add-on that automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight, 12 hours before general check-in opens.
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Benefits: This significantly increases your chances of getting an "A" or early "B" boarding position. It also means you don't have to stress about being online exactly 24 hours out.
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Cost: The price varies, typically ranging from $15 to $99 per person, per one-way flight, depending on the route's popularity and length.
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When to buy: You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you book your flight or add it later, up to 26 hours before departure (subject to availability). The earlier you purchase EarlyBird, the better your position within the EarlyBird group.
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Consideration: If you're traveling with a group and want to sit together, everyone in your group would need EarlyBird Check-In for the best chance.
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2. Opt for Business Select® Fares:
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What it is: This is Southwest's highest fare class. It comes with a premium price tag but offers a multitude of benefits.
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Benefits: Business Select fares guarantee you an A1-A15 boarding position. This means you'll be among the very first people on the plane, giving you nearly free reign of the available seats.
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Added Perks: Beyond priority boarding, Business Select also typically includes a free premium drink, two free checked bags, and fully refundable tickets.
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Who it's for: Ideal for business travelers or anyone who prioritizes getting their preferred seat above all else and is willing to pay for it.
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3. Purchase Upgraded Boarding:
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What it is: If available, you can purchase Upgraded Boarding at the gate or through the Southwest app/website on the day of travel, after general check-in has opened.
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Benefits: This allows you to upgrade your boarding position to A1-A15 if spots are still available.
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Cost: This typically costs between $30 and $50 per segment, per customer.
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When to use it: This is a good last-minute option if you missed the 24-hour check-in window or decided you really need a better seat. It's not always available, especially on full flights.
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Sub-heading: Option C: The "Loyalty" Methods – Earn Your Way to the Front
For frequent Southwest flyers, loyalty pays off.
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1. Achieve A-List Status:
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What it is: A-List status is Southwest's elite tier for frequent flyers. You earn it by flying 20 qualifying one-way flights or earning 35,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
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Benefits: A-List members (and everyone on their reservation) automatically receive priority boarding, typically an A or early B position, 36 hours before departure. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
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Additional Perks: A-List also includes a free checked bag, a 25% earning bonus on Rapid Rewards points, and priority lane access at check-in and security.
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2. Achieve A-List Preferred Status:
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What it is: The highest tier of Southwest's Rapid Rewards program, earned by flying 40 qualifying one-way flights or earning 70,000 tier qualifying points in a calendar year.
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Benefits: Similar to A-List, but with even better priority boarding. A-List Preferred members and everyone on their reservation receive priority boarding automatically 36 hours before departure, often resulting in an A1-A15 position.
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Super Perks: This status also grants you two free checked bags, free inflight internet, a 100% earning bonus, and dedicated phone lines.
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3. Utilize Southwest Credit Cards with Boarding Benefits:
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What it is: Certain Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards offer benefits that can help with boarding.
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Benefits: Some cards provide complimentary EarlyBird Check-In credits or upgraded boarding credits. Check the specific benefits of your card.
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Consideration: This is a great way to get a leg up without spending extra cash on each flight, provided you already have or are considering getting a Southwest credit card.
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Step 3: Boarding the Plane and Making Your Choice
QuickTip: Skim the ending to preview key takeaways.
Once your boarding group is called, the moment of truth arrives!
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Line Up Strategically: When your group (A, B, or C) is called, line up according to your number at the designated poles. Be ready to move quickly.
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The Dash to Your Seat: Once you step onto the plane, it's an open race for the best available seat.
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If you're in Group A: You'll have the pick of almost any seat on the plane.
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If you're in Group B: You'll still have a decent selection, likely finding window or aisle seats, but perhaps not in the very first few rows.
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If you're in Group C: Your choices will be limited, often leaving you with middle seats.
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Consider Your Priorities:
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Legroom Fanatics: Look for the bulkhead rows (first row of the plane) or exit rows.
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Note: Bulkhead rows don't have under-seat storage and may have immovable armrests. Exit rows have specific passenger requirements (must be 15+, able to assist in an emergency).
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Secret Weapon: On some Boeing 737 aircraft (specifically 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8), there are super-coveted seats directly behind the exit rows that offer an insane amount of legroom because there's no seat in front of them. These are often 12A on the 737-700, and 16A/16F on the 737-800 and MAX 8. These are often overlooked by people rushing to the very front!
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Window Seat Wonders: Head for a window seat for views and a wall to lean on.
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Aisle Seat Admirers: Choose an aisle seat for easy access to the lavatory and overhead bin, and quicker deplaning.
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Smooth Ride Seekers: Seats over the wings tend to have the smoothest ride due to less turbulence.
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Quiet Zone Seekers: Generally, the front of the plane tends to be quieter than the back, which is closer to the engines and lavatories.
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Traveling with a Group/Family (with current open seating):
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If you have children aged 6 or younger: Southwest has a "Family Boarding" policy. After the "A" group boards and before "B" group, up to two accompanying adults can board with children aged six or younger. This is a great way to ensure you can sit together.
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If your kids are older or you don't qualify for family boarding: The best bet is for everyone in your party to have an early boarding position (via EarlyBird, Business Select, or A-List status) so you can board together and find seats. If not, consider heading towards the back of the plane as a group, as those seats are often the last to fill up.
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Step 4: The Future of Southwest Seating (Starting Q1 2026)
As mentioned, Southwest is moving to assigned seating. While the exact rollout details for all fare classes and boarding processes are still being finalized, here's what we know:
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New Fare Bundles: Southwest is introducing new fare bundles: Basic, Choice, Choice Preferred, and Choice Extra.
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Basic: Seats assigned at check-in.
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Choice: Standard seats can be selected at booking.
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Choice Preferred: Preferred seats (near the front) can be selected at booking.
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Choice Extra: Extra Legroom seats (front five rows and exit rows) can be selected at booking.
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Implications for "Good Seats": With assigned seating, "getting a good seat" will shift from a boarding position race to a fare class purchase and early booking strategy. If you want extra legroom or a seat near the front, you'll need to purchase a higher fare class.
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Family Boarding: Southwest has not definitively stated how family boarding will be impacted by the assigned seating. It's possible it will be eliminated as assigned seating addresses the core need for families to sit together.
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Loyalty Benefits: A-List and A-List Preferred members will likely continue to receive benefits related to earlier seat selection or preferential seating options within the new fare structure.
This transition means that while the open seating "game" will eventually fade, the importance of acting early (whether checking in or booking a higher fare) will remain paramount for securing your preferred spot.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to get the absolute best legroom on Southwest Airlines?
The absolute best legroom on Southwest Airlines, particularly with their current open seating, can often be found in the window seats directly behind the exit rows (e.g., 12A on the 737-700, and 16A/16F on the 737-800 and 737 MAX 8) as there's no seat directly in front of them. Otherwise, aim for the bulkhead (Row 1) or the exit rows themselves (Row 11 on 737-700, Rows 14/15 on 737-800/MAX 8), keeping in mind exit row requirements and potential limited recline.
How to ensure my family sits together on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
For families with children aged 6 or younger, utilize Southwest's Family Boarding policy, which allows up to two accompanying adults to board after Group A and before Group B. For families with older children or if Family Boarding isn't an option, ensure everyone in your party has an early boarding position by purchasing EarlyBird Check-In for everyone, flying Business Select, or having A-List status. As a last resort, head towards the back of the plane where seats are more likely to be available together.
How to know my Southwest boarding position?
Your Southwest boarding position (e.g., A35, B22, C10) is assigned when you check in for your flight. You can find it on your boarding pass, whether printed or digital (on the Southwest app).
How to check in online for Southwest Airlines?
You can check in online for your Southwest Airlines flight via Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app, starting exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. Simply enter your confirmation number and first and last name.
How to purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In when you initially book your flight on Southwest.com or later via the "Manage Reservations" section, up to 26 hours before your flight's scheduled local departure time, subject to availability.
How to get on Southwest if I missed the 24-hour check-in window?
Tip: Stop when confused — clarity comes with patience.
If you missed the 24-hour check-in window, you can still check in online or at the airport. Your boarding position will likely be later (e.g., Group C). You may also have the option to purchase "Upgraded Boarding" at the gate or through the app on the day of travel if A1-A15 positions are available for a fee.
How to get a window seat on Southwest?
To get a window seat on Southwest with open seating, your best bet is to secure an early boarding position (A group or early B group) through EarlyBird Check-In, Business Select, or A-List status, and then proceed directly to an available window seat when you board.
How to get an aisle seat on Southwest?
Similar to a window seat, securing an early boarding position on Southwest is key to getting an aisle seat. Once on board, quickly identify and claim an open aisle seat.
How to avoid the middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
The most effective way to avoid the middle seat on Southwest is to secure an A-group boarding position. This gives you the best selection of window and aisle seats. Purchasing EarlyBird Check-In or flying Business Select significantly increases your chances.
How to find the best seats for a smooth ride on Southwest Airlines?
For the smoothest ride on Southwest, choose seats located over the wings of the aircraft. These seats experience less turbulence compared to those in the front or rear of the plane.
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