Flying Southwest Airlines is a unique experience compared to most other major carriers. While many airlines offer assigned seating, Southwest famously operates on an open seating policy. This means you don't pick your seat when you book your ticket; instead, your boarding position determines your access to available seats on the plane. Let's dive deep into how this system works and how you can maximize your chances of getting the seat you want.
Welcome Aboard! Understanding Southwest's Open Seating Policy
Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly an airline where you pick your seat after you get on the plane? If so, you're in the right place! Southwest Airlines' open seating policy is a hallmark of their low-cost, customer-focused approach. It's designed to streamline the boarding process and give passengers the freedom to choose their preferred spot. While it might seem a bit like musical chairs, with a little know-how, you can master the art of Southwest seating.
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| How Are The Seats On Southwest Airlines |
Step 1: Grasping the Boarding Group System
The core of Southwest's seating strategy lies in its boarding group system. Instead of seat numbers, you'll receive a boarding group and position.
Your Boarding Pass: A Letter and a Number
When you check in for your Southwest flight, you'll be assigned a boarding group (A, B, or C) and a number (1-60). For example, you might see "A32" or "B15" on your boarding pass. This alphanumeric code dictates when you get to board the plane.
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Group A: These are the first passengers to board, giving them the widest selection of seats.
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Group B: Boarding after Group A, these passengers still have a good chance of finding a desirable seat, though some window and aisle seats might already be taken.
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Group C: The last group to board, passengers in Group C will have the most limited choice of seats, often ending up with middle seats or seats towards the back of the plane.
The lower your number within your group, the earlier you board! So, A1 is the first person on the plane, followed by A2, and so on.
Step 2: Mastering the Art of the Early Check-In
Your boarding position is largely determined by when you check in for your flight. This is crucial for getting a good seat on Southwest.
The 24-Hour Check-In Window
Southwest opens online check-in exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure time. This is your prime opportunity to secure the best possible boarding position.
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Set a Reminder: If you're serious about getting a good seat, set an alarm on your phone for 24 hours before your flight. Be ready to check in the moment it opens.
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Be Quick: The system assigns boarding positions on a first-come, first-served basis. Even a minute's delay can push you back several positions, especially on a full flight.
What Happens if You Don't Check In Early?
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If you wait until you get to the airport or check in late, you're more likely to receive a higher number in Group B or even be placed in Group C. This significantly limits your seating options.
Step 3: Exploring Options to Improve Your Boarding Position
While checking in early is key, Southwest offers several ways to enhance your boarding experience and increase your chances of getting a better seat.
Option A: EarlyBird Check-In®
This is a popular paid option for those who want to avoid the 24-hour check-in scramble.
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How it Works: When you purchase EarlyBird Check-In, Southwest automatically checks you in starting 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This gives you a significant advantage over those waiting for the 24-hour mark.
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Benefits: You'll typically receive an earlier boarding position (often in the A or early B group), providing a better opportunity to select your preferred available seat and earlier access to overhead bin space.
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Cost: The cost varies by flight and demand but is generally a reasonable fee per person, per flight segment.
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Important Note: While EarlyBird Check-In offers an earlier position, it does not guarantee an A group position, especially on very busy flights with many A-List members or Business Select passengers.
Option B: Upgraded Boarding
For those who want to ensure a prime boarding spot, Upgraded Boarding is an option available closer to departure.
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How it Works: You can purchase Upgraded Boarding starting 24 hours before your flight (when online check-in opens) or at the gate, if available. This guarantees you a boarding position between A1 and A15.
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Benefits: This is the best way to guarantee an early boarding position, giving you virtually your pick of available seats, including highly coveted window or aisle seats near the front of the plane, and ample overhead bin space.
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Cost: Upgraded Boarding is generally more expensive than EarlyBird Check-In and varies by flight, often ranging from $30-$80 per segment.
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Availability: It's sold on a first-come, first-served basis and may not be available on all flights, especially last-minute.
Option C: Business Select Fares
If you're looking for the ultimate Southwest boarding experience, consider a Business Select fare.
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Benefits: Business Select fares automatically include an A1-A15 boarding position, along with other perks like priority security lane access (where available), a premium drink coupon, and more Rapid Rewards points.
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Cost: This is Southwest's highest fare class, so it comes at a premium price.
Option D: Southwest A-List and A-List Preferred Status
For frequent Southwest flyers, elite status brings significant boarding advantages.
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A-List: A-List members receive priority boarding, meaning they are among the first to board after Business Select passengers, typically within the A group.
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A-List Preferred: A-List Preferred members receive an even higher boarding priority than A-List members.
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How to Earn: Status is earned by flying a certain number of qualifying flights or earning a specific amount of Tier Qualifying Points within a calendar year.
Option E: Family Boarding
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Southwest offers a special boarding opportunity for families traveling with young children.
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Eligibility: Up to two adults traveling with a child six years old or younger may board during Family Boarding.
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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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Benefits: This allows families to board earlier than their assigned B or C group positions, increasing their chances of finding seats together. If your entire family has "A" boarding passes, you should board in your assigned positions.
Option F: Pre-boarding for Passengers Needing Assistance
Southwest prioritizes boarding for passengers with disabilities or those who require assistance.
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Eligibility: Passengers who need a specific seat to accommodate a disability, or who need assistance boarding the aircraft or stowing an assistive device, may be eligible for pre-boarding.
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How to Request: Speak with a Gate Agent before boarding begins to request pre-boarding. They will assess your needs.
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Important Note: Pre-boarding is for the passenger needing assistance and one companion. Other traveling companions must board with their assigned group.
Step 4: The Onboard Seat Selection Strategy
Once your boarding group is called and you step onto the plane, it's time to choose your seat!
Scan for Your Preference
As you walk down the aisle, quickly scan for your preferred type of seat:
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Window Seat: Offers views and a place to lean for napping.
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Aisle Seat: Provides easy access to the aisle for stretching, restroom breaks, or getting off the plane quickly.
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Middle Seat: Often the last resort, but sometimes necessary.
The "Sweet Spots"
While no seat is guaranteed, some are generally more sought after:
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Bulkhead Rows: These are the very first row of seats behind a partition, offering extra legroom as there's no seat in front of you to recline. However, they typically don't have under-seat storage and tray tables are in the armrests.
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Exit Rows: These rows offer significantly more legroom. However, passengers in exit rows must be willing and able to assist in an emergency and cannot have carry-on items on the floor during takeoff and landing.
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Seats Behind Exit Rows: Sometimes, the row immediately behind an exit row can offer slightly more recline or space if the exit row itself cannot recline fully.
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Avoid the Last Row: Seats in the very last row often have limited or no recline. They are also close to the lavatories, which can mean more foot traffic and noise.
Finding Multiple Seats Together
If you're traveling with companions and have a later boarding position, head towards the back of the plane. People tend to fill seats from the front first, leaving more options in the rear for groups to sit together.
Step 5: Understanding Southwest Aircraft and Seat Dimensions
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Southwest primarily operates Boeing 737 aircraft. While the exact configurations can vary slightly between models (737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8), the general seat dimensions are fairly consistent.
Seat Pitch & Width
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Seat Pitch: This is the distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat in front of it (essentially, your legroom). On Southwest, seat pitch generally ranges from 31-33 inches.
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Seat Width: This is the width of the seat cushion itself. Southwest seats are typically around 17-17.8 inches wide.
No In-Flight Entertainment Screens or Power Outlets
A key characteristic of Southwest flights is the absence of seatback entertainment screens or in-seat power outlets (though this may be changing on some newer aircraft or with future enhancements). This is part of their low-cost model. Plan to bring your own fully charged devices and entertainment.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to Get an "A" Boarding Group on Southwest Airlines?
To get an "A" boarding group, check in exactly 24 hours before your flight, purchase EarlyBird Check-In, buy an Upgraded Boarding position (A1-A15), or fly with a Business Select fare. A-List and A-List Preferred members also receive priority A group boarding.
How to Choose Your Seat on Southwest Airlines?
You choose your seat on Southwest Airlines by boarding the aircraft and selecting any available open seat. Your boarding group and position determine when you get to board and thus your selection opportunities.
How to Find the Best Seats for Legroom on Southwest Airlines?
For the most legroom, aim for bulkhead rows (the very first row behind a partition) or exit rows. Be aware that exit row passengers must meet specific requirements and both types of seats have trade-offs (e.g., no under-seat storage in bulkhead, no recline in some exit rows).
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How to Ensure Your Family Sits Together on Southwest Airlines?
Check in early for the best chance of getting good boarding positions. If traveling with a child aged six or younger, utilize Family Boarding, which occurs after the "A" group and before the "B" group, allowing two adults and the child to board together. Heading towards the back of the plane usually offers more open seats together.
How to Avoid a Middle Seat on Southwest Airlines?
To avoid a middle seat, aim for an early boarding position (Group A or early Group B) by checking in exactly 24 hours prior, purchasing EarlyBird Check-In, or upgrading your boarding. The earlier you board, the more window and aisle seats will be available.
How to Purchase EarlyBird Check-In for Southwest Airlines?
You can purchase EarlyBird Check-In at the time of booking your flight on Southwest.com, or add it to an existing reservation up to 36 hours before your flight's scheduled departure, if available.
How to Get Upgraded Boarding on Southwest Airlines?
Upgraded Boarding can be purchased at the airport ticket counter or gate, or sometimes through the Southwest app/website, starting 24 hours before your flight, subject to availability. It grants you an A1-A15 boarding position.
How to Board First on Southwest Airlines?
To board first, purchase a Business Select fare (guarantees A1-A15), purchase Upgraded Boarding (guarantees A1-A15), or be an A-List/A-List Preferred elite member. Passengers needing pre-boarding assistance also board before Group A.
How to Check In for a Southwest Airlines Flight?
You can check in for a Southwest Airlines flight online via Southwest.com or the Southwest mobile app, starting exactly 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. You can also check in at the airport kiosk or ticket counter.
How to Find Out Your Boarding Group and Position on Southwest Airlines?
Your boarding group (A, B, or C) and position (1-60) will be printed on your boarding pass once you have checked in for your flight. This information will also be visible in the Southwest mobile app.
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