Alright, buckle up! You're about to become a Southwest seating pro. For years, Southwest Airlines was known for its unique "open seating" policy, a system that many loved for its simplicity and others loathed for the perceived chaos. But things are changing! Southwest is evolving its seating approach, and understanding these updates is key to a smooth and comfortable journey.
Let's dive deep into how Southwest Airlines seating works now and how you can master the process to get the seat you want.
Mastering the Skies: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Southwest Airlines Seating
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| How Does Southwest Airlines Seating Work Now |
Step 1: "Wait, Southwest has assigned seats now?" Let's clear that up!
Before we go any further, let's address the elephant in the cabin. If you've flown Southwest before, you're likely familiar with their legendary "open seating" policy, where you grab any available seat once you board. However, hold onto your hats! While the core concept of choosing your own seat upon boarding largely remains, Southwest has been introducing significant changes, including new fare bundles with more seat selection options and a gradual shift towards assigned seating on some flights starting in 2026.
So, for now, it's still generally open seating, but with crucial new ways to influence your boarding position and even select certain seats ahead of time, depending on your fare and status. It's a hybrid model, and understanding the nuances is your first step to a successful flight!
Step 2: Understanding the Core: The A, B, C Boarding Groups
At its heart, Southwest's boarding process revolves around three groups: A, B, and C, each further divided into positions 1 through 60. Your boarding pass will display your assigned group and number, for example, A35 or B12.
A Group (A1-A60): The Early Birds
Passengers in the A group are the first to board, giving them the widest selection of seats. This is where you'll find the coveted window and aisle seats, especially those closer to the front of the plane.
B Group (B1-B60): The Middle Ground
The B group boards after the A group. While many window and aisle seats might be taken, you can still find good options, especially towards the back of the plane or in the middle rows.
C Group (C1-C60): The Last Call
Passengers in the C group board last. If the flight is full, you'll likely find yourself with a middle seat, and possibly towards the back of the aircraft. It's not ideal if you have specific seating preferences.
How is your group and number assigned? Primarily, it's about when you check in. The earlier you check in (relative to 24 hours before your flight's departure), the better your boarding position will generally be.
Step 3: Influencing Your Boarding Position: Strategies for Success
Since a better boarding position means more seat choices, here's how you can significantly improve your odds:
QuickTip: Pay close attention to transitions.
Sub-heading 3.1: The Power of the 24-Hour Check-In Window
Set an Alarm: Southwest's online check-in opens exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This is your golden window. For the best chance at an A or early B boarding position, set an alarm and check in precisely when the window opens. Every second counts!
Use the App or Website: You can check in easily via the Southwest Airlines mobile app or their website. Have your confirmation number ready.
Sub-heading 3.2: Invest in EarlyBird Check-In
Automatic Check-In: If you don't want to set an alarm or simply prefer peace of mind, EarlyBird Check-In is your friend. For a fee (which varies by flight), Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours before your flight's departure, effectively putting you ahead of the general 24-hour check-in crowd.
Benefits: While it doesn't guarantee an A position, it significantly increases your chances of getting an early boarding position, providing a much better opportunity to snag your preferred seat and overhead bin space.
Sub-heading 3.3: Splurge on Business Select Fares
Guaranteed A1-A15: If having a prime seat is non-negotiable, a Business Select fare guarantees you a boarding position between A1 and A15. This means you'll be among the very first passengers on the plane, with your pick of virtually any seat.
Additional Perks: Business Select fares also come with other benefits like a complimentary premium drink and higher Rapid Rewards point earnings.
Sub-heading 3.4: Upgraded Boarding at the Gate
Last-Minute Boost: If you didn't purchase EarlyBird or Business Select, you might still have a chance to improve your boarding position. Upgraded Boarding can be purchased at the gate or during online check-in (if available) starting 24 hours before departure. This typically gets you into the A1-A15 group, space permitting.
Availability Varies: This option is subject to availability and can be more expensive than EarlyBird Check-In.
Sub-heading 3.5: Leveraging Rapid Rewards A-List & A-List Preferred Status
Elite Perks: If you're a frequent Southwest flyer and have achieved A-List or A-List Preferred status through the Rapid Rewards program, you're in luck!
A-List: You and everyone on your reservation get an earlier boarding position. Your boarding position is reserved 36 hours prior to the flight, similar to EarlyBird Check-In, but it's a benefit of your status.
A-List Preferred: You receive even earlier priority boarding, ensuring you're among the first to board, often getting an A1-A15 position. You also get free inflight internet and two complimentary premium drinks.
Automatic Check-in: For A-List and A-List Preferred members, boarding positions are automatically reserved 36 hours prior to the flight. You still need to check in within 24 hours to retrieve your boarding pass.
Step 4: The Boarding Process at the Gate
Once you have your boarding pass with your group and number, here's how the physical boarding process unfolds:
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Sub-heading 4.1: Pre-boarding and Special Assistance
First Aboard: Before the A group is called, passengers who need extra time or assistance (e.g., those with disabilities, un-accompanied minors who need to pre-board) will be invited to board.
Family Boarding: Families traveling with children aged six years old or younger can board after the A group but before the B group, regardless of their assigned boarding position. This is a huge perk for families, ensuring they can find seats together.
Sub-heading 4.2: Lining Up and Boarding by Group
Numbered Poles: At the gate, you'll notice numbered poles or signs (typically in increments of 5, like 1-5, 6-10, etc.). These are your guides.
Find Your Place: When your group (A, B, or C) is called, find your designated spot in line according to your boarding number. For instance, if you're B35, you'd stand between B34 and B36.
Orderly Process: Boarding happens in numerical order within each group (A1, A2, ..., A60, then B1, B2, etc.).
Step 5: Onboard: The Art of Seat Selection
Once you step onto the aircraft, the "open seating" magic (or scramble, depending on your perspective!) begins.
Scan for Your Ideal Seat: Look for your preferred type of seat – window, aisle, or even a middle if you're with companions.
Front vs. Back: Seats in the front of the plane tend to fill up first, as do those directly behind the exit rows (often offering more legroom). If you're in a later boarding group, consider heading towards the back of the plane where you're more likely to find open rows or at least two seats together.
The "Saved Seat" Dilemma: You might occasionally see passengers trying to "save" seats for companions who are boarding later. While this is a common practice, it's not officially sanctioned by Southwest and can lead to awkward situations. Generally, if a seat is open and you have an earlier boarding position, it's yours to take. Flight attendants will typically encourage passengers to keep bags out of seats so everyone can find a spot.
Legroom Secrets: Some savvy flyers know about "unicorn" seats with extra legroom. For example, on Boeing 737-700s, seat 12A often has no seat in front of it. On 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft, seats 16A and 16F are similarly desirable. These are often the first to go!
Newer Seat Options (Starting 2025/2026): Southwest is also rolling out new seat options on some flights, including "Extra Legroom" and "Preferred" seats. These will likely be available for selection within 48 hours of departure, or at booking for certain fares. Keep an eye out for these new choices as they become more widespread.
What's Coming: The Future of Southwest Seating
It's important to note that Southwest is continuously evaluating and evolving its customer experience. Beginning in May 2025, and with more widespread changes expected to roll out for flights operating in 2026, Southwest is introducing more explicit seat options, including "Extra Legroom" and "Preferred" seats that can be selected at booking or closer to departure. The airline has even announced that it will begin assigning seats on some flights in 2026. This is a significant shift from their long-standing open seating policy and aims to address customer feedback. While the full implementation and impact are yet to be seen, staying informed about these changes will be crucial for future travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Southwest Airlines Seating
How to get the best seat on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to get a good seat is to secure an early boarding position. This can be achieved by checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or flying with a Business Select fare or A-List/A-List Preferred status.
Tip: Pause whenever something stands out.
How to sit with family on Southwest Airlines?
Families with children aged six years old or younger can utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the A group but before the B group. For older children, the best strategy is for at least one adult to get an early boarding position (A or early B) by checking in promptly or using EarlyBird Check-In, then securing seats together when boarding.
How to get an A boarding group on Southwest Airlines?
You can get into the A boarding group by purchasing a Business Select fare (guaranteed A1-A15), purchasing Upgraded Boarding at the gate (if available), or by being a Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred member. Checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight might get you an A position, but it's not guaranteed.
How to use EarlyBird Check-In effectively?
Purchase EarlyBird Check-In as soon as possible after booking your flight. This ensures you'll be automatically checked in 36 hours before departure, giving you a better boarding position than those who wait for the general 24-hour check-in.
How to change your seat after boarding Southwest Airlines?
Once you've boarded and chosen a seat, it's generally considered bad form to switch seats unless the flight is very empty and you can move to an open row. If you need to move for a legitimate reason (e.g., to sit with a child), speak to a flight attendant.
How to find extra legroom seats on Southwest Airlines?
QuickTip: Look for contrasts — they reveal insights.
While not explicitly "assigned" prior to boarding, you can aim for bulkhead rows (the very first row of the plane) or exit rows. Additionally, some specific seats like 12A on a 737-700 or 16A/F on a 737-800/MAX 8 offer exceptional legroom. These are highly sought after and require an early boarding position.
How to avoid a middle seat on Southwest Airlines?
The best way to avoid a middle seat is to get an early boarding position (A group or early B group). If you're in a later group, head towards the back of the plane, as middle seats in the front tend to fill up first.
How to check in for Southwest Airlines to get a good boarding pass?
Set an alarm for exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time and check in online via the Southwest app or website as soon as the window opens. This "fastest finger" approach is crucial for a good boarding position.
How to understand the new Southwest Airlines seating changes for 2025/2026?
Southwest is introducing new fare bundles with options to select "Extra Legroom" and "Preferred" seats at booking or closer to departure, particularly for higher-tier fares. They are also moving towards assigned seating on some flights starting in 2026. Stay updated by checking Southwest's official website for the latest policy announcements.
How to manage checked bags with Southwest Airlines' new policies?
As of May 28, 2025, Southwest's "Bags Fly Free" policy has changed. Most passengers will now face fees for their first and second checked bags. Business Select fares still include two free checked bags. Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred members get two free bags, while A-List members and Rapid Rewards credit cardholders generally get one free checked bag. Always check the latest baggage policy on Southwest's website for your specific fare type.
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